Employees

Jim Engle

Owner

Shortly after achieving his Master's Degree in Finance, Jim gained his first experience in the industry through the development side of real estate. It was there, which fueled Jim's desire to tap into his creative nature and educational background to establish James Engle Custom Homes in 2000. His ability to offer innovative home designs with a strong focus for quality construction, lead Jim to be one of the most trusted and well respected builders in the Kansas City market today. In his personal time, Jim enjoys training with his children in Okinawan Kenpo Karate and Jujitsu or lifting weights and conquering yoga. Also a passionate fisherman, Jim loves a little rest and relaxation at the lake.

Shortly after achieving his Master's Degree in Finance, Jim gained his first experience in the industry through the development side of real estate. It was there, which fueled Jim's desire to tap into his creative nature and educational background to establish James Engle Custom Homes in 2000. His ability to offer innovative home designs with a strong focus for quality construction, lead Jim to be one of the most trusted and well respected builders in the Kansas City market today. In his personal time, Jim enjoys training with his children in Okinawan Kenpo Karate and Jujitsu or lifting weights and conquering yoga. Also a passionate fisherman, Jim loves a little rest and relaxation at the lake.

Ben Tarwater

Consultant

Ben's depth of knowledge in the building industry was gained by working with top professionals, holding positions in each department of construction and, most importantly, putting in the hours, studying the business, processes and science of new home construction. But lucky for James Engle Custom Homes, this native Kansas Citian chose to settle down with his family here. Always competitive in nature, our leader was also successful outside of work. Back in 1994, he gained the title of Mountain Bike State Champion in MO. You may also see his competitiveness on the golf course from time to time, or at a local running race. When he is not perfecting his passion of turning raw dirt into someone's dream home, Ben may be found soaking up the rays with his friends and family on the beach.

Ben's depth of knowledge in the building industry was gained by working with top professionals, holding positions in each department of construction and, most importantly, putting in the hours, studying the business, processes and science of new home construction. But lucky for James Engle Custom Homes, this native Kansas Citian chose to settle down with his family here. Always competitive in nature, our leader was also successful outside of work. Back in 1994, he gained the title of Mountain Bike State Champion in MO. You may also see his competitiveness on the golf course from time to time, or at a local running race. When he is not perfecting his passion of turning raw dirt into someone's dream home, Ben may be found soaking up the rays with his friends and family on the beach.

Sarah Baird

Architect

Sarah brings 20 + years of residential architecture experience to JECH. She grew up in Wichita, tagging along with her mom, a realtor, walking through homes. After graduating from KSU, she moved to Overland Park, married her husband Ron, and has 2 amazing daughters. When she's not designing or customizing plans for our homeowners, you might find her playing the piano for church youth services, or catching a game of volleyball. Escaping to the mountains is her idea of rest and relaxation.

Sarah brings 20 + years of residential architecture experience to JECH. She grew up in Wichita, tagging along with her mom, a realtor, walking through homes. After graduating from KSU, she moved to Overland Park, married her husband Ron, and has 2 amazing daughters. When she's not designing or customizing plans for our homeowners, you might find her playing the piano for church youth services, or catching a game of volleyball. Escaping to the mountains is her idea of rest and relaxation.

Kevin Schneider

Director of Construction

Without throwing out a specific age, Kevin includes 30 years of industry expertise. Kevin failed to share with us his favorite-all-time-funniest prank, due to the amount of blackmail we would have on him, if such a story were printed. We assume this is where his current phrase was initiated: ‘Wisdom comes from humility.’ If you can’t find Kevin, head out to his weekend lake house; there he will be: BBQ in hand, swaying to the smooth tunes of John Cougar Mellencamp.

Without throwing out a specific age, Kevin includes 30 years of industry expertise. Kevin failed to share with us his favorite-all-time-funniest prank, due to the amount of blackmail we would have on him, if such a story were printed. We assume this is where his current phrase was initiated: ‘Wisdom comes from humility.’ If you can’t find Kevin, head out to his weekend lake house; there he will be: BBQ in hand, swaying to the smooth tunes of John Cougar Mellencamp.

