About Us
Making big ideas happen.
While we may be a small group of dedicated staff, we can handle the big stuff.
We’ve been responsible for over $600 Million in commercial construction and real estate development projects, ranging from aviation, industrial, office, and laboratory facilities. Our longstanding relationships with key players in the biotechnology, aviation, and data center industries give us experience and expertise for future projects.
We bring a high level of skill to technical projects that make us the choice to complete uncommonly advanced work. We pay attention to the details within a project and commit to building trust with our clients, navigating those unexpected bumps along the way together.
As a full-service real estate development and construction management company, Strongbox has been specializing in all types of development and commercial construction in Indiana and Texas since 1985. We’ve transformed an old department store into a data center and updated an old factory in South Bend, IN into a modern workspace. From constructing airplane hangers to adding a greenhouse onto a current structure, here at Strongbox, we’re a small group of people that does big stuff.
Turn those big ideas or difficult projects into realities with our expertise, portfolio, and versatility.
Our Team
Paul W. Kite
Chief Executive Officer and Owner
Formed in 2004, Strongbox Commercial is led by founder and CEO, Paul Kite. Paul is responsible for the company’s entire portfolio of development, redevelopment, construction and leasing for retail, office, industrial and resort projects. Strongbox takes pride in its capabilities as a small firm to develop a vast variety of intricate projects, consisting of state-of-the-art technology, uncommonly difficult and advanced work.
Paul is also the Co-Founder of Kite Harris Property Group, LLC, which has a concentrated focus on real estate development projects in Boone County, Indiana.
Prior to forming Strongbox Commercial, Paul served as President of the Kite Development Corporation from 1987-2004. During that time, Paul was instrumental in diversifying and growing the company’s real estate portfolio to approximately 4,000,000 square feet. In addition to Kite’s own portfolio, Paul was responsible for investing funds from several private and institutional entities in projects throughout the United States. These funds have acquired, developed and disposed of 10,000,000 square feet of commercial and resort property.
Paul is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and is a licensed real estate broker. Further, Paul sits on the board of directors for Team Nebo Ridge and zWORKS.
Paul currently resides in Zionsville, IN with his wife, Gigi.
Education: BS Southern Methodist University, Engineering Management | Licensed Real Estate Broker, Indiana
Wade Rugenstein
President of Construction
Wade brings over 25 years of construction experience from his former role with Kite Companies/Kite Realty Group. Wade is responsible for coordinating and assisting in the design, budgeting, bidding and construction aspects of the project. Wade has led projects from start to finish on all different levels throughout his career and prides himself on his abilities to deliver quality, cost control, on-time satisfaction and safety.
In addition to his role with Strongbox, Wade is the Owner and Founder of Accolade Construction Systems, LLC which is an affiliate self-performing carpentry firm specializing in a variety of commercial construction scopes of work.
Wade and his wife, Amie, reside in Trafalgar, IN with their four children.
Education: Architecture at Vincennes University | Urban Development School of Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Jerry J. Williams
Senior Project Engineer/Construction Manager
Jerry is responsible for coordinating and leading the design teams on each project. He assists with budgeting, bidding, and touches all aspects of construction. This includes the design-build process, plan review, value engineering, contractor selection, building permits, site development, utility coordination, scheduling, budget tracking, owner/design team coordination, and management of various contractors/subcontractors/vendors.
Jerry has vast experience with aircraft hangars and a thorough understanding of the necessary components related to aircraft storage and maintenance. In the last 12 years, Jerry has completed projects at AAR Aircraft services (IMC), Comlux America (all facilities), MillionAir, and Signature Flight Support. As the lead designer and builder of these projects, he has an extensive working relationship with the IAA. With nearly 100 completed projects under his belt, Jerry has an outstanding portfolio along with the desire to continue its growth.
Jerry and his wife, Pam, resides in Westfield, IN.
Education: BS Western Michigan University, Mechanical Engineering | Licensed Professional Engineer, Indiana & Michigan
Tyler (TJ) Schmidt
Superintendent/Project Manager
Tyler brings over eight years of residential construction and wiring experience along with his entrepreneurial mindset to the Strongbox team. Contributing to the oversight of a project, Tyler assists with scheduling, coordination and management throughout all aspects of construction. A self-proclaimed “jack of all trades,” Tyler has the work ethic and determination to bring a project through to the finish line.
Prior to his role with Strongbox, Tyler ran a hotrod business restoring old Mustangs doing everything from upholstery, paint and body work to rebuilding engines. He found fun and fulfillment in this line of work, which eventually drove him towards a career in the construction industry.
Tyler lives in Carmel, IN with his wife Natalie, son Jackson and daughter Samantha.
Education: Degree in Electronic Engineering
Mark Kite
Development Manager
As the Development Manager, Mark is responsible for setting objectives, defining strategies, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Prior to joining Strongbox, Mark served 6 years in the Air Force as an Acquisitions Officer, where he worked on various projects to include: an electronic warfare upgrade for the F-15EX Strike Eagle II, the propulsion system for the next Air Force One, Airframe improvements on the V-22 Osprey, supersonic passenger travel, and Hypersonic vehicle investments. Mark is combining his defense background and Real Estate education to provide new business opportunities for the Strongbox team. Mark lives in Cincinnati with his fiancé, Avni. Education: BS in Management, U.S. Air Force Academy. MBA in Real Estate, University of Cincinnati.
Kristen Robertson
Controller
Kristen is responsible for maintaining all books and records. This includes Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Accounting, Cash, Payroll, Routine Tax Filings, etc. She brings decades of experience in these areas of responsibility.
Kristen is an executive driven by opportunity to bring order to complex businesses. Confident and effective in fast paced industries with shifting dynamics. Strong leader of cross functional teams to integrate around mission and deliver above expectations. Continual attention to high customer satisfaction while reducing OPEX and streamlining operations. Challenges status quo to drive innovation, streamline processes, implement automation/systems, and continually increase staff productivity. Unique ability to present complex information and data to all levels of stakeholders.
Kristen, along with her family, reside in Carmel, Indiana. This includes her husband, Tony, and their two daughters, Lainie (14) and Tori (10).
Education: MBA, Regent University
Tony Robertson
Controller
Tony specializes in organizing and sophisticating administrative and financial aspects of the business. He has broad experience across decades in many industries. Tony managed many early-stage businesses through growth phases and owns several small businesses in various industries from artificial intelligence to accounting services. He is a frequent investor and occasional mentor to small businesses. Alongside all of this, Tony is a board member of The Great American Songbook Foundation. Tony resides in Carmel, Indiana with his wife, Kristen, and their two daughters. Education: BS in Finance, Indiana University & MBA in Business Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business.
Darla Michaels
Executive Assistant
Darla provides administrative support to the Strongbox Commercial team. She approaches all aspects of each task with a positive, hard-working mindset and is passionate about helping find solutions where it is needed. Education: Ivy Tech – Early Education, Accounting, and Informatics.