The Experts
that make up our team
Ken Langston
Partner / Project Manager / Estimator
Since 2001
Ken regularly attends industry conferences and seminars to keep abreast of new technologies and green building methods. He’s also trained in L.E.E.D. projects. He’s practiced at Chief Architect, knowledgeable in flat roofing products and has worked with local historical societies on historic buildings. He’s very active with the Cedar Valley Home Builders Association. He is currently serving as a board member and as a past president. Ken and his wife have two adult children and enjoy boating and camping in their travel trailer across eastern Iowa.
Carrie Buschmann
Partner / Designer / Project Manager / Estimator
Since 2002
Carrie is a designer, a project manager, and an estimator. Yes, she does everything for your project except actually build it. She sees your project from start to finish; drawing your ideas and consulting on product choices to scheduling and coordinating our carpenters and installers. You can count on Carrie to get your job done, and done right!
Justin Manifold
Senior Partner / President
Since 1992
Justin has been with Koch Construction since 1992. With that experience and his second-to-none analytical skills, he knows how to put a project together or resolve existing conditions. He’s a project manager who ensures your project is delivered on time, on budget, and with the highest standards of quality. Justin takes a lot of pride in providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re working with the right team on your project.
Kyle Shock
Partner / Lead Man
Since 2013
The Koch’s met Kyle through scouting where Kyle earned the Rank of Eagle Scout. Kyle worked in manufacturing out of high school. When he was ready to return to his hometown he joined Koch Construction. Kyle has developed into an all-around carpenter, leading many projects on his own. Kyle resides on an acreage outside of Fairbank with his significant other Melissa and their two children and dog. Kyle enjoys hunting, fishing, RC cars, and spending time with his family outside.
Brad Becker
Partner / Lead Man
Since 2004
Brad’s artistic abilities enhance his fine craftsmanship. His organizational skills and enviable disposition make him a pleasure to have on any project. Brad farms his parents’ century farm, raises beef cattle, and enjoys indoor and outdoor sports and activities.
John Everman
Lead Man
Since 1984
John brings his uncanny troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities to remodeling projects. He’s IRCA certified in both low-slope and steep-slope roofing. John has said he’d be happy fitting ornate moldings full-time, but he enjoys time on the Cedar River with his wife and friends.
Mark Koch
Project Manager / Estimator
Since 1989
Mark has spent his entire career in the construction industry, from the lumberyard to finished homes. He enjoys the broad range of projects handled by Koch Construction and the opportunity to sweat the details so the customers don’t have to. Mark and Merri have three adult children, a son-in-law, and one grandson. Mark enjoys fitness, bicycling, and canoeing.
Susan Hoeg
Accountant / Office Manager
Since 2017
Susan manages the front office and takes care of accounting. Her upbeat demeanor is familiar to those who have called our office or walked into our showroom. She enjoys listening to the needs of our customers to find out how we can best serve them. Susan enjoys the outdoors and family time with her husband and their son.
Rachel Krebsbach
Designer
Since 2019
As an interior design graduate from UNI, Rachel brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to every project. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for understanding client needs, she strives to create spaces that not only meet but exceed expectations. Rachel is your trusted partner in bringing your vision to life.
Ryan Maltas
Carpenter
Since 2007
You won’t have any trouble getting a word in edgewise with Ryan. Don’t let his stoicism fool you, he knows his stuff and brings a strong work ethic to his projects. He has a son named Kaleb and they enjoy outdoor recreation, sports, karaoke, and watching movies.
Alex Westrum
Carpenter / Estimator
Since 2020
Alex has been with Koch as a Lead Carpenter since May 2020, and has gotten involved in estimating projects as well. He enjoys seeing the transformation of a space from beginning to end, whether it’s a remodel or an addition. Alex worked as a carpenter with Disney Live doing shows in theatres and arenas around the world before he and his wife settled down in the Cedar Valley with their son and a golden retriever. They still enjoy traveling around the United States and internationally when they can.
