Kevin Maassel is a long-standing figure in the construction and materials industry, having dedicated more than four decades to The Gerken Companies. For the past two decades, he has worked at The Custar Stone Co., serving as a supervising foreman for ten years. His career began immediately after high school, marking the start of a remarkable journey that has shaped his identity and had a profoundly positive influence on those around him.

Born in Napoleon, Ohio, Kevin grew up just south of Ridgeville Corners in a close-knit farming family. He attended school within the Northeastern Local School District near Defiance. Kevin’s early academic pursuits culminated at the Four County Career Center, where he focused on agricultural mechanics.

Kevin’s deep connection to The Gerken Companies stems from a family legacy of commitment. His father worked for nearly 50 years as a road foreman, exemplifying dedication and determination. His brother, now retired, also served in a similar role, showcasing a family tradition of hard work within the company. This legacy continued with Kevin’s children early in their careers; his daughter worked as a flagger, while his son took on the role of a mechanic, further reinforcing the family’s bond with the organization.

In his early years at Gerken, Kevin worked for 13 years in the dredging operations on the river, laying the foundation for his subsequent transition to The Custar Stone Co. As a sand and gravel foreman in Williams County, he honed his leadership skills and industry knowledge. Now, as a supervising foreman at the Custar plant, Kevin is highly respected for his professionalism and expertise, earning the trust of his colleagues and teams.

Despite his leadership position, Kevin describes himself as a shy, quiet, and behind-the-scenes individual. Although he was never the popular kid in school, he has undoubtedly found a place at Gerken over the past forty years. And while he may not know every coworker on a personal level, he appreciates the diverse environment and the unique contributions each person brings to the team.

Dedication and Family Roots

Family plays a central role in Kevin’s life. He met his wife, Lisa, in high school; they began their relationship when she was a year ahead of him and dating one of his friends. Their love story has endured for 39 years, rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Together, they live on the family homestead that belonged to Kevin’s grandparents and great-grandparents. Kevin cherishes the memories of his childhood spent helping his grandfather on the laying-hen farm, collecting eggs, and working the land. His upbringing inspired him to restore the farm to its original glory—a dream he has successfully realized through hard work and commitment.

Today, Kevin maintains a small cattle operation and engages in grain farming, blending his professional life with his passion for agriculture. He takes pride in continuing the family tradition of farming, which has been a cornerstone of his upbringing.

In their leisure time, Kevin and Lisa enjoy off-road trail riding in their KRX^® side by side. They embark on two to three adventures each year, exploring trails in Michigan and Tennessee. These excursions offer them a welcome escape and a chance to bond with each other while indulging in their shared love for the outdoors.

Hard Work and Integrity

Throughout his career, Kevin has drawn inspiration from the values instilled in him by his father and grandfather. The lessons of dedication, hard work, and consistency guide him as he fulfills his responsibilities at Gerken. The notion of being available around the clock to his team, just as his father was to his job, resonates deeply with Kevin.

“Everything I have or own is because of Gerken,” he often reflects, highlighting his lifelong appreciation for the company.

One of Kevin’s notable accomplishments has been his integral role in establishing the new crushing operation at The Custar Stone Co. That project is particularly significant because it had been under discussion for two decades before finally being initiated five years ago. Kevin’s unwavering perseverance and forward-thinking vision for the company’s future played a crucial role in turning this long-desired concept into reality.

Kevin hopes that his children will remember him as a kind person who always showed compassion and understanding to others. He aspires to be an example of integrity, upholding strong moral principles even in challenging situations.

In his professional life, Kevin wishes for his teams to remember him as a leader who embraces challenges head-on and inspires others to do the same. He believes in the power of leading by example, always ready to roll up his sleeves and dive into demanding tasks alongside his colleagues. Rather than simply directing his team, he aims to cultivate an environment where everyone feels motivated and knows that Kevin would never ask them to undertake anything he wouldn’t do himself.

Kevin Maassel is a portrait of dedication—a man whose life exemplifies loyalty, hard work, and a commitment to family and legacy. His story is not just about personal success but also about the relationships he builds and the influence he has on those around him, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.