Our Story

WE ARE WATHCO

At Wathco, we have a simple philosophy; focus on what you do best, act with integrity in everything you do, and stand by your work. These guiding principles have made us an industry leader, a superior company for which to work, and the contractor of choice for many of America’s top corporations. As a nationwide, facilities, remodeling and storm response contractor, reliability, trust, and service are more than just words; they are the blueprints for our business.

With over 30 years experience, over 4,000 remodels completed and a dedicated traveling superintendent and dedicated traveling constructions crews. We can pull permits in all 50 states.

Years in Business

Completed Projects and Renovations

Dedicated Traveling Contractors

Meet Our Team

JASON J. WALDER

CEO Wathco Inc. General Contractor

JASON J. WALDER

CEO Wathco Inc. General Contractor

About

Jason Walder serves as Chief Executive Officer of Wathco Inc., a national general contractor focused on restaurant brand rollouts, reimaging programs, and expansions. Under his leadership since the company’s founding, Wathco has grown into a recognized leader in the restaurant remodel space, with licensing and registrations across the continental United States. Jason has built a strong and diverse client portfolio while developing a proven operational strategy that has supported the company’s steady growth for more than 30 years. He oversees overall operations, drives new client development, and works closely with the team to improve efficiency and maximize performance across the organization.

Jason earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville in 1995. He also serves as the qualifier on Wathco’s general contractor licenses nationwide.

Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, boating, and being outdoors.

Qualifications

Vendor of the Year Nominee for Buffalo Wild Wings
Project Highlights in multiple industry magazines; Guest Speaker at the University of Wisconsin; Consultant/Expert Witness

Jeff Kletzine

Chief Operating Officer | Wathco LLC

Jeff Kletzine

Chief Operating Officer | Wathco LLC

Jeff Kletzine serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Wathco LLC, helping lead the company’s mission of transforming lives, buildings and communities for restaurant and commercial retail clients nationwide. With Wathco’s 30-year legacy in the industry, Jeff is proud to be part of a team built on trust, craftsmanship, and long-term client relationships.

Wathco is a recognized leader in restaurant remodels, tenant improvements, and restaurant conversions, supporting some of the country’s most respected brands as they refresh, expand, and evolve their locations. Jeff also plays a key role in the continued growth of Wathco’s Restaurant Facilities Group, as well as the company’s expanding presence in the commercial retail vertical market.

With 27 years of experience in the construction industry, Jeff’s career reflects a deep commitment to the business and the people behind it. He began his journey as an intern, advanced into project management, and went on to serve as a division leader before stepping into his current role as COO. His hands-on experience across every stage of the organization allows him to lead with clarity, collaboration, and a strong focus on operational excellence.

Jeff is known for his relationship-driven leadership style and his belief that the best results come from strong teams, clear communication, and a shared commitment to delivering quality work for clients.

Outside of Wathco, Jeff enjoys staying active in the community as an assistant coach for his middle daughter’s club volleyball team. He has been married to his wife, Kirsten, for 20 years, and together they are raising three daughters — Kambell, a college student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Josie, a junior high student, and Kolbi, who is in middle school. The Kletzine family also includes their beloved dog, Ruby.

Darlene S. Stone

Chief Financial Officer, Wathco LLC.

Darlene S. Stone

Chief Financial Officer, Wathco LLC.

Darlene Stone serves as Chief Financial Officer of Wathco LLC., bringing more than 30 years of financial leadership and operational expertise to the company’s strategic growth. Since joining Wathco in 2009, she has played a central role in strengthening the firm’s financial infrastructure, shaping financial and operational strategy, enhancing budgeting and forecasting processes, and driving disciplined risk and compliance frameworks. Darlene’s leadership also includes oversight of technology systems, internal controls, and close partnership with operations and project teams to support scalable performance.

Darlene is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience providing tax, accounting, and advisory services. Her background in public accounting and project-based businesses — particularly within the construction industry — informs her analytical approach, focus on process improvement, and commitment to financial transparency and performance excellence.

Darlene earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Georgia State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and outdoor activities.

Geoff Jones

Facilities Project Manager

Geoff Jones

Facilities Project Manager

Geoff joined WATHCO in 2018 as a Project Manager, bringing a wealth of experience in retail, contracting, and project management. He is a cornerstone of the team, known for being someone both colleagues and clients can always count on. In his current role as Project Manager of Facilities, Geoff works with major national brands, including Inspire Brands—which encompasses Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings—as well as Chili’s Restaurants. He is consistently relied upon to deliver outstanding results.

Brand partners and clients deeply respect Geoff for his unwavering dependability and integrity. He is trusted with high-stakes projects because he communicates clearly, manages every detail with precision, and ensures that budgets and timelines are always met. Geoff’s ability to build strong, lasting relationships is foundational to his success—senior leaders at client organizations know they can rely on him to handle any challenge and exceed expectations.

His commitment to excellence was recognized when Geoff and WATHCO received the Papa John’s Construction Partner Award in 2023—a first in the company’s history. Geoff’s leadership, reliability, and relationship-building skills set him apart as a highly respected and indispensable partner.

Outside of work, Geoff enjoys spending time with his family near the water or giving back to his community. His “build it, fix it, improve it” mindset means he’s always ready to lend a hand, and friends and neighbors know they can depend on his impressive carpentry skills. Geoff’s willingness to help others is just another reason why he is so valued by everyone who knows him.

Kenneth D. ”Kenny” Schlenker

Regional Project Manager

Kenneth D. ”Kenny” Schlenker

Regional Project Manager

Kenny Schlenker began his career in 1992, starting from the ground up—literally—sweeping floors and learning the construction industry from its foundation. Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to mastering his craft, he quickly advanced to become a carpenter. His skill, leadership, and strong work ethic led him to the role of Lead Carpenter, where he supervised crews and ensured projects were executed with precision and quality.

