About
Our History
The Story Behind Crawls & Basement Renovations
Crawls & Basement Renovations started in 1992, when Kelly Chesshir, a hands-on family man, began tackling home repair projects one basement at a time. What began as a small, determined effort to help neighbors grew into a trusted, family-run business dedicated to protecting homes and improving living spaces. Today, with over 30 years of experience, we continue that tradition, bringing the same care, integrity, and personal touch to every project, helping homeowners in Brazil, Indiana and beyond feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their homes.
Meet the Owner
Jeff Martin, President
Jeff has spent more than twenty-five years working with top contractors across the country. With experience in both manufacturing and distribution, he has a unique perspective on every side of the construction industry. “He brings the experience and expertise to build on our passion for being a leader in the waterproofing and service industry,” says founder Kelly Chesshir.
A devoted fisherman, Jeff treasures time with his family even more. “Spending quality time with my wife, our sons, and their families brings me more joy than I could ever explain,” he says. Married to his wife Susan for over thirty years, they have three sons, three granddaughters, and two grandsons. “Family is everything,” adds Jeff.
When asked about his long-term goal while leading Crawls & Basement Renovations, Jeff says: “To ensure every home we work on is safe, protected, and maintained using the latest technologies available.” He continues, “I want every customer to have complete peace of mind knowing their home is in expert hands.”
Meet Our Team
At Crawls & Basement Renovations, our strength comes from the people behind the work. Many of our team members have grown with us over the years, bringing skill, expertise, and a deep sense of pride to every home we touch. Their dedication and long-term experience are what make our work reliable, innovative, and truly personal. Meet the team who help turn our vision into reality.
Darrik Martin
System Designer
Darrik Martin is a System Designer who brings a strategic, client-focused approach to every project he works on. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, providing a strong foundation for his results-driven mindset and commitment to thoughtful, well-executed design solutions.
In his role, Darrik is dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients while ensuring a smooth, innovative design process from start to finish. He values integrity, consistency, and clear communication, building strong relationships that extend well beyond the initial consultation.
Outside of work, Darrik is a proud family man who enjoys time with his wife and children. He coaches and cheers on his kids in sports, appreciating the teamwork and discipline they learn along the way. An avid golfer, he values the focus and camaraderie the game brings.
Kelly Chesshir
Founder and Sales Person
Kelly has never met a stranger. His outgoing personality and genuine approach are traits his customers immediately connect with. For Kelly, it has never been about simply selling a job, but rather it’s about meeting people where they are, understanding their needs, and providing real solutions.
Outside of work, Kelly is an avid golfer and bowler and has traveled the country competing in softball tournaments. He enjoys sports of all kinds, but his favorite moments are spent with his wife, LaDonna, and their many grandchildren. With retirement on the horizon, you’ll find Kelly on the golf course a little more often, but don’t be surprised if you also find the founder of Crawls crawling around your home, searching for the best solution. It’s his passion, and one we doubt retirement will ever take away.
Josh Hardy
General Production Manager
Josh has been part of Crawls & Basement Renovations for eighteen years, growing alongside the company and mastering every aspect of field work. As a crew leader for seven of those years, he strengthened our customer relationships, and now, as Production Manager, he trains and develops field personnel into some of the best in the business.
“His experience is vital to our company,” says founder Kelly Chesshir. “He has brought so much to the team and helped shape the culture we have today.”
Outside of work, Josh enjoys fishing, kayaking, boating, and camping. He and his high school sweetheart, Sky, have been married fifteen years and are raising two young sons. And when he’s not exploring the outdoors, you might find him at our local Mexican restaurant. “I’m not sure if that counts as a hobby,” he laughs, “but I do love me some Mexican food!”
Susan Martin
Chief Marketing Officer
Susan leads our marketing strategies, making sure every message we share is meaningful, relevant, and engaging without overwhelming our clients. With a career spanning thirty years (mostly in the home-engineering field) she brings deep expertise and a thoughtful approach to how we communicate our services.
At home, Susan is a proud mom to three boys (Sean, Darrik, and Bryce) and a devoted grandmother to three granddaughters and two grandsons. When she’s not crafting marketing strategies, you might find her golfing, bowling, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea or cocoa while watching the Hallmark channel.
Asked about her greatest passion, she says, “I just love being a mom and a grammy!”
Wes Hagar
Field Manager and Epoxy Coatings Foreman
Wes is the Field Manager for Crawls & Basement Renovations and often serves as the primary point of contact on job sites. He provides clear, consistent communication through before, during, and after photos, manages material procurement, and maintains efficient production across our system installers. Wes also leads our professional epoxy division, applying experience, precision, and integrity to every project. Before entering the epoxy flooring industry, he owned and operated a lawn care business for five years, developing a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a customer-first mindset.
Wes is certified by Leggari Coatings, our preferred epoxy distributor, and is extensively trained in a wide range of epoxy flooring systems and applications. His work reflects a commitment to quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and durable, visually impactful results for homeowners and businesses alike.
Janice (Jan) Campbell
Office Manager
Jan has been an integral part of Crawls & Basement Renovations for over sixteen years, managing everything from payroll and permitting to accounts and audits. Most of the time, she’ll be the friendly voice on the other end of the line, helping you schedule your upcoming inspection and keeping our office running smoothly.
A passionate dog handler, Jan devotes much of her free time to her border collies, competing in agility events across the nation.
“Having a friendly voice on the other end of the line is important to us,” says Jeff Martin. “Jan helps us maintain our hometown, professional approach—making sure we stay approachable while delivering top-quality service.”
Meet the Founder
Kelly Chesshir
In the years leading up to the summer of 1992, Kelly noticed a major gap in the construction industry. While servicing customers as an exterminator for Terminix, he repeatedly encountered leaking basements, wet crawlspaces, and mold, all problems affecting some of the most important parts of a home. Seeing these issues ignored day after day drove him to a decision: he would become the solution.
That fateful summer of 1992, Crawls was born.
In the early years, Kelly was a true one-man operation. From bidding projects to completing them, he was the face of the company and the primary point of contact for every customer. As business grew, his beautiful bride, LaDonna, stepped in on her days off to help complete projects. Long days and hard work lay ahead, but together they persevered. Today, Crawls is the trusted leader in waterproofing throughout the Wabash Valley.
Committed to Industry Excellence
We’re proud to be active members of respected local and national organizations that help us stay connected and uphold the highest standards.
Hear What Our Clients Say
We’re proud of the relationships we’ve cultivated with our clients - and even prouder when they are willing to tell others about us!
Have questions about your home project?
Let’s talk and find the right solution for you.