Meet the team

Jesse Smith

President

Favorite part about working for Close to Home?

Being a caregiver in others’ lives while we present options and work with our clients to help make the best decisions for them.

About Jesse

After being raised in the construction industry, I saw strong needs for communication and transparency. I built Close to Home Construction on the foundation of honesty and integrity, and I thrive on building and strengthening relationships with our clients, referral partners, suppliers, employees, installers and all other professionals affiliated with Close to Home. I enjoy being a caregiver in the industry and being sure our projects are executed from start to finish with a high level of attention to detail. Whether it’s a multi-family complex overhaul or a simple residential deck build, we want our customers to know we care about their projects as much as our own homes.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy almost anything the outdoors can throw at me such as golfing, hunting, fishing, kayaking, hiking, camping, etc. Most importantly, I love spending time and making memories with my family.

Nayt Pingry

Sales & Marketing Director

”Driven by innovation and rooted in execution, I look forward to helping C2H continue to stay ahead of the curve.”

As a seasoned business development and sales leader, with over a decade of hands-on experience in construction, marketing, and entrepreneurial ventures, I'm here to build high-performing teams, drive revenue growth, and scale brand strategies.

🔨 Get to know Nayt

Kara Schmitz

Marketing Specialist

”I love being in a position to share with the public the talent, commitment, and vibe of our team here at C2H!”

With over 15 years of experience helping small businesses build awareness & promote themselves online & in their local community, I enjoy strategizing with passionate entrepreneurs, understanding their business & their story, and sharing their mission.

🔨 Get to know Kara

Barbie Mengelkoch

Bookkeeper

”I enjoy the work ethic everyone has and the drive to help others.”

Hi, my name is Barbie, and I am the bookkeeper at Close to Home Construction. I bring 20+ years of experience in accounting to C2HC. I look forward to helping the team achieve its goals and helping our customers with all of their construction needs. I have been a long-time homeowner and understand the value and pride people have in their home. In my free time, I enjoy going to our cabin up north, traveling the world with my family and in the summer, going to the Championship Off-Road races.

🔨 Get to know Barbie

Steve Reitmeier

Senior Production Manager

”I enjoy the family feel here. Everyone interacts really well so it feels like we’re working as friends every day.”

Hi, my name is Steve Reitmeier. I am the production manager at Close to Home Construction. I have spent over 35 years in the construction industry in both the commercial and residential markets. I have committed my adult life to helping all our customers get the help they need to complete the visions they have of their homes, cabins and commercial property. I look forward to many more years of passing my experiences and knowledge to all our future customers. My greatest joys in life are being with family and spending time outdoors, whether that be hunting, fishing, hiking or golfing.

🔨 Get to know Steve

Aaron Hagen

Production Coordinator

”Every house is unique and working at Close to Home Construction I can treat every home with the homeowner's individuality.”

Hi, my name is Aaron Hagen. I am the Production Coordinator at Close to Home. I have been in the construction field for 19 years, and have had many positions, from roofer to production management. I'm excited to work at a company that puts people first and has great values and integrity. I love working with people, building relationships and helping them fulfill their construction dreams. When I'm not working, I like to spend time with my family, camping in our camper, hunting at my parent's land in Wisconsin, and completing the never-ending "honey-do" list.

🔨 Get to know Aaron

Buddy Wellnitz

Senior Exteriors Consultant

”The team I get to work with each day is my favorite part of working at Close to Home.”

I'm your Buddy in the neighborhood! As an Exteriors Consultant, I am a sales representative and project manager. One of the most important parts of my job is building relationships with each and every customer. I love relating to my customers, getting to know them and helping them with their roofing, siding or deck projects. When restoration services are needed due to weather, I personally understand the impact and stress this can have on a property owner. It’s my goal to work my hardest to ensure that each customer receives the best possible result from their claim. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hunting, bike riding and almost anything that takes me outdoors.

🔨 Get to know Buddy

Melissa Reitmeier

Exteriors Consultant

”Home is where families gather and memories are made. I love helping to preserve the family home.”

With over 5 years of experience in the construction industry, my insight and dedication have become an integral part of the success that I’ve had in my projects. My project management experience throughout the years has provided me with the ability to build relationships with governmental entities, contractors and crews. Strong and transparent communication, and building relationships with my clients, are what makes me a standout in the industry. I am dedicated to making sure that Close to Home Construction is seen as a quality driven contractor and that its success lies within the relationships built through communication, trust, and collaboration.

🔨 Get to know Melissa

Our crew

The best exterior general contractors

Close to Home Construction boasts a skilled team of roofing and deck experts, siding and window installers, talented tradespeople, and insurance specialists, all committed to delivering top-notch craftsmanship. Each project is bid to give our customers the very best because our team is the very best!