Movers & Shakers

Dan Bindler

By Alice Handelman

Dan Bindler is a proven role model – especially to those who have watched him devote his entire adult life to helping those in need. Dedicated to making a difference in his community, he has served as a committee and board member of multiple professional and civic organizations, both in the metro area and across the nation. He was recently inducted as a member of the board of trustees of the St. Louis Jewish Light newspaper.

Outgoing and welcoming, he enjoys being social, meeting new people and hearing their thoughts. “I’m an open book, and most people who know me know everything about me,” he says. “They know I love going to the movies, and they know I love fried chicken.”

Born in St. Louis in 1941, Bindler is a graduate of University City High School. Since graduating from Washington University in St. Louis’ Olin School of Business in 1965 and after a six-month stint in the Army Reserves, he has been a lifelong supporter of the university. “The education I received there has been responsible for my successful career,” he says.

College was also where Bindler met his wife, Barb. “I asked her out, we started dating, and that was it!” he says. After they married in 1964, she soon took over the title of Bindler’s “lucky charm.” “She has been a wonderful wife, partner, mentor and my biggest cheerleader,” he says.

Bindler worked for a national certified public accounting firm as an accountant for several years before joining the multicity RubinBrown LLP CPA firm in 1970. “Without a doubt, my partners at RubinBrown supported me throughout my professional career, giving me the time and encouragement to engage in community not-for-profit activities,” he says.

When he retired after 37 years at the firm, he volunteered to mentor startup companies at St. Louis’ Center for Emerging Technologies. “Startup companies would call on us to offer assistance and advice on their various activities,” he explains.

Bindler has served the National Accounting Review Services, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is past president of both the Life Skills Foundation (now Easter Seals Midwest) and Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis. He belongs to the Miriam Foundation board, has served on the finance committee of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and is past president of Meadowbrook Country Club.

Once an avid swimmer, biker and tennis player, Bindler has been enjoying his retirement years playing golf. “I’ve always been interested in sports – I enjoy playing them more than watching them,” he says. “During my U City High School years, I taught swimming in the Natatorium, but when those sports became too much for me, I started golfing. Some of my finest memories are our golf trips. Barb and I both love the game.”

Bindler is also passionate about the time he spends with his two daughters, Susan and Debbie, son-in-law Bob and four grandchildren (Alec, Celia, Ryan and Claire). “We spend as much time with them as possible,” he says. “They are the loves of our lives.”

Bindler adds: “Sometimes, life can throw you a curve ball. In 2017, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I discovered my tough side and made a decision to beat this. With the help of my family, friends and excellent medical care, I’m proud to say I’m on top again, moving forward with a strong sense of success and feeling the need to help others overcome their issues.” ln An innate storyteller and award-winning photographer and writer, Alice Handelman provides Ladue News readers with a glimpse into lives that enrich St. Louis.