About Us
How We Started
Thentic was formerly known as Stemle and Associates. Founded in 1993 by the Stemle family, the company has a long-established history of being a trusted furniture manufacturing provider. Steve Stemle’s mantra was that an effective salesperson is always selling, always in the field, and always pushing products. This mantra became foundational for the uniquely dedicated customer service the company provided in comparison to other manufacturers. Stemle had created a new level of value for dealers and design firms.
Where We Are Now
In 2020, the company was purchased by Justin Wendholt and since then has become Thentic.
Before owning Thentic, Justin worked in the healthcare industry. He experienced first-hand the impact that designed spaces have on the comfort and emotions of people, especially in vulnerable situations. Justin worked in sales in the past and wanted to find his way back to it. The combination of his experiences naturally led him to purchasing the company, where he found a business that lived up to his values of service and sales.
Now, Justin and his team have the privilege of helping designers create functional and attractive spaces that foster better experiences for the people who inhabit them.
Meet Our Team
Authenticity and honesty in the service we provide are the keys to being a trusted resource for our partners. Transparency in everything we do is who we are, and it’s how we’ve built lasting relationships with our partners.
At the end of the day, we’re all just human beings, and at Thentic, we believe in just being kind toward one another and bringing positivity to our environment.
Justin Wendholt
President, Covering Southern Indiana
Justin came on board with Thentic in the fall of 2020. He officially took over the company on February 1, 2021, as President. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Sales. Justin has spent substantial time in various sales roles with his latest managing the sales force for a healthcare furniture manufacturer. He brings a fresh look at best practices to support, supply, and connect with our customers. His roles at Thentic entail a substantial amount of time supporting the outside sales team and also working with our corporate office. He also covers the Southern Indiana territory. When not supporting our team, you can find Justin spending time with his family or exploring the great outdoors!
Torrin Madden
Sales Associate, Covering Kentucky
Torrin joined the Thentic Team in 2024. He covers our Kentucky territory (excluding Lexington, KY). He is from Santa Claus, IN and a graduate from the University of Evansville. Torrin is new to the contract side of furniture, but has worked as a residential sales rep for the past 5 years. He enjoys playing golf and watching sports. Torrin is happy to be back in the tri-state area and is ready to help our customers.
Mitzi Rouse
Sales Associate, Covering Eastern Tennessee
Mitzi has been with Thentic since 2013 and has almost 30 years of sales experience. She covers our Eastern Tennessee territory. Her fun-loving disposition, passionate personality, and smiling face is always visible. Born and raised in Tennessee, Mitzi exudes southern charm from the get-go. Her nonstop speed and hard work is invaluable to her customers and our team. Mitzi enjoys the dynamic furniture industry. She appreciates the standard products but is also enthusiastic for new product introductions. Family-oriented and charismatic, Mitzi’s love for life, the ocean, and the furniture industry is contagious!
Tessa Davis
Sales Associate, Covering Central & Western Tennessee
Tessa joined the Thentic team in November of 2023 and is covering the Central and Western Tennessee territory. Tessa is new to the furniture industry, but her infectious personality, love for people, and enthusiasm to learn will take her far. Tessa grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, but moved to Nashville eight years ago and fell in love with the area. She has extensive background in retail management and retail buying. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, fishing and spending time with her husband, dogs, and chickens.
Jenny Hardison
Sales Associate, Covering Southern Ohio & Lexington, Kentucky
Jenny has been with the Thentic team since 2018 and covers our Southern Ohio and Lexington, Kentucky territory. Having worked on both the dealer and manufacturers rep side since 2005, she is no stranger to the furniture industry. Jenny knows what it takes to keep people happy. Her fun, loving, and energetic personality makes her easy to get along with. On the weekends you can find her enjoying the outdoors with her husband and 4 children. Being a mother and having a couple of marathons under her belt, she knows what it takes to work hard, persevere, and not give up. She is willing to go the distance to help you with your furniture needs.
Gerald Shannon
Sales Associate, Covering Columbus Ohio, Northern & Central Indiana
Gerald is covering Northern and Central Indiana, as well as Columbus, OH. He has been with Thentic since 2019, but a part of the contract furniture industry for over 35 years in roles such as a rep, dealer, and most recently with a manufacturer. Gerald feels fortunate in bringing this broad perspective to client interactions, building existing and new relationships, and serving Thentic customers as a rep. In his spare time, Gerald enjoys spending time with his family, working out, golfing, and music. Music is big in the Shannon household. Playing and signing around the piano with his children is his most favorite pastime. His friendly, energetic, persevering way paired with his wealth of knowledge and experience make him an invaluable asset to the Thentic team.
Robin Brawner
Sales Associate, Covering Northern & Central Ohio
Robin joined the Thentic team in 2022. She is covering the Northern and Central Ohio Territory. Her love for this business started after graduating from FIDM San Francisco with a degree in Interior Design and starting a job with a high-end wood casegoods manufacturer in California. She brings with her over 30 years of experience in the contract furniture industry, including sales positions with 2 major furniture manufacturers. Her years of experience have given her an extensive knowledge of the design industry and commercial office furniture. Robin provides a superior level of customer service and responsiveness to her customers and dealers. She will do whatever it takes to get the job done. In her spare time, she enjoys entertaining family and friends, travel, water sports, art and architecture.
Deb Wirtz
Sales Associate, Covering North Eastern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & Northern West Virginia
Deb has been with Thentic since 2016! With almost 30 years of experience in the sales field, Deb offers a refreshing take on the furniture industry. Her caring personality allows her to connect with customers with ease. Deb covers our North Eastern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and Northern West Virginia territory. She is originally from Wisconsin. Deb enjoys the outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her husband and son.
Tonya Sander
Office Manager
Tonya has been with Thentic since 1997! She is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Business Administration emphasizing in Finance, Marketing, and Office Information Systems. Tonya has extensive knowledge on all current product along with years of experience dealing with any and all furniture issues. She is efficient in 20/20 Giza, drawings, and specifications. Tonya is a problem solver with a charismatic personality that has established long-lasting relationships at Thentic during her many years here!
Kelly Hochgesang
Sales Coordinator/Marketing
Kelly is a graduate of Indiana State University with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Accounting. She has been an important member of the Thentic sales support team since 2013. Kelly is the sales coordinator for Mitzi, Robin, Deb, and Tessa. She also prepares all marketing material and social media content for Thentic. She has a diligent work ethic and is especially efficient when it comes to pricing for quotes, bids, parts, and warranty requests. Kelly is an extremely organized individual, pro multi-tasker, and her attention to every last detail makes her invaluable to Thentic!
Leslie Kiesling
Sales Coordinator
With a total of 17 years of working with Thentic, Leslie is one of our Sales Coordinators in the office covering Jenny, Gerald, Justin, and Torrin. She is a graduate of Harrison College, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. Leslie has excelled in many roles for Thentic including Outside Sales Associate as well as Inside Sales Support. The multiple positions she has held has helped her gain understanding of the complete business. She provides support to the sales reps with sample inquiries and aids in pricing and customer support. Leslie is a hard worker, fast talker, logical thinker, and is always making an effort to do the best possible job!
TESTIMONIAL
“Since Justin has taken over Thentic, Office Interiors has been pleased with how everything has gone from the quotation process, design, order entry, and deliverables. They always go above and beyond to help us look good in front of our clients. Their product mix has grown and given them the ability to meet all aspects of a building.”