Continuing his upward trajectory, Kenny transitioned into the role of Site Superintendent, overseeing day-to-day field operations and coordinating teams to keep projects on schedule and within scope. His ability to manage both people and processes naturally led him into project management, where he further developed his expertise in budgeting, scheduling, client relations, and overall project execution.

Today, Kenny serves as Senior Project Manager at Wathco, where he is approaching his 15th year with the company. In this role, he provides strategic leadership, mentors team members, and oversees complex construction projects from conception to completion. His decades of hands-on field experience combined with executive-level project oversight give him a unique and comprehensive perspective on construction management.

Outside of work, Kenny is a devoted husband and proud father of three daughters. A family-oriented man at heart, he prioritizes time with his wife and girls above all else. In his free time, he enjoys water sports and golf—activities that reflect both his energetic spirit and appreciation for time outdoors.

From sweeping floors to leading major projects, Kenny’s career is a testament to perseverance, growth, and dedication to both his profession and his family.

Tyler (Tye) Walder

Project Manager

Tyler (Tye) Walder

Project Manager

Tye Walder currently serves as a Project Manager at Wathco, bringing a hands-on background and a well-rounded understanding of the construction process to every project he leads. He began his career in the field immediately after college, progressing through multiple roles and spending several years as a Superintendent before transitioning into project management in 2023.

Tye has successfully managed projects across a diverse range of sectors, including restaurant construction, indoor sports facilities, and higher education campuses. His field experience allows him to effectively coordinate teams, anticipate challenges, and deliver projects that meet high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

In 2024, Tye was honored with the Vendor of the Year Award from Zaxby’s, recognizing his commitment to excellence, strong client relationships, and consistent project performance.

Outside of work, Tye enjoys spending time with his wife, friends, and dogs, traveling, and being anywhere near the water.

Joe Rudloff

Project Manager

Joe Rudloff

Project Manager

As a project manager at Wathco LLC, Joe has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry as a General Contractor, superintendent, and project manager. He successfully manages projects of all sizes and specializes in overseeing projects with Darden Restaurants Inc. as well as many other clients.

During his time away from work Joe enjoys hiking, biking, and camping with his family in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Timothy Plotts

Project Manager

Timothy Plotts

Project Manager

Timothy Plotts is an experienced Project Manager known for his strong problem‑solving abilities and excellent communication skills. With more than 25 years of diversified experience in the construction industry—including sales, drafting, estimating, structural engineering, and project management—Tim brings a comprehensive and well-rounded perspective to every project he oversees. His broad expertise makes him a highly valuable member of the Wathco Construction team.

Over the past 15 years, Tim has successfully helped build and expand national brands throughout the Southeast, specializing in ground‑up construction, remodels, and tenant build‑outs. He places a strong emphasis on cultivating long‑term relationships with clients, trade partners, and field teams, ensuring that each project is delivered on time and within budget.

Outside of his professional work, Tim enjoys traveling internationally, studying history and art, fishing, shooting sports, and reading.

Brad Lewis

Project Manager

Brad Lewis

Project Manager

With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Brad is a leader specializing in commercial and industrial project management. Brad has successfully directed complex, multi-million-dollar projects from preconstruction through completion, consistently delivering on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Brad brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, contract negotiation, cost control, scheduling, risk management, and team leadership. Throughout a distinguished career, he has led cross-functional teams and built strong partnerships with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure seamless project execution.

Recognized for operational excellence, sound decision-making, and a commitment to safety and performance, Brad continues to drive successful outcomes across diverse commercial and industrial construction environments.

Brenton King

Project Manager

Brenton King

Project Manager

I’m a results-driven Construction Project Manager with a background in account management, client relations, and operations management. I have a Bachelor’s from Georgia Tech and Master’s from Jacksonville State both Business Management. I bring a business-first approach to construction projects while balancing schedule, budget, and quality. Building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders is a key part of how I work.

My experience coordinating complex operations and managing client expectations has shaped how I approach project planning and execution. I focus on turning business goals into clear project plans, improving workflows, and keeping teams accountable. I’m known for clear communication, strong problem-solving skills, and operational efficiency. I take pride in delivering successful projects from pre-construction through closeout.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and son and staying active in the outdoors through hunting and fishing throughout the year. I also look forward to watching football on weekends with friends and family.

Shane Wamstad

Construction Superintendent

Shane Wamstad

Construction Superintendent

Shane Wamstad serves as Senior Commercial Construction Job Site Superintendent. Shane has been an instrumental asset to Wathco for over a decade. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of commercial construction give him the skills and confidence to manage any situation that arises in the field.

Shane’s project portfolio ranges from smaller facility work to managing multiple locations under construction at the same time. He has built his success on strong client relationships and a proactive, tenacious approach to solving unforeseen challenges. Shane brings more than 20 years of experience in the commercial construction industry.

Shane is OSHA 30 Construction certified and Corian certified, with a broad working knowledge across multiple trades.

Outside of work, Shane enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.

What sets us apart

For 30 years, Wathco has been committed to building lasting relationships and delivering enduring value. As your trusted partner for commercial renovations and remodels, we deliver quality, reliability, and results for restaurants and retail nationwide.

BEST VALUE

We combine quality workmanship, superior knowledge and low prices to provide you with service unmatched by our competitors.

SAVING TIME

We have the experience, personnel and resources to make the project run smoothly. We can ensure a job is done on time.

WITHIN BUDGET

Working with us involves a carefully planned series of steps, centered around a schedule we stick to and daily communication.