Meet the Team

Mitch & Carrie Johnson

Owners

Mitch graduated from Hennepin Technical College’s carpentry program in May of 2010. While he has been around the construction business all his life, he officially joined the J Brothers team in 2005 and has been with the company full time since 2008. Today, Mitch manages all projects and oversees all scheduling and ordering to ensure all jobs finish on time.

Carrie is one of J Brothers Interior Designers. She holds certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and through the state as a Certified Interior Designer (CID). After graduating from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a bachelor’s degree in interior design, Carrie gained five years of experience in commercial design and three years in residential. She meets with new clients, does estimates and contracts.

Mitch and Carrie represent the second generation in the J Brothers' history when they bought the company in the Spring of 2022. The two enjoy being active and spending free time with their daughter, Halle, and friends.

Chuck & Teri Johnson

Chuck, the previous president of J Brothers, has worked in the building and remodeling industry for over 40 years. His high school shop classes helped him discover a passion for building and motivated him to enroll in Alexandria Vocational Technical Institute’s carpentry program.

He’s held a variety of positions in his extensive career, including project manager and vice president, in charge of building custom-designed, high-end homes for the majority of that time. Today, he uses his expertise to help new clients outline their remodeling projects, using their vision and ideas to determine scope, timeline, and preliminary budget.

Teri and Chuck married in 1978, and together they ran Chuck’s construction company in Central Minnesota for nine years. Teri worked as a bookkeeper for the business, learning all the ins and outs of the industry firsthand. She bought out Chuck’s brother in 2008 to become co-owner of J Brothers until Spring 2022.

Brian Otten

Project Manager

Brian comes to J Brothers with invaluable industry experience, having worked in construction for over 15 years. His background helps him oversee projects with a keen eye for detail to ensure quality craftsmanship and client satisfaction. To do so, he coordinates with the designer to make sure the final product matches the vision of the client. Additionally, he orders all the materials, conducts meetings/site walkthroughs with subcontractors, and holds regular meetings with engineers to plan large-scale projects.

Jackie Thein

Director of Design

Jackie is an experienced interior designer with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the University of Wisconsin and over 15 years of experience in residential design. Her approach blends creativity with practicality, helping clients create spaces that are both beautiful and livable. Whether it’s a full home renovation or a single-room transformation, Jackie brings a thoughtful eye for detail and a genuine passion for making homes feel personal and timeless.

Outside of work, Jackie enjoys spending time with her husband and their three young kids. Her family life inspires much of her design philosophy—creating spaces that are stylish, comfortable, and meant to be lived in.

Evelyn Truex

Junior Designer

Evelyn earned her degree in Interior Design from Iowa State University and brings a strong background in residential design and client experience. Her approach is rooted in creating spaces that balance function, comfort, and style—tailored to how each client truly lives. With an eye for detail and a love of timeless design, Evelyn helps turn ideas into warm, welcoming homes.

Outside of work, Evelyn enjoys spending time with her daughter and finding inspiration in family life, travel, and the little details that make a house feel like home.

Ali Schulz

Office Manager

Ali is the organizer of all things around the office. She sets up new client appointments, collects bids from subcontractors, and sends out project schedules. She has a degree in Legal Administration, which is well used when she puts together client contracts and manages invoices. 

When she isn’t working, Ali loves to cook. Occasionally, she spoils the team and brings homemade treats into the office. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, Luke, and her two boys.

John Billmeier

Lead Framer

With more than two decades of framing experience under his belt, John brings detailed determination and a flexible nature to every build. His understanding of structural planning and execution is second to none and lays the groundwork for success on every project. A reliable team player, John’s communication and follow-through help keep things moving to ensure accurate and timely completion along with client satisfaction.

As a true Minnesotan, John is an all-around outdoor enthusiast. He spends much of his free time out on the water or getting lost in nature. He’s also an avid golfer who enjoys relaxing and honing his patience and skills on the links.

Robby Roach

Framer and Detailer

Robby grew up in Oregon and was a ranch hand on a 150-acre cattle farm. During that time, he learned to frame and mend fences, bailed hay, and lent his hard work wherever he could. He’s a great fit at J Brothers because of his past work experience. Robby is always willing to help anyone who needs it whether it be at work, or after hours. His favorite part of the job is the chance to learn something new every day. When he isn’t working, Robby spends his time outdoors and with his girlfriend, Naomi, and cat, Eugene.

Luke Huff

Framer and Detailer

Luke brings a meticulous eye and a background in framing to every project. He grew up in Missouri, where he developed a strong work ethic and appreciation for quality craftsmanship he carries with him every day. When he's not expertly framing and detailing your pieces, Luke is busy renovating his first house. He also enjoys spending time with his Basset Hound, Hank.

Luke understands the importance of a well-crafted space and is passionate about helping you achieve the perfect look for your home. His dedication to detail and his enthusiasm for home improvement ensure that your framing project will be completed flawlessly.

Carter Stuart

Laborer and Detailer

Carter brings a positive attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed to every project. A true Minnesota native, he grew up a hockey player—an experience that taught him the importance of teamwork and dedication to a shared goal.

Whether it's assisting with detailed tasks or tackling larger jobs, Carter approaches every challenge with a can-do spirit. His enthusiasm and collaborative nature make him a valuable asset to our team.