About Us

Locally owned and established in 1988, SBM provides marketers the opportunity to access closely held, privately owned companies throughout the St. Louis Metro area. The counties served include St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Madison County, St. Clair County.

Readers are from established companies of all size and have an average age of 25 years in business. These companies are primarily in the industries of manufacturing, construction, real estate, wholesale, health care, banking and business services. Whether it’s in print 13 times per year, online with our enewsletters or SBMon.com, or at any of our many events and trade shows - presidents, owners, CEOs, CFOs, and other top decision-makers from closely-held, privately and/or multi-generational family owned companies, rely on SBM to keep them informed and in touch with the latest best practices, business advice and inspirational trends that are helping businesses succeed.

The Staff

Ron Ameln, President
Ron Ameln has been working at SBM since 1992.  In his current position, he manages the editorial department and the sales department.  He is also responsible for sponsorship sales.  He is also responsible for all SBM events, both planning and coordinator.  Prior to SBM, Ron worked as a sports reporter at the Columbia Missourian (daily newspaper in Columbia, MO) and reporter and editor at the Farmington Press Leader (three times a week newspaper in Southern Missouri).  There, he earned national awards for Best Hard News Story and Best Feature Story.  In 1998, while working at SBM, he was named State and District winner of the SBA’s Small Business Journalist of the Year.  In 2008, he won National Small Business Journalist of the Year from the SBA.  He is a 1990 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.  He lives in Florissant with his wife, Lisa.  They have two children.

Pat Coates, Vice President
Pat Coates has been working at SBM since 1997.  She purchased the company, along with Ron Ameln, in 2007.  Her current duties include managing the office, CFO functions and sales (she is responsible for St. Louis Business Expo booth sales).  She also helps coordinate SBM events.  Prior to working at SBM, Pat enjoyed a successful career in the restaurant industry, where she was bookkeeper for Ground Round Restaurants.  She lives in St. Peters with her husband, Jerry.  They have two children and three grandchildren. 

Tina DuMay, Sales Consultant
Tina DuMay has been working at SBM since 2007.  Her current responsibilities include magazine ad sales (she is responsible for all monthly section sales) and sales of the company’s miscellaneous products (reprints, plaques, etc.).  She also assists in SBM events and special projects.  Prior to working at SBM, she enjoyed a successful career in real estate sales.  She lives in St. Peters with her husband, Bob.  They have three children and six grandchildren.  They also have a dog, Sadie, who is also a big part of the family.

Julia Paulus Ogilvie, Editor 
Julia Paulus has been working at SBM since 2007.  As editor, Julia is responsible for the editorial content of the SBM.  She coordinates and writes the stories in SBM magazine.  She also coordinates and communicates with all columnists in SBM Magazine.  Julia also helps with writing advertising and marketing copy.  She is a 2006 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.  She lives in Chicago with her husband,  Blake. 

Rita Palmisano, Graphic Design 
Rita Palmisano has been working at SBM since 2012.  As graphic designer, Rita is responsible for all the graphic design projects within the company (advertising, brochures, marketing, etc.).  She is also responsible for website updates and web ad creation.  She also helps with SBM events.  Prior to working at SBM, she was a graphic designer at SSM Health Care, US Bank and May Company.  Rita lives in Riverview.

John Bilhorn, Sales Consultant
John Bilhorn has been working at SBM since 2013.  He is currently responsible for magazine ad sales and sponsorship sales.  Prior to working at SBM, John was a sales consultant for Commerce Magazine and the Suburban Journals. 

Andrea Mongler, Copy Editor 
Andrea Mongler has worked with SBM since 2007.  As a copy editor, Andrea proofreads and edits all the copy in SBM Magazine.  She also edits for such publications as Feast Magazine and St. Louis Business Journal.  She is a 2003 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.  Prior to working with SBM, Andrea was a copy editor for the Columbia Tribune and the St. Louis Business Journal.