Remembering Eric P. Seiler Sr.
ST. LOUIS (January 31, 2024) – On January 7th 2024, Eric P. Seiler Sr., Co-Founder and Chairman of Seiler Instrument, passed away. Eric began his career under the mentorship of his father, Eric H. Seiler, and helped establish Seiler Instrument in the Saint Louis community in 1945. After serving two terms in the U.S. Army, Eric returned to the business and helped shape it into the leading manufacturer and reseller of optical systems it is today.
Eric helped grow the business for three decades before the passing of his father in 1981. During his time as CEO, he was known for his long-standing question, “Who’s the Boss?” and everyone knew that “The Customer” is the boss. Without the customer, you do not have a business and Eric always reinforced this idea to all his people to make sure the customer wants to do business with you. He always strove to make that statement a reality, even as the business grew from a single division to the four it encompasses today. Eric was often known to pause corporate meetings and attend to customer calls directly, as well as give tours in which he would greet and chat with any of the 240 Seiler team members he encountered.
Eric was a pillar in the St. Louis community and built the company into what it is today as a $100 million fourth-generation, family-owned business. His legacy will forever be intertwined with the success and growth of Seiler Instrument. Under his leadership, Seiler achieved countless milestones and became a respected force specializing in high precision machining and optical instrument assembly and experienced rapid growth through the geospatial, medical, and planetarium industries. His passion for innovation and excellence inspired all who knew him.
Eric was guided by the strong moral character and organizational skills of his wife Elaine, who assisted him with accounting matters early in the history of the business. Over time, all three children they raised would join the company and work alongside him as leaders, including Eric Seiler Jr. as President & CEO, Tom Seiler as Executive Vice President, Geospatial and Medical Divisions, and Louise Seiler Schaper, Executive Vice President, Compliance Director and Planetarium Division Manager. Eric made sure this family-centric stance would spread throughout the business. As the Seiler family grew and entered the employment of the company, the company would also grow to employ many of the spouses and children of its team members.
Upon retirement as CEO, Eric assumed the role of chairman. In this capacity, Eric continued to advise the business actively. An avid golfer and outdoorsman for the entirety of his life, Eric was physically and mentally strong for 95 years, and Seiler employees continued to enjoy his frequent Friday visits filled with stories and wisdom for the entirety of his life.
Please join Seiler Instrument and the Seiler family in remembering Eric, his incredible legacy, and his unwavering commitment to his boss, The Customer.
