Honoring the Life & Legacy of Eric P. Seiler Sr. at GEO NEXT Day

For years, St. Louis has proudly celebrated its legacy as a leader in geospatial talent and technology. This legacy has become a rallying cry for economic development, building on the success of Biotech and AgTech and setting the stage for an even more thriving geospatial ecosystem through education, awareness, and innovation.

If you’re searching for the gold standard in geospatial excellence or looking to contribute to a better St. Louis, look no further than Seiler Instrument and Manufacturing Company, a legacy that began in 1945 as a small survey instrument repair shop on Pine Street in downtown St. Louis. Founded by Eric H. Seiler and his wife Dora L. Seiler, the company flourished under the leadership of their son, Eric P. Seiler Sr., a man who exemplified honor, integrity, and dedication to both his craft and his community.

Eric P. Seiler Sr. made a profound impact, just as his father did before him. Eric Hermann Seiler, the company’s founder, worked at Wissler Instrument Company in St. Louis, where he contributed to the development of balloon theodolites for the Aeronautical Chart Service during World War II. These instruments were used to monitor weather conditions and wind patterns, optimizing flight routes for bombers and military aircraft traveling overseas.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Eric P. Seiler Sr. set the standard for service and excellence. His dedication to something greater than himself was evident in his military service, where he completed two tours of duty (1946 and 1953) before honorably concluding his service in 1955 as a Staff Sergeant. His contributions extended beyond the military, his expertise in survey solutions played a crucial role in the construction of the St. Louis Gateway Arch and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in the 1960s.

Eric Sr.‘s legacy is deeply rooted in family, craftsmanship, and service. With immense pride in his father’s background, working with Zeiss in Germany, Eric Sr. built a culture of excellence that flowed naturally into Seiler Instrument and Manufacturing Company philosophy: putting the customer first and delivering precision solutions. 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. His leadership helped propel the company to the forefront of military and geospatial technologies, providing sights and mounts for mortars and howitzers, as well as surveying, mapping, construction, and drone solutions for private sector clients and government agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Seiler Instrument’s commitment to St. Louis runs deep. The company’s first two office locations were at 922 Pine Street and later 1629 Washington Ave. in downtown St. Louis. In 1968, the company moved to Webster Groves, and in 2009, it relocated to Tree Court Industrial near highways 270 and 44.

For 78 years, from 1946 until his passing last year, Eric P. Seiler Sr. was a leader, mentor, and inspiration to everyone at Seiler Instrument and Manufacturing Company. His vision propelled the company forward, always with a focus on precision, quality, and integrity. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he valued family, teamwork, and community. His legacy lives on in the company he built, the values he instilled, and the impact he left on St. Louis and the geospatial industry.

I’m incredibly honored to dedicate Geo Next Day on April 1st, as part of STL Tech Week, to celebrating the life and legacy of Eric P. Seiler Sr. His vision and leadership helped build Seiler Instrument & Manufacturing Company into a cornerstone of the geospatial industry. For over 80 years, Seiler has been a leader in geospatial solutions, precision manufacturing, and optical instrument repair, serving industries ranging from surveying and mapping to construction, military, and aerospace.

Eric’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence shaped both St. Louis and the broader geospatial community. His name is synonymous with precision and integrity, qualities that continue to drive Seiler’s success today.