B.L. Rieke Bios

Bruce Rieke - Bruce Rieke has been involved in the building industry since a very young age. A third generation Kansas native, Bruce founded B.L. Rieke and Associates in 1989 with is wife, Toni. Since then, Toni and Bruce have become the proud parents of Savannah (14) and Antone (5), and the B.L. Rieke team has completed construction on more than 900 distinctive and innovative quality homes in the Johnson County area.

Emphasizing a team approach to successful home building, Bruce stresses communication as the main component of a strong business. “Whether you’re married or building a home, if you don’t communicate within the relationship, it doesn’t work,” Rieke stated. “If someone calls me during office hours, Monday through Friday, they’re going to get a return call quickly.”
Bruce’s dedication goes beyond his strong commitment to his business and his customers. Bruce works hard on giving back to the community in which he lives and works, and is the past president of the Home Builders Association of Kansas City. He and his wife Toni are also involved in many local and national children’s organizations and special needs foundations.
B.L. Rieke and Associates have worked hard throughout the years to keep up with the growing and changing demands of the housing market, always striving to satisfy the individual needs of the modern home owner. Consistently named one of Kansas City’s “top 25 Area Homebuilders,” and winner of eignt Distinctive Plan and Design awards, as well as seven Grand Awards for the Pick of the Parade, Bruce Rieke demonstrates just how far communication, dedication, and desire can carry a business.

Paul Hill – Paul is a retired Navy veteran who has traveled the country, working in the home building industry since childhood.  This Cape Cod, Massachusetts native moved to the greater Kansas City area when his wife, Wanda, was transferred here with the USMC.  Paul became part of the B.L. Rieke team in September of 1996 to fulfill his lifelong dream of building custom homes.  He brought with him a wide range of knowledge from across the country.  With several builders to choose from, Paul made the right choice.

Bob Benak – Bob has been with B.L. Rieke since December of 2000.  He deals with all aspects of warranties to ensure homeowners are completely satisfied with the process of moving into their new home.  Before B.L. Rieke, Bob worked in maintenance for 12 years.  He is married with four children and nine grandchildren.

Ben Soetaert – Ben was born and raised in Shawnee, Kansas.  A baseball enthusiast ever since he can remember, he played during summers and in high school.  In the summers when he wasn’t hitting home runs, he was framing houses.  His baseball dreams were cut short by an injury Ben sustained and his summers found him only framing houses.  In 2000, he began to pursue construction management.  Always the diligent worker, he also worked in a cabinet shop on weekends.  In the spring of 2004, he joined B.L. Rieke.  In the midst of Ben’s busy work schedule, he met and married his wife, Tonya, and they’re enjoying raising their daughter Gracelyn who was born in May of 2004.

Christian Bauer – Christian has been involved in commercial and residential construction for 20 years.  After graduating from Pittsburgh State University’s construction management program, he worked in the commercial construction industry and as a building inspector.  In 1996, he joined B.L. Rieke.  Homebuilding has always been his passion.  He believes there’s nothing more satisfying than creating a quality home that someone is proud to come home to every night.  In his spare time, Christian enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.