The Team

It is a continual joy to reflect in awe and gratitude over the success we have enjoyed watching the development of our team, our skills, and our client base.  It is also vital to know the secret of true riches, honor and life.

In March of 1988, our company began during an economically depressed time. Production scheduling was no problem - there were only two windows to paint in the kitchen of a now demolished home in Franklin.  There was no marketing in place, limited experience and no business acumen.  When one refers to "starting from scratch," we understand what "scratch" is; which only serves to highlight how we have been graced.

In 2000 we were honored as finalists in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards.  We have watched as an exceptional team came along together with an incredible array of character, skills, vision and life philosophies.

All these blessings are by-products of another relationship.  "The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life." -Proverbs 22:4

We have pragmatically experienced in our business and personal lives, that God is real, approachable and powerful.  The implementation of biblical truths and the commitment to reflect the Lord Jesus Christ has been and continues to be our passion.

President, Mike Dukate
Mike DuKate was born and raised in Franklin, Indiana.  A graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mike serves on the Franklin Chamber of Commerce board of directors  and has earned the National Association of Home Builders designations of CGR, CGB, and CAPS.  Mike also teaches courses for the NAHB.  He founded DuKate Fine Remodeling in 1988 and continues in his role as President of the company.  Mike has been married to Debbie since 1977 and the have five children, Chris, Craig, Amy, Evan and Ryan.
Gate Keeper, Kathy Shertzer
Kathy Shertzer joined DuKate Fine Remodeling in late summer of 1999.  Previously she had worked for a local compressor manufacturer for 15 years as a purchasing agent.  Kathy was the first person to be hired at D.F.R. in an “office” role position and helped to organize and implement DuKate office systems.  Kathy has been actively involved with the community and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for C.P.C. of Johnson County, also volunteering as a member of a creative arts troupe ministering to children and the elderly.  Kathy has a married son who is an IT consultant and a daughter who is an elementary teacher.
Masonry Division, Kevin Houston
Kevin Houston began his career in masonry as a young boy working with his father and two brothers.  He was thirteen yrs. old when he built his first fireplace solo.  Kevin has worked for both residential and commercial masonry companies as well as being involved in masonry repairs.  He is a big believer in continuing education and believes this is essential to having cutting edge masonry knowledge and skills.  Kevin has worked as either a subcontractor for DuKate Fine Remodeling or on staff working directly for the company since 1988.  Kevin is married to Stacey Lynn and has nine children.
Project Manager, Rich Corthell
While in the Peace Corps, Rich and his wife Margaret spent two years in Micro Indonesia.  Rich hails from Tiffin, Ohio and earned his first bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  In Colorado Rich completed a second degree in industrial arts and met Margaret, also a teacher and an Indiana native.  Returning to Indiana, Rich continued in teaching, including Industrial Arts at Custer Baker Middle School in Franklin.  Before joining DuKate in 1995, Rich worked as a superintendent building custom homes for J. Greg Allen Homes.  Rich and Margaret have four children.
Project Manager, Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell served as an in-flight ordinanceman for the United States Navy from his high school graduation in 1987 to 1992.  Upon his honorable discharge from the service in ‘92, Kevin began his career in new home construction.  Kevin has honed his carpentry skills since that time and excels particularly in the area of framing.  He is known for his organizational skills on projects with attention to detail.  Kevin is currently in the process of obtaining the NAHB’s Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) certification through the Indiana Builder’s Association.  Also, he is currently enrolled at IUPUI in the Continuing Studies program in architecture.  Kevin has been married to Maureen since 1997 and they have two children.
Project Manager, Aaron Mattox
Aaron Mattox discovered a love for construction while helping his uncle frame a house as a thirteen year old.  Aaron remodeled primarily commercial properties for a non-profit ministry for ten years before joining the DuKate team in December of ’04.  He especially enjoys framing, trim carpentry and electrical work.  Aaron and his wife Amy have two sons, Ethan and Luke.
Shop Manager, Richard DuKate
Richard DuKate, “Duke,” has been a foundational component of DuKate Fine Remodeling, Inc. from its inception in 1988.  When Mike decided to begin his own company, he immediately enlisted the help of his father, Richard.  Having worked many many years for a large corporation, Duke brought incredible insight and wisdom to the table.  He is still a sounding board for Mike, offering counsel, instruction and direction.
Laborer, Craig DuKate
Craig DuKate began shadowing his father after school hours and summers beginning in 1994 when he was in his early teens.  Besides his general carpentry skills and background, Craig has been working with Kevin Houston our Mason, honing his masonry abilities.  Craig is attending college full-time and is a musician in a Christian band.