John Congleton
CEO/CHAIRMAN
Direct: (859) 721-8020
In 2008, John became a 4th generation owner of Congleton Lumber. Prior to the purchase, John served in a variety of management capacities in the Thoroughbred Horse industry. He was a National Thoroughbred Insurance Underwriting and risk manager for several publicly traded companies. His outside business experience has helped him guide the company through the great recession and the company’s move to our current location. John is an avid tennis player and enjoys family time, mowing, grilling and tending the zoo with his pets at home (when he is not playing tennis).
Ben Gess
PRESIDENT/PARTNER
Direct: (859) 721-8018
As President, Ben is responsible for evaluating and generating new growth opportunities, while in turn managing and maintaining the long-standing and reputable brand of Congleton Lumber & Design Center and Congleton Windows & Doors. In this role, Ben is always seeking to bring Congleton’s loyal customers quality and innovative product lines and premier service. When not at the office, Ben loves spending time with his wife, Lucy, and their two children, Lawrie and Benny. In his spare time, Ben enjoys playing golf, cooking, traveling and time with family and friends.
Pam Gresbach
TREASURER/PARTNER
Direct: (859) 721-8022
Pam joined Congleton Lumber as an Office Manager and now serves as Treasurer, supporting the company’s financial operations and day-to-day business functions. She is valued for her organization, reliability, and commitment to helping the business run smoothly. Outside of work, Pam enjoys spending time with her family, knitting, reading, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
Wayne Grant
GENERAL MANAGER/OUTSIDE SALES PARTNER
Direct: (859) 721-8038
In 1989 Wayne started framing houses and spent the next 25 years building and remodeling homes in central Kentucky. Wayne started his career at Congleton in 2012 as an outside sales representative and has since worked his way up to general manager and partner where he applies his knowledge to the sales side of construction. Wayne’s time outside of the office is spent working on his farm and spending time with his wife, Mary Ann, their 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Chris Thornbury
OUTSIDE SALES/PARTNER
Direct: (859) 721-8046
Chris is an outside salesman who brings 21 years of historic renovation and building experience with him to the job site. Chris also has a passion for helping customers envision their backyard living with pergolas, gazebos, decks and raised planter boxes. In his free time, Chris enjoys family time, golfing, hunting and any activity that involves the great outdoors.
JASON WEBB
OUTSIDE SALES/PARTNER
Direct: (859) 721-8044
Jason started his career at Congleton Lumber in December of 2020, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in residential construction. During those 20 years, Jason was involved in nearly every aspect of the building process from planning to estimating all the way through to project completion. Jason enjoys using his diverse construction industry background to help serve his customers’ needs. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies and reading.
Emory Lee
ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT
Direct: (859) 721-8022
Emory assists the accounting department with duties that include accounts payable, accounts receivable and other accounting projects. Emory has over 15 years of experience in Administrative Assistance both in office and remotely. Outside of the office, Emory enjoys spending time with her husband and their daughter, playing pickleball, reading, being a PTA Board Member at her daughter’s school and spending time with family and friends.
Sales
Mary Beth Hunt
INSIDE SALES
Direct: (859) 721-8048
Mary Beth has been with Congleton Lumber for 34 years. She began her career here in 1992 and has spent most of her career in sales. She enjoys developing new customer relationships while continuing to support long-standing customers. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, reading, UK sports and time at the beach.
Daniel Lee
INSIDE SALES
Direct: (859) 721-5698
Daniel has more than 12 years of sales experience and joined Congleton Lumber in 2020. He enjoys working with customers to meet their lumber needs, and to help customers’ visions become reality. In his free time, Daniel enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, attending UK sporting events, and grilling.
Window & Door Sales
KELLY SHROPSHIRE
WINDOW & DOOR CONSULTANT
Direct: (859) 721-8017
Kelly is a window and door expert with over 20 years of experience and market knowledge. Whether a customer is building their dream home, or remodeling an existing home, Kelly applies her expertise in choosing the products that will best suit their needs. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time at the beach and caring for her daughters.
Lillie Staton
WINDOW & DOOR CONSULTANT
Direct: (859) 721-8042
Lillie joined Congleton Lumber in 2025. She has over 8 years of experience in the window industry including a background in historical window preservation. Lillie has an appreciation for quality workmanship, precision and preserving the character and integrity in every home. She takes pride in her attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Outside of the office, Lillie enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies and reading.
Kevin Gregory
WINDOW & DOOR CONSULTANT – LOUISVILLE
Direct: (502) 805-1000
Cell: (270) 570-0760
With 15 years of experience in construction, Kevin specialized in building, remodeling, and managing window and door installations. As a dedicated window and door sales consultant, Kevin is committed to enhancing homes and helping customers make informed decisions with quality products. On weekends, Kevin and his wife retreat to their property in Red River Gorge to recharge in nature with their two dogs, and they enjoy spending time with friends and family. Kevin also enjoys fishing, mastering the family secret BBQ recipes, and working with his hands.
Josh Bensing
WINDOW & DOOR CONSULTANT – LOUISVILLE
Direct: (502) 805-1000
Cell: (502) 741-1984
Josh Bensing is a skilled professional with over 10 years of hands-on experience in residential and commercial window and door installation. Throughout his career, he has enjoyed helping customers realize project vision. Josh is excited to bring his expertise to Congleton Lumber and contribute to a company known for quality and community trust. Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending his free time fishing and exploring the world of motorsports.
Sales Support
Sam Smith
OPERATION MANAGER
Direct: (859) 721-8014
Sam Smith has been part of the Congleton family for over 10 years and now serves as Operations Manager. She oversees daily yard operations and logistics, ensuring materials move efficiently and customers are taken care of every step of the way. Sam believes in treating customers like neighbors — because from Central Kentucky to Louisville. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and a couple of loyal dogs.
Jessica Brown
PURCHASING MANAGER
Direct: (859) 721-8026
Jessica has over 16 years of experience receiving retail building material. Much of that time was spent receiving for one of the largest home improvement corporations in the United States. As a purchaser she develops strategies, maintains positive relationships with suppliers, and coordinates with internal teams regarding supply needs. Jessica Enjoys spending time with her two children and three dogs. She is also avid Kentucky Wildcat fan.
Harlan Reynolds, Jr.
SALES COORDINATOR
Direct: (859) 721-8024
Harlan has been in the building industry for 50 plus years. He is the sales Coordinator for our sales team providing sales support for Congleton specialty items and also assisting with customer service. Outside of work he loves spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoys playing golf, fishing, hunting, and spending time on the farm.
Mark Read
SALES SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Direct: (859) 721-8036
Mark has spent the last 45 years in lumber sales, contracting, land development and real estate. His experience brings expertise and knowledge that is a great asset to our sales team. In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and friends, University of Kentucky sporting events, collecting Civil War memorabilia and visiting Battlefields.
Tim Kincaid
ESTIMATOR
Direct: (859) 721-8016
Tim has been working in residential construction for over 30 years within many markets including; Maryland, California, and Kentucky. He has embraced every aspect of construction, from framing and trim carpentry to project management, design, and estimating. Outside of work, you can find Tim with his wife and kids sitting around the firepit, grilling, skateboarding, or planning their next beach trip.