Team

TJ moved to Manhattan at a young age and the community has been home ever since. A graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Business Management, TJ learned the development and construction world from his clients while serving as a commercial loan officer in Kansas City and Manhattan. He started Back 9 in 2012 with a firm belief every project be built in a manner that company associates are proud to show off to their family and friends. TJ has worked hard to create a transparent experience for Back 9's clients that places an emphasis on quality construction and fast response times.

TJ is married to Lori and they are the proud parents of 4 children, Kaitlyn, Davis, Vivian, and Lillian. If you can't find him on a job-site or in the office check his driveway where he's probably shooting baskets with the kids.

David, born and raised in Manhattan has always been around construction. This spurred from growing up alongside his twin brother, Scott and learning from their grandpa who operated Manhattan Trenching. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in Civil Engineering, he worked as an engineer for Schwab Eaton, one of Manhattan’s most respected engineering design firms.

David joined the Back 9 team as a Project Manager in 2020. David loves seeing a project come full circle, from start to finish while analyzing every detail in between. David is married to Makenzie and loves spending time outside with family, friends, and his dog Remi.

Makenzie was born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas where she has enjoyed watching the community grow throughout her life. She graduated from University of Kansas with a degree in Education. Makenzie taught 2nd grade for 2 years before falling in love with real estate and the home building process. Makenzie is a hardworking and organized individual who's main focus is guiding clients through all aspects of a real estate purchase, sale or build.

Makenzie is married to David who also grew up in Manhattan. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Remington. Makenzie enjoys learning about her clients and how to make their dream home possible. She is excited to make a lasting impact in the community she cares about most.

Ross was born in Morgantown, WV and raised in Winchester, VA. He played quarterback at the University of Virginia and the University of South Alabama while earning a BA in Sociology and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. When his football playing career finished he transitioned to coaching with stops at the University of South Alabama, Kansas State University, and Virginia Military Institute. It was during his time on Coach Snyder’s staff at K-State where he met his wife, Lauren, who is a Manhattan native and Kansas State graduate. He exited college football in 2018 and worked as Associate Sales Manager for SR Homes, a new home builder in Atlanta, GA.

Ross and Lauren moved back to Manhattan in 2020 and opened Eat The Frog Fitness Manhattan. He joined Back Nine Development in July 2022 and has a passion for developing relationships and seeing Manhattan grow. Ross and Lauren are proud parents of two children, their son Jaxson and daughter Landyn.

Mike was born and raised in Marysville, KS. Most of his childhood was spent at the ball field or shooting baskets in the gym. He is a 2010 graduate of Kansas State University. He spent many summers working for construction companies in the Marysville and Manhattan area. During this time, he had hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of the homebuilding process. Mike worked for Pepsi Cola of Manhattan for 10 years following his graduation from KSU, with the majority of this time as Service Manager. Mike and his family now live in Kansas City and he serves as a project manager of Back 9's Kansas City custom homes.

Mike joined the Back 9 team in July 2021. He is enjoying working with clients to build their dream homes. Mike is married to Bridget and they have two children, Charlie and Ann, and two dogs, Cooper and Rudy. Most of Mike's free time is spent with family, but you are also likely to find him on a golf course. Mike's other interests include watching sports and playing outside with his kids.

Jake was born and raised in Manhattan. He has been drawn to construction and the home building process since childhood, learning from his dad and grandpa as they built their family lake house. Jake studied Construction Science at Kansas State University before moving to the Kansas City area where he began his career as a residential remodeling contractor. During that time, he gained valuable knowledge and experience in many of the various trades involved in the building process. Jake project manages Back 9's Kansas City custom homes.

Jake’s wife Claire is also from Manhattan. They enjoy spending their free time with friends and family and exploring the outdoors with their dogs Benji and Gus. Jake joined the Back 9 team in December of 2021, and he enjoys helping make clients vision of a home become a reality.

Lori was raised on a farm near Wichita, KS. She was one of six children, all of which attended Kansas State University. The Gruenbacher family was named Kansas State family of the year in 2001. Lori graduated with a degree in Milling Science and has gone on to work for companies such as General Mills, Quaker Oats, Pepsi, and Continental Mills. She has used her experience in supply chain to help design efficient systems at Back 9 to better aid their clients. Lori is a licensed Broker/Realtor.

Lori is married to TJ and they are the proud parents of 4 children, Kaitlyn, Davis, Vivian, and Lillian. There is nothing Lori enjoys more than spending time with her family, friends, and helping her clients find the perfect home or building site.

Heather grew up in rural Hanover, KS. Upon graduating high school she quickly began her career sales. In 2012 she began her photography business focusing on families and weddings. In 2017 she relocated to Manhattan, KS- where she quickly developed a deep appreciation for the amenities it provides. Heather looks forward to growing the community she now calls home! Since joining Back Nine Development Heather is becoming very knowledgeable with the building process and new construction, making her a valuable tool in any real estate transaction to better serve her clients.

Heather is married to CJ and together they have 7 daughters. Most of Heather's free time is spent with family, but you are also likely to find her exploring local wineries, or attending a concert. Her experience; Coupled with her love for real estate and her home state of Kansas, she is very excited to help real estate buyers and sellers accomplish homeownership.

Jackie grew up outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado and graduated from Kansas State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and Industries. She was previously a Supply Chain Analyst for a biotech company before becoming a licensed Realtor. She is quickly becoming a real estate expert who provides excellent customer service and prioritizes going above and beyond for her clients. As part of the Back 9 Team, Jackie is a great resource for all aspects of the industry- residential homes, new construction, land, and investment properties. Jackie’s knowledge and hard work will make your real estate transaction seamless.

Jackie is married to Ryan, and they have a son named Kale. They live near their family farm, where her husband works for a seed and chemical company. In Jackie’s free time she enjoys chasing her little boy around, shopping in Manhattan, and being with friends.