Meet "Fearless" Joe Pereles
It's time to stop the chaos of the Republican Supermajority.
More than Just a Rhyme
Pereles (rhymes with “Fearless”) is a problem solver and job creator who is devoted to public service. These qualities are demonstrated by his lifetime of accomplishments in business, law, and service to others. As a volunteer, Joe has dedicated 37 years to The American Red Cross in key administrative posts and in the field. When people are hurting, Joe Pereles responds. His fearlessness and generosity of spirit take hold.
The nickname “Fearless” came from Joe’s high school friends. It was more than just a rhyme. Even then, Joe was always ready to help overcome tough problems or challenges. After graduating from college early, Magna Cum Laude, “Fearless” Joe further sharpened his skills.
At Washington University, Joe took on the challenge of pursuing a joint law and business degree. His JD/MBA set him on a trajectory that included 13 years at a major St. Louis law firm, and then 29 years as general counsel and vice president for development at Drury Hotels.
Building Business, Consensus and Relationships
Joe’s combined legal and business sense helped the company grow dramatically. Leading the development work, Joe became both an outstanding listener and a master at building consensus. That’s what led to years of success collaborating with widely diverse stakeholder groups from the towns and municipalities where his company built hotels and created jobs.
He and Brenda, his wife of 46 years, raised their two children here. Now they dote on their two granddaughters, and round out their family with their Yellow Lab, Higgins.
A LIFE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS
Few citizens can match Joe Pereles’ commitment to public service.
In addition to his work in law and business, Joe has a heart to serve. Almost 40 years ago, Joe made a full commitment to The American Red Cross. Since that time, he has held numerous volunteer leadership positions, including in national and international roles. Along the way, Joe literally rolled up his sleeves nearly 200 times and donated a pint of his blood. (The human body only holds 10 pints, so you can do the math and understand the impact of this selfless man.)
His involvement extends to the field, as well. He’s the type of person who runs toward the fire, not away from it. Joe has been a member of the St. Louis-Area Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) since 2018. Joe is one of a number of DAT volunteers who respond when they have time availability to aid those who are victims of floods or fires. They provide much-needed financial assistance to help rebuild lives affected by disaster.
You might think all of that is enough for one person. But Joe has continued to step up. When Covid hit, the volunteer workforce of the Harvey Kornblum Food Pantry shrunk. Seeing the need, Joe became a food pantry worker and delivery driver. He still typically makes 2-3 deliveries a week in all parts of the metro region.
“Now I think I can help Missouri be a better place,” he concludes. His track record suggests he’s a leader who can do just that.
"Now I think I can help Missouri be a better place."
WHy I'm Running
We Can Do Better
I love this state, but I am troubled by what I see. By nature, I don’t sit back and complain, I step up. My wife Brenda and I had long discussions about whether we could let our home state continue to decline. We aren’t willing to simply hand off the problem to the next generation, including our granddaughters. It was as if a lifetime of experience had built up to this moment, to serve in office and help make Missouri a better place for everyone.
It had come down to my core belief: We can do better.
I bounced the idea off a respected friend who I don’t always agree with politically. The verbatim reply:
“We need smart, thoughtful individuals who can get things done…who enhance the lives of others without strangling opportunity…you are the one for the job!”
I feel a sense of duty to step up and work to make Missouri a better place for everyone.
We can do better.
Support from Hon. Jason Kander
"Joe Pereles is a guy who everyone here would love. He's always been in the thick of things. He's a great community volunteer, he's been a business leader....I was so excited when he decided to run for the state senate, because if he wins he'll be flipping a seat from red to blue, and I think he has a very good chance to win. I would encourage people to look up Joe Pereles. He is a fantastic dude who is without peer!"
Jason David Kander is an American attorney, author, veteran, and politician. A Democrat, he served as the 39th secretary of state of Missouri, from 2013 to 2017. He had previously served as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2009 to 2013. Before entering politics, he was an intelligence officer in the Army Reserve. He served in Afghanistan and achieved the rank of captain.
MET JOE YET?
St. Louis County/St. Louis City Democratic Holiday Party with Melissa Greenstein and candidates Crystal Quade, John Kiehne, Colin Lovett and yours truly.
Joe stands in solidarity with UAW workers
Joe is already drawing large groups who are hungry for change and want a leader who will put the needs of Missouri citizens first instead of engaging in the petty politics of hate and divisiveness. They agree with Joe: "We can do better."
Joe's campaign starts with listening so he can rightly represent the needs of the 15th Missouri Senate District and help make Missouri a better state for all residents.
St. Louis Red Cross board members give back to the community by hosting this blood drive and donating.
Ribbon cutting day at the St. Louis Veterans Community Project.
Joe greets parade-enthusiasts at the Manchester Homecoming Parade
Joe signs the petition to put abortion access on the Missouri state-wide ballot.
Joe preparing to deliver food from the food pantry to those in need
Joe's Kick Off Event