Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Marschuetz.
Hi Mike , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When most people think of entrepreneurship, they picture one business, one idea, and one chance to make it work. For me, however, one business was just the beginning. Today, I own and operate three successful companies across three very different industries—sports, gaming, and construction. Each venture tells a story of risk-taking, creativity, and persistence.
In 2019, I purchased land in St. Louis with the intention of developing it into a manufacturing facility for lease. But a conversation with a business partner shifted my vision. Instead of building another warehouse, what if the space could become something more—something that would bring the community together?
That idea grew into STL Athletic Center, now one of the most sought-after indoor sports facilities in the region. Unlike traditional indoor arenas lined with boards and plexiglass, the goal was to create the feeling of an outdoor field—but inside. With my background in construction, I leveraged his then-company to act as the general contractor, keeping costs efficient while ensuring the facility was built to the highest standard.
Five years later, STL Athletic Center has become a hub for sports and community events. The two full-size fields host soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse, while the space also welcomes boxing matches, martial arts tournaments, cheerleading competitions, bridal expos, home shows, weightlifting competitions and dance events. Its winter soccer league is now considered the number one league in St. Louis, a testament to both its popularity and reputation.
While the sports facility was growing, another opportunity presented itself in an unexpected form: a claw machine.
I bought one claw machine just to entertain kids who were coming into the athletic center. The machine, purchased from St. Louis Games and stocked with toys from S&B Gaming Toy, became an instant hit. Instead of pocketing the profits, I reinvested them—buying a second machine, then a third, and so on.
In less than two years, that single claw machine has multiplied into a fleet of over 100 games spread across nine locations in St. Louis County, including popular spots like 4 Hands Brewery, Steve’s Hot Dogs, Session Taco, Fitz’s Root Beer, and, of course, STL Athletic Center. The business has doubled in size every year, proving that sometimes the smallest investments can lead to the biggest wins.
Long before STL Athletic Center or the gaming business, I was working in the construction industry. He joined Hercules Construction Management, a company founded in 1993 by Pete Benoist, which specialized in owner’s representation and bank inspections for construction projects across the country.
After two years with the company, I negotiated a deal with founder Pete Benoist to purchase his shares. Over 18 months, he transitioned into ownership alongside Pete’s son, John Benoist. Today, Hercules Construction Management continues its legacy of helping owners and developers keep projects on budget and on schedule. The company also has a strong track record of serving nonprofit organizations, including local schools, colleges, and senior living communities.
Across all three ventures, I have shown the ability to see opportunity where others might not. From transforming an empty lot into a thriving sports hub, to scaling a single arcade game into a countywide operation, to taking the reins of an established construction management firm, his entrepreneurial journey is defined by vision, calculated risk, and relentless reinvestment.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
struggles have included dealing with Covid the year we opened in a indoor sports facility. Also dealing with real estate taxes from St. Louis County. Every two years the County over appraises my property by double and i have to file an appeal every two years which is nerve racking.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
STL Athletic Center (located at 2300 Hitzert Ct, Fenton, MO) markets itself as “Your home for St. Louis premier indoor youth soccer” and a facility that allows outdoor sports played indoors on high-quality turf.
STL Athletic Center
The core idea is that weather, rainouts, and seasonality don’t have to interrupt training, games, or events. Their indoor fields are designed to mirror outdoors in experience—allowing cleats, using professional-grade turf and lighting, and offering flexible field configurations to accommodate different sports.
STL Athletic Center
They also host leagues, programs, tournaments, and general field rentals.
STL Athletic Center
They position themselves as a facility that is open in all conditions, with no dependency on local cancellation policies—they decide internally whether to remain open during bad weather and communicate via social media.
In addition to soccer, they serve youth sports generally—soccer, lacrosse, field hockey are among the offerings (which you already mentioned) and they open up their space for events beyond sports (e.g. tournaments, rentals). Their facility includes full concessions for spectators and participants.
STL Athletic Center
From youth programs like “Early Kicks” to full‐league play, they try to accommodate a range of levels—from children learning the sport to competitive seasonal teams.
STL Athletic Center
What They Do, What They Specialize In, What They Are Known For
Core Services / Specialties:
Indoor turf field rentals (for sports and private / special events)
STL Athletic Center
Operating soccer (and likely other turf-sports) leagues and programs, including “Winter Leagues, Early Kicks, Summer Leagues”
STL Athletic Center
Serving as a dependable all-weather alternative to outdoor fields (i.e. no rainouts, flexibility of scheduling)
Hosting tournaments, advertising opportunities, and events beyond strictly sports (since rentals are flexible)
What They Are Known For / Brand Identity:
Being among the top indoor turf options in the St. Louis area, especially for youth soccer. (They market themselves as “premier” indoor youth soccer.)
Their “no boards, no glass” design—i.e. creating an indoor space that feels like outdoor play—distinguishes them from traditional indoor arenas with walls or boards.
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Consistency in availability: offering “all-season, all-weather play” so customers know they can use the facility regardless of weather disruptions.
What Sets You Apart from Others
From what I gathered, here are your key differentiators:
Authentic Turf Experience / No Boards / No Plexiglass Walls
Many indoor facilities use barriers, boards, or glass enclosures. STL Athletic Center deliberately avoids that, giving users an experience closer to outdoor fields but indoors. That is a strong selling point.
All-Weather Reliability
Because your facility is indoors and climate-controlled, you mitigate weather risks: rain, snow, freezing temperatures, etc., that often disrupt outdoor fields. You control cancellations and maintain more reliable scheduling for leagues and events.
Flexible and Multi-Purpose Use
The facility is not just for soccer. Its fields and spaces can be configured for different sports or events. This multi-purpose flexibility allows you to host tournaments, rentals, special events, and more.
What You’d Want Readers to Know About Your Brand, Offerings, and Services
Here’s what I’d want to communicate to the newspaper’s readers:
STL Athletic Center is not just a field rental—it’s a year-round sports hub. Whether it’s blistering summer sun, pouring rain, or freezing winter, our turf facility remains open to host practices, games, and events.
We deliver an authentic, high-quality playing experience. That means professional-grade turf, full lighting, flexible field layouts, and the freedom to use outdoor-style cleats, without the constraints of indoor barriers.
We serve more than just soccer. While youth soccer is a core part of our identity, we also support other turf sports (like lacrosse and field hockey), and we open our space for tournaments, private rentals, and community events.
We value reliability, accessibility, and community partnerships. We ensure that scheduling is dependable, cancellation decisions are transparent, and local clubs, teams, and community groups can make use of the facility.
We invest in youth, development, and growth. Our programs are designed to help young athletes train, compete, and improve, not just to play randomly. We want to be part of their athletic journey.
We’re about innovation and vision. What started as a plot of land turned into a dynamic sports destination. Our brand is built on seeing possibilities where others see empty ground.
We stand behind safety, quality, and respect. We have rules and policies (waivers, conduct guidelines, no food or drinks on turf, etc.) to maintain a clean, safe, respectful environment for players, families, and staff.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Getting involved with the industry and always be creating relationships everywhere you go. Talk to as many people as possible all of the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stlathleticcenter.com
- Instagram: stl_athletic_center
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STLathletic/about/
