BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2025

PRESIDENT, AIA - MILESTONE CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Thomas Burnworth

Milestone Construction, Inc. was founded in 1989, we a General Contractor specializing in building custom homes in Northern Indiana.  Milestone has been active in the Builders Association since 1990 and have had two employees serve as President of the association. Thomas was elected to the Board of Directors in 2019 and is currently serving as President.

Vice President, CLASSIC BUILDERS

Ben Champoux

Classic Builders is a full service general contractor and builder serving the Northern Indiana lakes area. Whether you’re interested in building a new custom home or renovating your existing home, you can trust Classic Builders with all your construction needs.

We’re a family owned and operated company known for quality craftsmanship, sound project planning, and integrity in our business practices.

Most importantly, we value our relationships with our customers. From our newly added CAD design services to project completion, we strive to ensure your complete satisfaction throughout the entire construction process with timely completion and affordable cost.

Vice President, CLASSIC BUILDERS

Ben Champoux

Classic Builders is a full service general contractor and builder serving the Northern Indiana lakes area. Whether you’re interested in building a new custom home or renovating your existing home, you can trust Classic Builders with all your construction needs.

We’re a family owned and operated company known for quality craftsmanship, sound project planning, and integrity in our business practices.

Most importantly, we value our relationships with our customers. From our newly added CAD design services to project completion, we strive to ensure your complete satisfaction throughout the entire construction process with timely completion and affordable cost.

past President, Harter Custom Homes

Brett Harter

Harter Custom construction LLC is owned and operated by Brett Harter. As a builder of custom homes and remodel he has over 30 years of experience. With a passion for the building industry, he has served 4 terms for his local builders association formerly known as BAKFC and most recently he was the 2020 Indiana Builders Association (IBA) State President. Brett prides himself on working on-site alongside his sub-contractors and giving them and his homeowner his full attention. As a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County Brett has a wife Nikki and have a son Trevor and daughter Logan.

TREASURER, WETZEL INSURANCE AGENCY

Byron Kauffman

Byron Kauffman, President of Wetzel Insurance Agency, Inc. is a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU); and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) who works with business decision makers to define and manage risk associated with property, business operations, products, employment, workers compensation, commercial auto and employee benefits.  Byron earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from DePauw University and a Master of Business Administration from the Neeley School of Business, Texas Christian University.

As President of Wetzel, Byron has led his team to multiple awards as an Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Best Practices Agency.  The annual Study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.  In the present study group, over 1,000 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual Study, but only 262 agencies qualified for the honor. To be chosen, the agency had to be among the 35-45 top-performing agencies in one of six revenue categories.

Byron is a long-term BANCI board member and has served as Treasurer for six board terms.

TREASURER, WETZEL INSURANCE AGENCY

Byron Kauffman

Byron Kauffman, President of Wetzel Insurance Agency, Inc. is a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU); and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) who works with business decision makers to define and manage risk associated with property, business operations, products, employment, workers compensation, commercial auto and employee benefits.  Byron earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from DePauw University and a Master of Business Administration from the Neeley School of Business, Texas Christian University.

As President of Wetzel, Byron has led his team to multiple awards as an Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Best Practices Agency.  The annual Study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.  In the present study group, over 1,000 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual Study, but only 262 agencies qualified for the honor. To be chosen, the agency had to be among the 35-45 top-performing agencies in one of six revenue categories.

Byron is a long-term BANCI board member and has served as Treasurer for six board terms.

SECRETARY, COLORBILT PAINT

Matt Podlesak

Owner of Colorbilt Painting LLC, originally  Colorbilt Paint and Structure, founded in 2010.

Matt is an Associate member of the Builders Association of North Central Indiana. He’s served on the board for 6 years. 4 years on the former Marshall County Builders Association including 3 years as president.

Colorbilt Painting LLC focuses on residential and commercial painting.

Director, TIMBER ROCK CONSTRUCTION

Tyler Miller

Tyler Miller is President and Co-Owner of Timber Rock Construction. Born and raised in Warsaw, Tyler has spent his career involved in all aspects of construction. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in Building Construction Management, and since then has gained experience in design and building in residential and commercial projects, both new builds and renovations.  Tyler is married to Katie and they have three children (Micah, Lydia, and Liza). His hobbies are sports, coaching, and any outdoor activities.

Director, TIMBER ROCK CONSTRUCTION

Tyler Miller

Tyler Miller is President and Co-Owner of Timber Rock Construction. Born and raised in Warsaw, Tyler has spent his career involved in all aspects of construction. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in Building Construction Management, and since then has gained experience in design and building in residential and commercial projects, both new builds and renovations.  Tyler is married to Katie and they have three children (Micah, Lydia, and Liza). His hobbies are sports, coaching, and any outdoor activities.

