OWNER

Jim's experience in construction begins at age 12, working on job sites for his grandfather's business. As a teenager, pitching in to provide manual labor gradually became a labor of love. Jim acquired experience in all aspects of homebuilding — carpentry, masonry, concrete, plumbing, electric, painting — and applied his skills in and around the Dayton community. Jim officially joined the Zengel family business full-time in 1979, honing his expertise in a variety of roles within the company. In 2011, Jim became a Certified Green Professional (CGP), followed by recognition as a Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) in 2014, and Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) in 2019. Jim successfully created the Zengel Group, Building and Remodeling in 2012 as a natural extension of his home building background in order to provide clients with a professional remodeling and home addition choice that provides unmatched customer service and craftsmanship.

VICE PRESIDENT

Connie is a lifelong resident of Dayton, where she attended Chaminade-Julienne before graduating from Bowling Green State University in Elementary Education. Over the years, she has been an elementary teacher, junior high science teacher, homeschooling mom for seven years. Finally, she was a dental office manager and part-time office assistant for Zengel Group. In 2014, she joined Jim full-time as project coordinator, bookkeeper, and marketing coordinator at Zengel Group. In her spare time, she loves spending time reading and sharing books with friends, as well as spending time with her children. Connie and Jim have been married for over 25 years and have three children: Casey, Patrick, Jenna and son-in-law Lane. The Zengel family calls Dayton home where they enjoy spending time with their large extended family.

PROJECT LEAD

Patrick earned his Bachelors in Entrepreneurship from the University of Cincinnati and is thrilled to be a part of the family business as a fourth-generation builder. Since he was old enough to hold a hammer, Patrick has been learning the trade. From helping his grandfather finish concrete, to helping his father’s crews spread straw on freshly seeded yards; his passion for helping others has only grown with his age. Today is is a project lead and manages Zengel Group’s shop. In his free time he enjoys playing soccer, riding his bike, and spending time with his friends.

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

Jenna joined the family business full time in February 2021, as the Director of Sales and Marketing. Prior to joining her parents and brother in the remodeling industry, she was in Germany and Alabama while her husband served in the Army. Never one to sit still, she has worked as a bank manager, university site coordinator, and at Walt Disney World. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, playing with her two dogs, going to Lake Cumberland, and baking. She has been married to her husband for 8 years, and her dogs often make appearances at Zengel Group’s office.

PROJECT LEAD

Aaron followed in his grandfather’s footsteps who worked for Zengel Construction for many years. It was his grandfather who instilled in him a love of carpentry. He began working in construction after completing his education. He has experience in drywall, plumbing, electrical, tile setting but he has an eye for detail and his passion is finish carpentry. In his free time he enjoys tinkering with his antique tractors or playing the banjo but most of all spending time with his wife and daughters.

Ben has always been interested in building things and figuring out how things worked. As a kid, he would help his dad do maintenance around the house and work in their woodshop at home. He was drawn to construction and carpentry because they are fields that pose challenges he can solve with his mind and with his hands. He enjoys learning new skills related to the craft and all parts of the remodeling business. In his free time, he likes to cook new recipes, run, ride his bike, and spend time with his family and friends.

PROJECT LEAD

Jim started working construction after high school and never left. He and his wife, Amy recently returned to Dayton after being gone for 30 years to be closer to their three sons and their families. Like our other team members, Jim is a master craftsman with numerous skills. He is an excellent teacher and is great at helping solve complex issues on the jobsite. When not at work Jim spends time with family and enjoys biking as well as working on his new home.

ESTIMATOR

Josiah’s interest in all things building has provided him with a constant exploration path. Josiah has a strong attention to detail and an analytical understanding of building sciences. Joining Zengel Group in 2021, he works with both current and prospective clients to provide exact specifications for their project. Cooking is one of Josiah’s favorite past-times and you are likely to find him in the kitchen whipping up something for his wife and two children. Josiah also enjoys fishing and playing disc golf.

CARPENTER

Since he was little, Lavante has enjoyed building things and working with his hands. His favorite thing about the remodeling industry is that he is able to create something new that someone will be able to enjoy for years to come. He always has a smile on his face, and positive attitude. In his free time he enjoys hanging out with his dog, listening to music, and playing video games.

PROJECT LEAD

Rick’s interest in the construction industry began at a young age from watching his dad, and over time his interest only grew. He is skilled in all areas of the industry especially drywall which requires a master touch. You will always see a smile on Rick’s face, and he always has a lunchbox full of treats especially Reese’s cups, which is why he works out daily. He loves to work but his true love is his wife Lori, who works as a NICU nurse. They have been married for 40 years and have 3 kids and 3 grandkids.

APPRENTICE

Wes’s interest in woodworking and carpentry began in his high school’s Shop Class. His shop teacher did a great job teaching Wes about all aspects of carpentry and helped Wes realize that he wanted to make a career out of it. He completed a summer internship at Zengel Group in 2021, and was later offered a full time position. He is thrilled that he gets to do what he enjoys everyday. While not at work he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing cards, and watching football.