Kendel Richlen, General Manager (& Owner)
Kendel has been with 72 Degrees since May of 1993, but has been in the industry since he was 14 years old. His first boss in the industry taught him a work ethic and business sense that has motivated him throughout his career. Early on, he worked as a service tech in the Quad City area and in Independence, IA. He also worked for a local wholesale company for 2 years, before joining the service department at 72 Degrees in the hopes that he would eventually realize his dream of being an owner. By 1998 that dream came true. It’s a big change compared to his first job at age 6 when he helped his family mow the hometown cemetery. He and his wife, Julie, have two teenage boys and a dog. Outside of work you will find Kendel doing something outdoors; hunting, fishing, golfing, or following kids to sporting events. You might also find him volunteering at church, working on home improvements, or trying to carve out “time away from work” with his wife.

Scott Bontrager, Service Operations Manager
Scott has been with 72 Degrees since September 1997. He came to 72 Degrees having worked in the industry for several years in the Des Moines and Milo areas. His years of technical expertise, excellent employee relations, and caring customer service made him a shoe-in for service department manager as 72 Degrees grew. He’s been in that role since 2001. Scott has served two terms as the statewide President of the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors. Scott is also retired from 21 ½ years of service with the Iowa Air National Guard. He’s come a long way since his first job working at Hardee’s. He and his wife have two cats, Sheba and Lexi. They are their “kids”. Outside of work Scott likes to golf and go to sporting events, especially Iowa State Football Games. “Go Clones!”

Jason “JD” Pair, Internal Operations Manager
JD has been with 72 Degrees since December 2003 as Inventory Manager. He came to 72 Degrees with inventory management experience from outside the industry. His high school job pulling orders at Central Tractor sparked his interest in inventory control, and he continued working for CT until he joined 72 Degrees. His position has gradually grown to encompass supervising internal operations. Some days his learning “curve” has been straight up. He can be trusted to meet every challenge head on. He and his wife have 2 hunting dogs, Camo & Gunner. JD loves being outdoors in his off time. He is a dedicated duck hunter & fisherman, spending nearly every weekend during the season with his Dad, brothers, and buddies, trying to get their limit. He’s also a huge Nascar fan. Go #24!

Julie Richlen, Marketing & Human Resources Coordinator (& Owner)
Julie has been with 72 Degrees part time since 1999. From 1991 until 2000, she was a kindergarten and second grade teacher with the Johnston Community Schools. She also spent a year teaching as a Title I Reading Associate with Ankeny Schools. Working part time at 72 Degrees puts her organizational skills to good use and allows the flexibility to be an available Mom when her boys are not in school. She learned customer service at an early age, selling shoes at a mall in Davenport. Outside of work Julie can often be found following the Richlen boys to sporting events or shuttling them to their various extra curricular activities. You might also find her singing with the Praise Team at church, working on home improvements, reading, or trying to carve out “time away from work” with her husband, Kendel.

Nathan Kelsey, Comfort Advisor
Nathan has been with 72 Degrees since November 2005. He came to 72 Degrees with experience in customer service and Lennox Hearth Products, moving here from the UP of Michigan. He is dedicated to finding a balanced combination of services and equipment to meet customer comfort needs. Outside of work you might find Nathan spending time with his family & dog, or following the Yankees.

Megan Seuferer, Customer Service Representative
Megan is the friendly voice on the phone when you call. She is a full time student at DMACC and works part time at 72 Degrees. In her off time you might find Megan studying, shopping, swimming, following racing, or spending time with friends and family.