DIRECTOR, SIGNATURE BUILDING AND DESIGN LLC

David Johnson

David Johnson started Signature Building & Design in 2003 and has served on the BANCI Board of Directors since 2005.  David graduated from Purdue University with honors in Architectural Engineering Technology; and was awarded a membership on the National Dean’s List through the Civil/Architectural Engineering Department. David has also earned his “Certified Graduate Builder” designation through the National Association of Home Builders.

DIRECTOR, RENEWAL HOMES LLC

Wendell Miller

Renewal Homes has been in business since 2003 serving the Northern Indiana area.

Builder of Personalized Customs Homes, Remodeler, Room Additions from concept to completion.

Wendell holds several nationally recognized designations. CGB-Certified Green Builder, CGR-Certified

Green Remodeler, CGP-Certified Green Professional.

Wendell has served on the Board of Directors for 18 years.

DIRECTOR, RENEWAL HOMES LLC

Wendell Miller

Renewal Homes has been in business since 2003 serving the Northern Indiana area.

Builder of Personalized Customs Homes, Remodeler, Room Additions from concept to completion.

Wendell holds several nationally recognized designations. CGB-Certified Green Builder, CGR-Certified

Green Remodeler, CGP-Certified Green Professional.

Wendell has served on the Board of Directors for 18 years.

DIRECTOR, RABB WATER

Adam Clemens

Rabb Water Systems is an Associate Member.  Adam Clemens has served for over 20 years on the Board.  He served as Board Secretary for 7-8 years.  He also has served as an IBA State Director for the last several years.  Rabb Water has been in business for 62 years.  Adam is a Water Quality Association (WQA)-certified Master Water Specialist.

DIRECTOR, LAKE CITY BANK

Kirtus Murray

Kirtus Murray is Senior Vice President, Retail Lending Manager at Lake City Bank in Warsaw, IN. In this role, he leads the bank’s Retail Lending Department. He has been with the bank for 24 years.

Murray joined the BANCI board of directors in 2021 and has been a planning committee member of the BANCI Care for Kids Golf Outing for more than 15 years. He also serves on the board of governors for Title Center of Indiana, LLC, based in Columbus, IN.

Murray earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bethel University and attended the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He’s been in business since the late 70s, ALARM business since the mid-80s. He also serves as Indiana builders Association associate delegate to the NAHB leadership council.

DIRECTOR, LAKE CITY BANK

Kirtus Murray

Kirtus Murray is Senior Vice President, Retail Lending Manager at Lake City Bank in Warsaw, IN. In this role, he leads the bank’s Retail Lending Department. He has been with the bank for 24 years.

Murray joined the BANCI board of directors in 2021 and has been a planning committee member of the BANCI Care for Kids Golf Outing for more than 15 years. He also serves on the board of governors for Title Center of Indiana, LLC, based in Columbus, IN.

Murray earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bethel University and attended the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He’s been in business since the late 70s, ALARM business since the mid-80s. He also serves as Indiana builders Association associate delegate to the NAHB leadership council.

DIRECTOR, FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK ROCHESTER

Julia Moore

Julia is a Mortgage Loan Specialist with First Federal Savings Bank of Rochester for 28 years.

She has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2008 and serves and chairs several committees.

DIRECTOR, COTTAGE WATCHMAN DIV. E.F. RHOADES AND SONS

Rachael Rhoades

My family is from Pierceton, Indiana. I am a farmer’s wife and mother of two children. We own E.F. Rhoades and Sons and Cottage Watchman Security Systems; both well-established businesses that have been thriving for over 40 years. I am a partner in our family business working as our Residential Sales Specialist. I am deeply committed to my Christian faith, my family, our business and serving my community. Over the past ten years I have become very involved in our community. Serving as a newly elected official on the Kosciusko County Council- At Large, Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission, Kosciusko
County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Lakeland Christian Academy Board of Directors, Builders Association of North Central Indiana Board of Directors, Salvation Army Board of Directors, along with other committees. I find true joy by investing in both the future of our children as well as our community. Through my involvement, I have had the opportunity to work alongside our legislators as an advocate at both the local and state levels. Using the leadership skills that I have developed through my career and applying them for a greater purpose.

