Peter Mergen

Peter started Mergen Company in January of 1973, when a remodeler he was working for went bankrupt, leaving the job he was working on unfinished. The client asked if he could finish the job, which he did. He was referred to a relative who needed an upper level of their house refinished. His business took off from there.

Peter learned to work with his hands and to fix and make things from his dad, an engineer and do-it-yourselfer. His parents also taught him the importance of hard work, honesty and doing your best. He learned his carpentry skills from his first remodeling employer, who, besides being a good teacher, also exposed him to lots of excellent subcontractors.

Early in his career it was very satisfying to create and build with his own hands. Now he creates and builds with a team of great people – both employees and subcontractors – who are highly capable in their skill areas and are committed to giving his clients the best possible remodeling experience.

Peter lives in Bryn Athyn, with his wife of 43 years, Renee, an excellent ER nurse at Holy Redeemer Hospital, where they raised 5 children – all grown. They also have 8 wonderful grandchildren.

He enjoys reading about and discussing political philosophy, education and parenting, and especially enjoys Social Ballroom Dancing with his wife.

Kris Smith

Kris attended the Academy of the New Church College for 2 years, and started working full time for Mergen Co. in March of 1978.  Starting as a carpenter’s helper, he became a lead Lead Carpenter (project manager) and served in that capacity for most of his career.

Peter Mergen asked Kris to become Production Manager in 2007, and he now schedules jobs, supervises one to four crews, coordinates subcontractors, writes change orders and estimates added work during ongoing jobs.  Although Kris loved working in the field, he felt good that Peter trusted that he could learn and grow in a new direction. Kris still gets to pick up his tools and pitch in occasionally.

Kris loves hearing how happy clients are when projects are finished! He gets satisfaction knowing they feel that their money was well spent.

Kris is a member of the Bryn Athyn Fire Company since 1977, and a member of their board since 1982.  He served as volunteer Fire Chief for twelve years, and continues today as a volunteer Assistant Fire Chief.  He lives in Huntingdon Valley with his wife and best friend Nancy, where they raised their daughter Blair and son Kyle.  Now, Kris and Nancy babysit the grand-dogs while Blair and Kyle vacation with their significant others.

Keith Genzlinger

Keith has worked in residential construction for more than 25 years. The last 7 or so of them have been for the Mergen Company. His degree is in engineering and he has done coursework towards a masters in physics. Keith has taught precalculus, calculus, chemistry and statistics at the Academy of the New Church and the Bryn Athyn College. Less relevant to construction, he does sound reinforcement work, when asked, works as a freelance musician playing brass instruments and can bake a decent pie.

 

Bill Rowan

Bill grew up working with his father. He took carpentry and architectural design in high school, then went on to Orleans College for building maintenance. When asked what he enjoys about his work, Bill says, "I enjoy everything about my work. Mergen Co. is by far the best company I have worked for."

Bill lives in Philadelphia with his wife Lynn, eight kids (four boys and four girls), a dog and a dragon! He enjoys spending time with his family and working on vehicles.