Oksana Gray
Carpenter
Since 2016
Oksana began her career as a carpenter following high school graduation in Ohio. She worked her way up to a journeyman in the union, where she gained experience in all facets of residential and commercial construction. Now, with nearly a decade of experience, she plays a key role in many of the projects taken on at Koch Construction. Watch out for her on the job site – she brings a strong work ethic and a real sense of urgency with her each day. When she’s not practicing her craft as a carpenter, Oksana enjoys spending time with her niece and time spent boating on the Cedar River.
Nate Hesnard
Carpenter
Since 2020
Nate joined the Koch Construction team as a carpenter. His favorite part of the job is finish work. He grew up in Bradford, Iowa which only has a population of 90! He had his first job as a farmhand at the age of 13. Nate is married and has a son, as well as 4 dogs, 2 cats, and 9 fish.
Tim Funk
Carpenter
Since 2019
Tim grew up in Evansdale, Iowa. He enjoys spending time fishing and camping at Hickory Hills State Park with his family. Even though Tim has only been with the company since September 2019, his hard work and determination has not gone unnoticed. Tim has been working for us as a carpenter and enjoys woodwork and kitchen remodels.
Matt Tracy
Carpenter
Since 1997
Matt is a teacher at East High School. He started full-time in the fall of 1997 while going to UNI. Ever since he started teaching he has been loyal to Koch Construction coming back to work for us in the summers.
Justin Ladage
Carpenter
Since 2023
Justin grew up in Tripoli, Iowa and has been a carpenter with Koch Construction since September 2023. He’ll tell you that he enjoys the variety of work. He could be framing one week, and installing cabinets the next. He says “It keeps things interesting, and in the end, I feel like a more versatile and competent craftsman.” When not working Justin enjoys reading, playing guitar/piano, playing cards and board games, and spending time with his family.
Our History
Koch Construction was founded in 1980 by Karl and Jeff Koch. Karl began his residential construction career in 1955 and was an accomplished home builder, finish carpenter, and cabinet maker. Karl was born in America but was raised in Denmark, returning to the USA in 1950. Koch Construction was founded on the old-world values of craftsmanship, work ethic, and integrity that Karl brought back with him to America. These are the same values, coupled with modern-day technology, that our work today is based on.
Karl first instilled the art of construction and customer service in Jeff, then again when Mark Koch joined the business in 1988, and then with longtime employees John Everman and Justin Manifold. In turn, Jeff, Mark, John and Justin continue to pass along these base values to all Koch Construction staff. Koch Construction continues to experience slow and steady growth as demand for our services, along with the demand for us to take on new and different projects, increases.
At Koch Construction, we take your project seriously. We offer the service that we wish we could consistently get, which is all too rare in today’s environment. No one works harder to provide you the best communication, accurate upfront pricing, and work performed to a schedule that is rarely missed.
Whether it is a home remodeling project, commercial roofing or having your gutters cleaned, your work will be completed with the goals and values supporting our philosophy of “Satisfaction… Today and Tomorrow” and “Lifelong Customers.”
Karl Koch
(1925-2020)
Karl worked with all of the current Koch Construction owners and trained some of them. The same values that Karl lived and worked; hard work, doing it right, doing what you say you are going to do, providing the best service you can and treating your employees the best you can, are deeply ingrained in the current ownership of Koch Construction. These values continue to guide everything we do here at Koch Construction. Karl always said, “Service is our business, construction is just a sideline.”
Jeff Koch
Since 1980 – Retired 2020
Jeff (and brother Mark) sold their interest in Koch Construction to five long-term employees at the end of 2020 which marked Jeff’s 40th year at Koch Construction. Jeff’s goal was to go for 40 years and then give the younger folks a chance to reap the rewards and challenges of running a construction company. This transfer of ownership was mutually beneficial to Jeff as well as the five longtime employees (now owners) and was designed to be a reward for the way they carried and continue to carry Karl’s torch. The fierce owners have a combined 98 years of experience just with Koch Construction as well as their other experience and education before coming to work at Koch Construction. Mark continues to work full-time a Koch Construction and Jeff helps out as needed with estimating and the occasional operating question.
Words We Live By
Look, listen, and learn.
We will learn from you. Will you learn from us?
Our Priorities
1. Safety
2. Quality
3. Production