Kris THORNE bio picture

Kris Thorne

President & CEO


Value Delivered

Kris is responsible for managing the company’s day-to-day operations. This includes the development, design, operation, and improvement of DeBra-Kuempel’s systems and services. 

Expertise

Kris has been in the construction industry for more than 35 years. His career began in his family’s plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business where he worked both in the office and the field. After completing college, he joined a major mechanical contractor specializing in design-build and design-assist projects. His goal was to ensure all projects were completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of the customer. He was promoted throughout his career from Project Manager, to Director of Special Projects, to Account Manager, and then to Operations Manager.

He joined DeBra-Kuempel in March of 2021 as Chief Operating Officer working alongside Joe Clark to understand the company’s culture while managing the company’s day-to-day operations.  In January of 2023, Kris became DeBra-Kuempel’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Kris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in energy management from Ferris State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Toledo University. He is active in the Mechanical Contractors Association and previously held positions as local President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Board Member. He also holds a variety of certifications and state licenses related to the industry.

The Personal Side

In his downtime, Kris enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He values staying active, so you will frequently find him outside running, biking, swimming, or boating.