DJ grew up in the family business, working alongside his father David from a young age — helping build his first house for his grandmother at just five years old. Summers were spent riding along to jobsites, watching his father work, and learning the trade firsthand. "I was always drawn to him and respected what he could accomplish," DJ recalls.When David passed away unexpectedly in October 2007, DJ stepped in to carry the company forward — not just a business, but a legacy built on craftsmanship, integrity, and care for clients. Today he runs D.E. Zeilstra alongside his brother Ed and his mother Jean, with a crew that includes carpenters who've been with the company since the 1980s and '90s.Under DJ's leadership, D.E. Zeilstra specializes in high-end remodeling, custom homes, and historic restoration throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts — from early-century homes in Bristol, Newport, and Providence's East Side to complex projects like the restoration of Rocky Farm in Newport. He takes particular pride in helping homeowners who've been let down by other contractors get back on track with fairness and trust.An active member of the Rhode Island Builders Association, DJ is committed to preserving his family's legacy and supporting the future of residential construction in Rhode Island.

Louie has been with D.E. Zeilstra since 1983 — when DJ was just one year old. Over 42 years later, he remains one of the company's most valued craftsmen. An exceptional carpenter and natural problem solver, Louie brings decades of hands-on experience to every project. There isn't a framing challenge, finish detail, or field issue he hasn't seen and solved. His dedication and skill set the standard for the entire crew.

Tony has been with D.E. Zeilstra since 1998, bringing over 27 years of expertise to the team. His specialty is historic restoration — he has the eye and the patience to preserve the character of Rhode Island's oldest homes while making them structurally sound and livable for today. Tony is a meticulous problem solver with a gift for fine finish work and an attention to detail that shows in every joint, trim piece, and surface he touches. His son Nick now works alongside him at D.E. Zeilstra, carrying on the family tradition.

Gary brings over 30 years of construction experience and proud to be part of the team here at D.E. Zeilstra, with deep expertise in managing luxury residential projects from start to finish. Before joining the team, he served as Project Manager and Site Supervisor for top firms across Rhode Island, overseeing custom homes, coastal builds, and complex renovations.Gary is as comfortable swinging a hammer as he is running a crew. He leads from the field — coordinating subcontractors, managing budgets and change orders, and keeping projects on schedule while maintaining the quality standards D.E. Zeilstra is known for. He's the primary point of contact for homeowners, architects, and engineers on every job he oversees.OSHA 10 certified and well-versed in Rhode Island building codes and CRMC coastal permitting, Gary is known for his problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and clear communication with clients throughout every phase of a project.

Manny joined D.E. Zeilstra in 1994 and has been a cornerstone of the crew for nearly 30 years. Known for his relentless work ethic and unmatched positive attitude, Manny brings energy and pride to every jobsite. His upbeat presence makes him a joy to work alongside — and his craftsmanship speaks for itself after three decades of building and remodeling homes across Rhode Island.

Nick grew up around D.E. Zeilstra jobsites, spending summers working alongside his father Tony, who has been with the company since 1998. What started as summer labor turned into a career — Nick worked his way up from laborer to carpenter and now serves as Site Superintendent, overseeing day-to-day operations on the company's residential projects. With construction in his blood and years of hands-on experience at every level of the trade, Nick brings a practical, ground-up understanding of how quality work gets done. He coordinates crews, manages job site logistics, and ensures every project meets the standard D.E. Zeilstra has maintained for over 55 years.

Jean has been the backbone of D.E. Zeilstra's operations since she and her husband David founded the company together. Married in 1978, she has worked alongside him from day one — managing all accounting and bookkeeping for nearly five decades. Jean keeps the books balanced and the business running behind the scenes, making sure every project is financially sound from start to finish.