Dave Parks

Construction Manager

Band aids, fruit snacks and laughter fill Dave's Sunday afternoons with busy grandchildren. Born and raised in the Kansas City metro, Dave brings thirty four years of experience to James Engle Custom Homes. He does enjoy spending the majority of his time with his children and family, however if it were up to him, they would all be unwinding together at the beach or an appealing cabin on the lake.

Band aids, fruit snacks and laughter fill Dave's Sunday afternoons with busy grandchildren. Born and raised in the Kansas City metro, Dave brings thirty four years of experience to James Engle Custom Homes. He does enjoy spending the majority of his time with his children and family, however if it were up to him, they would all be unwinding together at the beach or an appealing cabin on the lake.

Brian Standley

Construction Manager

Brian's love for building is evident in his daily devotion to deliver a home that surpasses our homeowner's expectations. Several years of experience in the industry has equipped Brian with the expert knowledge to accomplish this task. As one of our adorned members of the James Engle team, it is no surprise this isn't the first successful team he has had a huge part in. Back in his senior year of high school, Brian help lead the Carrollton Trojan football team to the State playoffs; a goal not achieved in over 30 years. We are certainly thankful this small town hero chooses to be a hero on our team today.

Brian's love for building is evident in his daily devotion to deliver a home that surpasses our homeowner's expectations. Several years of experience in the industry has equipped Brian with the expert knowledge to accomplish this task. As one of our adorned members of the James Engle team, it is no surprise this isn't the first successful team he has had a huge part in. Back in his senior year of high school, Brian help lead the Carrollton Trojan football team to the State playoffs; a goal not achieved in over 30 years. We are certainly thankful this small town hero chooses to be a hero on our team today.

Brett Lloyd

Construction Manager

‘Work hard, play hard’... We have many employees that might fit this saying, but none quite like Brett. Brett has dedicated over 23 years to the construction industry. Being a professional of the trade, his expertise comes highly recommended and appreciated by all. Brett was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California prior to moving to the Midwest. Spending his free time floating around the lake on his pontoon certifies for Brett an ideal, yet tame Sunday afternoon. Free falling 13,000 feet out of a perfectly good airplane? That’s a better afternoon!

‘Work hard, play hard’... We have many employees that might fit this saying, but none quite like Brett. Brett has dedicated over 23 years to the construction industry. Being a professional of the trade, his expertise comes highly recommended and appreciated by all. Brett was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California prior to moving to the Midwest. Spending his free time floating around the lake on his pontoon certifies for Brett an ideal, yet tame Sunday afternoon. Free falling 13,000 feet out of a perfectly good airplane? That’s a better afternoon!

Ryan Malagarie

Construction Manager

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Brandon Minton

Construction Manager

Brandon has construction in his DNA! He grew up in the construction industry where his father built custom homes. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in many different construction fields including bridge and commercial (apartment buildings) construction as well as residential home building. Brandon played college football and now coaches his son in football and baseball. He also travels the nation to watch his daughter dance. He enjoys family activities like hiking in the Rockies, snow skiing and relaxing at a beach or lake. His special hobby (when he can find the time!) is to build furniture in his wood shop and to teach his son the craft.

Brandon has construction in his DNA! He grew up in the construction industry where his father built custom homes. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in many different construction fields including bridge and commercial (apartment buildings) construction as well as residential home building. Brandon played college football and now coaches his son in football and baseball. He also travels the nation to watch his daughter dance. He enjoys family activities like hiking in the Rockies, snow skiing and relaxing at a beach or lake. His special hobby (when he can find the time!) is to build furniture in his wood shop and to teach his son the craft.

