About Us

Rusty Green

CEO/Visionary

As the founder of Compelling Homes, Rusty (who some of us just found out at the time of this writing is legally named 'Brian') has been in the home remodeling game for 31 years. A graduate of the Associated Builders and Contractors Trade School, Rusty's mission is to provide an environment for his team where they can thrive. He'd never tell you, but many years ago, Rusty graduated the #1 carpenter in the nation and has dedicated his time to creating a business from the experience he gained as a carpenter. 

Rusty is almost as passionate about his business legacy as he is about Formula 1 (we will accept no Red Bull slander at this time). His favorite party trick is the fact that he can - blindfolded - distinguish the difference between ~100 cars spanning 60 years by the sound of their startup and idle. In case no one asks him to perform that trick, he spends his free time working around the farm, tree-trimming, and dreaming of racing a car, sitting on a Broadway stage, and leaving a business legacy.

Denise Smithson-Green

COO/Integrator

Denise (or "DeKnees" if you're reading this from Lakeland, FL, and went to high school with Denise) has over 18 years of experience in general management and grew up working with builders picking out finishes in her parent’s interior design store. Her favorite part of the job is seeing a finished project and their amazing transformations.

Denise prefers to spend her free time golfing and brunching. And on Formula 1 weekends, she could probably give you  more details about the teams than her hubby.  If Denise isn't brunching or watching Formula 1, she is probably watering the small jungle of plants she has.

Denise's soundtrack: "In Living Color" by Jamey Johnson – it reminds her of her “Pappy” (did we mention she is from the South?)

Amanda

Designer

Amanda has been working in design for 10 plus years. Ten; which is almost the same number of nicknames she has: Punky, Mandy Sue, and Lady. We'll stick to Amanda for now.

Dog mom to Ranger, Amanda loves working as our designer to make people's visions come to life and witness how much they enjoy their new space – all with little-to-no dog hair on her clothing.

In her free time, you can find Amanda flex her design muscles for pleasure in the form of photography, painting, drawing, crafting, spending time with her partner Derek, or watching all-things Iowa State (she's also pro-Chicago Bears), dreaming of being a florist, and covering her ears/exiting the room when 'cringe comedy' is present. We can't blame her.

Katelynn

Design Intern

Katelynn hails from Iowa State Architect Program.  She is learning the true art of Architectural Design in Remodel during her time with us.  She will be a part of our design process learning all the ins and outs of the many details that go into a successful remodel.  

When Katelynn isn't studying for exams, you can find her painting, taking walks, doing crafts and crocheting.  Are you surprised that creative things take up her spare time?  We aren't.  When Katelynn is dreaming, she is dreaming of owning a coffee shop in Italy.  Did someone say "Compelling Coffee"?

Nicole

Administrative Assistant

Nicole is our team's biggest cheerleader.  She has years of experience organizing and cheering on her coworkers.  She keeps our appointments on track, plans printed and makes sure we are where we are supposed to be when we are due to be there (big job!).

Nicole's favorite thing in the whole wide world other than her hubby and kids (we think) is her dogs and any dog, really.  She dreams of having a doggie daycare and spending her days by the pool with all. the. dogs.  When she is not dreaming, she loves reading, social events and when Family Feud calls, she will be ready!

Michelle

Bookkeeper

Michelle is a 13-year veteran of crunching numbers.  She ensures the numbers make sense to the rest of us and keeps everyone happily paid. 

In her spare time, not sure when this is, she loves riding motorcycles with her hot hubby (did we mention he is a fireman?), crafting and watching Netflix.  She dreams of being on Iron Chef as one of her favorite past times is making new recipes and adding her flair to them.  The waistlines at the office are sure to expand with her on the team!

Kent

Production Manager

Kent (or Kent Exotic – funny story) has another nickname that he threatened us never to call him. As a production manager, Kent's favorite part of his job is coaching his team, always learning something new and ensuring the customer experience is amazing.

A true American Dream story, Kent quit his management job of 16 years to sweep floors and move his way up the construction chain; and we are so grateful to have him. For reference; we asked Kent where he'd be if he wasn't so good at his job, and he answered "handyman work somewhere that it's always warm" and we love that. Sadly for Kent, we live in Iowa.

An undiscovered talent (for now), Kent loves playing the guitar, cooking, family game and movie nights, and again - playing guitar. If you're looking for a new tune; Kent recommends 'Smile' by Lukas Nelson. It reminds him of his Dad and is someone cutting onions in here or is it just us?

Mark

Project Manager

With Mark's love of running, it is no surprise that running a job comes easy to him.  Mark started with Compelling Homes as a carpenter and has worked his way into the job of Project Manager.  He keeps our customers happy and ensures jobs finish timely and with quality work. 

Mark and his wife have hiked the Grand Canyon, won pickleball tournaments and run races together.  To truly test their newlywed status, they also love working on renovating their home. Did we mention Mark loves construction and is living his dream?

Thomas

Project Manager

Thomas is a seasoned professional with 11 years of experience in construction (we joke that he must have started at age 8). When Thomas asked if traveling could be considered a hobby, we responded with, "Have you met Rusty and Denise?" His favorite trips include somewhere outside, fishing, hiking, or camping in the mountains.

If you're out on the trails, you might just run into Thomas, his fiancée, and their two dogs—they're avid hikers. One of Thomas's bucket list goals is to hike all or part of the Pacific Crest Trail (he and Mark get along great!). When he's not hiking, Thomas enjoys hosting gatherings; we’re looking forward to inviting ourselves over often! And if you ever see a permanent out-of-office reply from him, it’s because he’s retired to work at a national park!

Finnegan

CEO

Chief Eating Officer

Hurley

COO

Chief of "Outside!?"

Ranger

CTO

Chief Treat Officer