Our Team

We invite you to meet our team and hope you will come to consider us as your team too.

The quality of our services comes from the expertise and commitment in each member of the Red House Remodeling team. We’re dedicated to providing each client with superior design skills and detail oriented construction and home repairs.

BEN TRANNEL

BEN TRANNEL

Owner
When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.
— George Washington Carver

I’ve always worked in the building industry, and I’ve learned that for the most part, people are good and they want you to succeed. Most customers aren’t that demanding when you get right down to it: they want you to do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it, and they want to be treated well. If you can’t do what you promised when you promised, they want to know that upfront. I honestly believe you can’t go wrong if you do things right and communicate with people.

Education/Professional:I have a Bachelor of Arts degree Buena Vista University where I majored in Management, and an MBA from the University of Iowa. I am a Certified Graduate Remodeler, a Certified Green Professional, and a Certified Aging In Place Specialist, all designations earned through the National Association of Home Builders.

Fun Stuff: Outside of work I enjoy attending my kids many activities and coaching one of my son’s baseball team. I also like to golf and hunt pheasant and deer. I love cake, so I had to take up running a few years ago. It’s terrific exercise and super for stress relief. You might even spot me at one of the great races we’re fortunate to have in this area.

Ask me about: Being on Oprah. (Yes, that Oprah.)

Stephanie Trannel

Stephanie Trannel

Owner
The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
— Benjamin Franklin

I love making my home a comfortable, functional, beautiful place for my family to spend time. I’m extremely excited to meet and work with people in our area to help them do the same.While home remodeling is very exciting, the process can sometimes be pretty taxing. (The mess, having unusable portions of your home, having people in your house for days, sometimes weeks … it’s enough to make you second guess your decision.)

We’re committed to making the process smooth and enjoyable by keeping our customers “in the loop” through every stage of their project. No one should have to ask what’s next with their projects. No one should be wondering, “Hey, where’s the sink I picked out?” Remodeling is a major investment for homeowners, and it’s important for them to know that they’re investing wisely; that we’re taking great care to provide them with quality materials and work.

Education:I have a Bachelor of Arts from Buena Vista University where I majored in Marketing, and an MBA from the University of Iowa.

Fun Stuff: I have a lot of fun hanging out with my kids and attending their sporting and music events. I really love to read, and seize the opportunity to dive into a good book any time I can. When I imagine the perfect afternoon, it involves reading a good book and baking brownies.

I volunteer at my kids’ schools (Indian Hills Jr High and Valley), and am involved at Faith Lutheran Church. Whenever we have the opportunity, we like to go camping, travel, and try to visit several Major League Baseball parks each summer. We’ve been to 19 parks so far … 11 to go!

Jenna Porter

Jenna Porter

Project Designer
Cultivate an optimistic mind, use your imagination, always consider alternatives, and dare to believe that you can make possible what others think is impossible.
— Rodolfo Costa

I believe each design should be as unique as the individuals who inspire it. Developing a comfortable working relationship through which the client’s needs and desires are discovered and exceeded is my goal. I believe actively listening to what a person has to say, along with hearing what they are not saying, is one of the most valued traits a designer can have, and I strive to do this every day. No matter the scope or budget of a project, every detail is important.

Education/Professional:I graduated with honors from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in Business Real Estate. After I graduated, I moved to Kansas City where I first worked for an architecture firm, then a full scale design firm. At that firm I managed design and remodeling projects, which helped me realize how much I enjoy designing remodeled spaces. With education in interior design and real estate, as well as a construction background, I’m able to combine my passions for design and construction.

Personal: I grew up in Cedar Falls. My construction background began as I worked alongside my Dad on every type of project imaginable, including spending a couple of summers shingling houses. I’ve been married for four years and we have two dogs, Taylor and Bela. I’m a Green Bay Packers fan and have run the Green Bay Marathon. I enjoy the outdoors, learning new things and reading great books. And, of course, I always have a design project going at home!

Christian Beckwith

Christian Beckwith

Remodeling Specialist

Like many people in this industry, I grew up with a father who was a carpenter. He got me my first job when I was 14 and I’ve been at it ever since. I’ve done roofing and new construction in addition to remodeling. Trim work is my favorite because that’s what people see. I love to see homeowners’ reactions to the work I’ve done. It’s inspiring.

Personal: I was born and raised in Long Island and came to the Iowa several years ago to be with my girlfriend, now wife. Between us we have a blended family of four young daughters. Between work, working out, and the girls, we keep very busy!

Fun Stuff: I’m really into fitness, including biking and running. I’ve run nine marathons (two of them in one weekend), three 50k races, a 100k race and I’m planning to do a 100 mile race in the spring. I also enjoy fishing and hunting.

Troy Mitchell

Troy Mitchell

Remodeling Specialist

With more than twenty years of experience in construction, including carpentry and concrete work, I’ve been building and remodeling pretty much my entire life. I started working with a carpenter when I was fifteen and really like it. I like working outside and on different projects. I really like the variety of work I get to do. Every project and homeowner is unique.

Personal: I grew up in Schleswig  and moved to Des Moines more than twenty years ago … I have no plans to leave! I have four girls and two still live at home keeping me busy.

Fun Stuff: When I’m not working or doing things with my girls, I like to fish, and hunt for deer and turkey.

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