Solomon Franco

Construction Manager Assistant

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Eli Engle

Construction Manager Assistant

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Robie Palodichuk

Construction Manager Assistant

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Jordan Lewis

Construction Manager Assistant

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Eric Gillenwater

Construction Manager Assistant

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Shane Evans

Construction Manager Assistant

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Peyt Carpenter

Director of Warranty Operations

Peyt has been in the new home industry for more than a decade and in 2016 was recognized for his wholehearted dedication with an outstanding customer service award. Faith, family, and friends are Peyt's big three. In his spare time he enjoys wood working, hiking, and long weekends at the lake.

Peyt has been in the new home industry for more than a decade and in 2016 was recognized for his wholehearted dedication with an outstanding customer service award. Faith, family, and friends are Peyt's big three. In his spare time he enjoys wood working, hiking, and long weekends at the lake.

Dan Dewitt

Warranty Administrator

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Cyndy Hurd

Purchasing Manager

Cyndy came to the Kansas City metro area from Western Kansas in 1986. She began working for JECH in 2011 and has proven to be a loyal and dedicated member of the JECH family. Cyndy’s top priorities in life are faith and family. When she can, Cyndy likes to keep busy spending time at Pomme de Terre Lake.

Cyndy came to the Kansas City metro area from Western Kansas in 1986. She began working for JECH in 2011 and has proven to be a loyal and dedicated member of the JECH family. Cyndy’s top priorities in life are faith and family. When she can, Cyndy likes to keep busy spending time at Pomme de Terre Lake.

Lauren Engle

In-House Real Estate Agent

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Erin Cooper

Process Director

For those of you who don’t already know Erin, the phrase "Talk to me, Goose", resonates well with her bubbly personality. Over the past eleven years, Erin has built an extensive resume based on her meticulous and diligent work ethic. However, her number one job is being a loving mother to three beautiful little girls whom share her charisma. An ideal afternoon for Erin and her family would consist of taking her three 'fishies' swimming on a warm sunny day, while indulging in their favorite cuisine: pizza (it's a food group, right?)!

For those of you who don’t already know Erin, the phrase "Talk to me, Goose", resonates well with her bubbly personality. Over the past eleven years, Erin has built an extensive resume based on her meticulous and diligent work ethic. However, her number one job is being a loving mother to three beautiful little girls whom share her charisma. An ideal afternoon for Erin and her family would consist of taking her three 'fishies' swimming on a warm sunny day, while indulging in their favorite cuisine: pizza (it's a food group, right?)!

Lindsay Beckman

Selections Specialist

When Lindsay and her husband built a home with James Engle Custom Homes several years ago, it sparked an interest in the home building industry in Lindsay. She is excited to now be actively involved in the industry working for JECH. She assists buyers in the selection process with the goal of making the whole experience go as smoothly as possible! When not assisting buyers, Lindsay spends her time following her three active children, doing DIY projects around her house and spending time with friends and family.

When Lindsay and her husband built a home with James Engle Custom Homes several years ago, it sparked an interest in the home building industry in Lindsay. She is excited to now be actively involved in the industry working for JECH. She assists buyers in the selection process with the goal of making the whole experience go as smoothly as possible! When not assisting buyers, Lindsay spends her time following her three active children, doing DIY projects around her house and spending time with friends and family.

Gayle Staudenmaier

Controller

Gayle has benefited the home building industry with her proficiency for over ten years. She has lived in the Kansas City metro area her entire life - with the exception of earning her accounting degree in the treasured land of KU Basketball, Lawrence, KS. The only thing that might take her time away from her beloved team, would be a tranquilizing, calming home on the beach.

Gayle has benefited the home building industry with her proficiency for over ten years. She has lived in the Kansas City metro area her entire life - with the exception of earning her accounting degree in the treasured land of KU Basketball, Lawrence, KS. The only thing that might take her time away from her beloved team, would be a tranquilizing, calming home on the beach.

Janessa Hazel

Accounts Payable Specialist

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Pricing, square footage, renderings, etc are deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and are subject to change without notice. Consult Builder for details.