Kenneth Barry Thiel

Ken was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 26, 1969, and moved at a young age to Hillsboro Beach, Florida, where he spent his childhood skateboarding, surfing, and playing music. Music remained an important part of Ken’s life. He played many instruments, most notably the drums, and loved all kinds of music. Whether playing in a band, or a jam night with friends and family, music always inspired him and brought life and energy to the room.

After graduating from the University of San Diego, Ken joined his family business, Carpenter Contractors of America, Inc. Over the following 20-plus years, he worked alongside his father to help grow the company from a medium-sized family organization into the largest supplier of labor and materials to the residential construction industry in the United States, and he also developed industrial, commercial, and residential real estate throughout the country.

On a ski trip to Aspen, Ken met and later married Trina. Together, they welcomed their sons, Kamden and Kyler, who became the center of Ken’s world. Ken was a devoted father, and nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his family and sharing life’s adventures with his boys.

After the sale of Carpenter Contractors of America in 2021, Ken’s idea of retiring was quickly derailed by his love of building. He turned his attention to real estate investments in the United States and abroad, with particular focus on the southwest coast of Nicaragua. An avid surfer and golfer, Ken was drawn to Nicaragua for its world-class waves and golf, but he quickly fell in love with something even more important—the people, the natural beauty, and the lifestyle.

Nicaragua became a special place for Ken, and he eventually began building his dream home there for retirement. Although he sadly never had the opportunity to see it completed, the vision represented the adventurous spirit that defined so much of his life.

Ken embraced life fully. He loved surfing, golfing, fishing, skiing, diving, music, and attending Formula 1 races with his sons. He was generous with his time, his resources, and his encouragement, always willing to support people he believed in. He had a rare ability to make others feel energized and welcomed, and his presence could bring life to any room. His enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people he cared about left a lasting impression on countless lives.

Above all, Ken loved his family. The memories he created with Trina, Kamden, and Kyler—whether on an adventure, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or simply being together—were among the greatest joys of his life.

Ken will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His adventurous spirit, infectious energy, generosity, and love of life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Ken leaves behind Trina and his sons, Kamden and Kyler; his mother, Judith Thiel; his sisters, Susan Prince (James), Jude Kuipers (Treavor), Kimberly Dix (Jim), and Elizabeth Gasparovic; and many nieces and nephews.