For Valerie Engel, the roots of her story are firmly planted in the soil of St. Louis. Growing up in Olivette before moving to Ladue, Valerie was raised in a bustling household of five children. It was an environment that fostered a deep-seated love for connection, fueled in large part by the influence of her father.

“I had an extroverted father with a big heart,” Valerie reflects. “That definitely rubbed off on me.”

That gregarious nature translated into a lifelong passion for people on every level. While Valerie eventually headed to Saint Louis University to study accounting, her professional journey was anything but linear. Long before she became a fixture in the local real estate market, Valerie was a whirlwind of industry and activity.

“I did everything,” she says with a laugh. “I have friends that have a napkin they pull out with all of my jobs written on it when we meet for dinner. We laugh about it, but those jobs started at age 15.”

Valerie entered the real estate industry in 1984, driven by a perspective that views a house as much more than a structure of wood and brick. For her, the draw was the emotional significance of the space we inhabit.

“I love homes,” Valerie explains. “A home is a retreat for everyone. It’s very special.”

That same appreciation for retreat and restoration carries into Valerie’s own life. She recently created a personal haven she calls Val’s Backyard Oasis, complete with a 10 x 20

Hampton-style pool and waterfall. It is a project that reflects her belief that everyone deserves a space that restores them.

“Everyone should have one, whatever their oasis would consist of!” she says.

Now a Broker Salesperson with Coldwell Banker Gundaker Global Luxury, Valerie operates out of the office at 9651 Clayton Road—a location currently undergoing a major remodel to match the high-end service her clients expect. While many top producers opt for large, rigid team structures, Valerie prefers a more bespoke approach. She operates as an individual agent but curates team members specifically for each property, ensuring that every listing receives specialized attention.

Her approach has yielded significant results. In 2024, she was recognized as the number one sales agent, a testament to the tenacity she cites as her defining characteristic in a competitive field.

Despite the accolades, Valerie remains focused on the fundamental advocacy that her clients require. In a business often driven by numbers, she finds the most fulfillment, and sometimes the greatest challenge, in the human element.

“What do I find most fulfilling? People!” she quips. “I love my clients and I protect their interest every step of the way. I want to find and sell or list as many homes as I can to make everyone feel good about their decision.”

For those looking to climb the ranks of the industry, Valerie’s advice is rooted in the same relationship-driven philosophy that has sustained her four-decade career: “Stay in touch and work with people you truly enjoy.”

When she isn’t navigating the complexities of the St. Louis luxury market, Valerie finds balance through a mix of high-energy hobbies and quiet retreats. She is an avid traveler, frequently visiting Boca Grande and Laughlin Town. These trips often involve her partner, Frank Guyol, and their two English Cocker Spaniels, Lee Conway of Aberdeen and the family’s new addition, Amazing Andy. Both are upland bird hunter champions in their field, adding even more energy and personality to Valerie’s full and vibrant life.

Whether she is spending time in her backyard oasis, working out, diving into a good thriller, or enjoying time at Balducci, Valerie maintains a mindset of intentionality and appreciation. It is a philosophy encapsulated in the mantra she carries with her every morning.

“Today is going to be my best day!” she says. “It’s about gratitude and having control of the mind. You can’t control every situation, hardly.”

Beyond her professional goals for 2026, Valerie remains committed to the community that raised her. She has spent years involved in animal rescue and neutering efforts, ensuring that her big heart extends to those who cannot speak for themselves. In the end, Valerie’s career and life are built on a simple foundation: protecting the interests of others, creating spaces of comfort and beauty, and making sure people feel at home.