DIRECTOR, COTTAGE WATCHMAN DIV. E.F. RHOADES AND SONS

Rachael Rhoades

My family is from Pierceton, Indiana. I am a farmer’s wife and mother of two children. We own E.F. Rhoades and Sons and Cottage Watchman Security Systems; both well-established businesses that have been thriving for over 40 years. I am a partner in our family business working as our Residential Sales Specialist. I am deeply committed to my Christian faith, my family, our business and serving my community.
Over the past ten years I have become very involved in our community. Serving as a newly elected official on the Kosciusko County Council- At Large, Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission, Kosciusko
County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Lakeland Christian Academy Board of Directors, Builders Association of North Central Indiana Board of Directors, Salvation Army Board of Directors, along with other committees. I find true joy by investing in both the future of our children as well as our community. Through my involvement, I have had the opportunity to work alongside our legislators as an advocate at both the local and state levels. Using the leadership skills that I have developed through my career and applying them for a greater purpose.

DIRECTOR, INGLENOOK LLC

Daniel Schlatter

Inglenook, LLC has been providing residential design and building for 22 years.

Daniel has served on the BANCI Board of Directors for 17 years.

DIRECTOR, BLUE RIVER DIGITAL

Nick prentice

Nick serves as the Sales Manager and Digital Marketing Lead at Blue River Digital, a company that offers comprehensive marketing solutions ranging from corporate apparel to digital marketing and website design for businesses. Blue River Digital became a member of the builders association in 2020, driven by a strong commitment to the trades industries and a desire to actively participate in the community.

Within the association, Nick plays a crucial role, actively contributing to various committees such as marketing and advertising, membership, Home and Outdoors Show, and Homes on Parade. His deep involvement extends to initiatives aimed at the community’s youth, where he plays a key role in expanding the association’s impact through programs like Build Your Future and our scholarship opportunities. Nick’s dedication is instrumental in fostering the growth and outreach of our association.

DIRECTOR, BLUE RIVER DIGITAL

Nick prentice

Nick serves as the Sales Manager and Digital Marketing Lead at Blue River Digital, a company that offers comprehensive marketing solutions ranging from corporate apparel to digital marketing and website design for businesses. Blue River Digital became a member of the builders association in 2020, driven by a strong commitment to the trades industries and a desire to actively participate in the community.

Within the association, Nick plays a crucial role, actively contributing to various committees such as marketing and advertising, membership, Home and Outdoors Show, and Homes on Parade. His deep involvement extends to initiatives aimed at the community’s youth, where he plays a key role in expanding the association’s impact through programs like Build Your Future and our scholarship opportunities. Nick’s dedication is instrumental in fostering the growth and outreach of our association.

DIRECTOR,

Karen White

Karen White, represents Caliber Designs and offers over 20 years of experience in the building industry. Graduating college with a degree in Interior Design, clients benefit from her creativity, attention to detail, and knowledge of residential space planning of new or renovated spaces. She works closely with clients during the design process all the way to completion of the job and assists clients with making selections. 

Caliber Designs, located downtown North Webster, Indiana, owned by Jason Meck. Caliber Designs provides services for new construction, home renovations and remodel projects - including kitchens and baths, and Interior Design services. Keeping the work in house or providing services as a general contractor. Caliber Designs also has an electrical division and offers luxury outdoor Teak furniture sales. They pride themselves on effective communication and the relationships they develop with their clients during each project -no matter how big or small seeing the job through from start to finish. 

Born and raised locally, Karen calls North Webster home and resides on Sechrist Lake. She has established herself as a community-driven volunteer. She currently also serves as Secretary and a Board Director of the North Webster Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce. She has raised two daughters, Kennedy and Morgan. Outside of work and volunteering, her family enjoys spending time on Tippecanoe Lake and the Barbee Chain. 

Karen White
Sales/Marketing/Interior Designer

EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NORTH CENTRAL INDIANA

Kim McKibbin

Kim started at the BANCI Association in January of 2021. Before coming to BANCI, she was the Executive Officer for the Elkhart County HBA for 13 years.

Kim serves on several committees at IBA and is currently the co-chair for the Executive Officers committee.

Kim has been married for 34 years to her husband Ed and they have 1 son Ryan.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NORTH CENTRAL INDIANA

Kim McKibbin

Kim started at the BANCI Association in January of 2021. Before coming to BANCI, she was the Executive Officer for the Elkhart County HBA for 13 years.

Kim serves on several committees at IBA and is currently the co-chair for the Executive Officers committee.

Kim has been married for 34 years to her husband Ed and they have 1 son Ryan.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NORTH CENTRAL INDIANA

Jackie Wyatt

Jackie has lived  in Warsaw for 35 years and has raised her two boys here as well. She is a licensed cosmetologist and owned her own salon for 30 years. In 2024 she decided to make a career change and joined the Builder's Association team as executive assistant. She also has been enjoying her role as Office Assistant for the Chamber of Commerce since 2023. In her spare time she enjoys going to UNOH to watch her older son's drifting events and traveling around to area high schools to watch her younger son play soccer.

Wendell Miller – Renewal Homes **Not present