(Editor’s note: This is the second of six stories honoring the NKyTribune’s ’26 NewsMakers of the year.)
By Laura Kroeger
NKyTribune staff writer
The Drees name is recognized as a dynamic national home builder that began in Northern Kentucky. While the late Ralph Drees and his son David have served as CEOs of the influential firm, one family member maintains a low profile despite her substantial deeds: Barbara Drees Jones.
As vice president of marketing at Drees Homes, Barbara leads a department of 30 professionals responsible for executing the company’s national marketing strategy and local advertising initiatives.
“I admit that it wasn’t originally my intention to take on a full-time role with the company,” she confides. “During the summers I would run blueprints and work some in accounting. It helped me stay in touch with my family roots. But I wondered what it would be like to work outside the company.”
Her father, Ralph Drees, had other plans.
“Dad urged me to use my marketing degree from Miami University to do closings. He could be very persuasive. Before I knew it, I was working full time and enjoying every minute. That was 1991. I earned my MBA from the University of Cincinnati at night. I thought it would give me perspective in my job.”
Barbara’s first pivotal accomplishment came in 2003. It was the 75th anniversary of Drees Homes and she wanted to ensure that something significant would mark the occasion. She was also getting married. As she sought wedding reception venues she realized that Cincinnati had a much larger complement of facilities. Then the idea struck her.
What if the company built a large event structure at Devou Park with much of the proceeds donated annually to the Park?
The Drees board loved Barbara’s idea.
The Drees Pavilion debuted the following year, a lasting tribute to the Drees family and a practical building for scores of events. Barbara has served on the Board of Trustees for Devou Properties, Inc., a non-profit organization that oversees the revenue-generating entities of Covington’s Devou Park. She is now the Board Chair.
Barbara is proud that the Drees Pavilion has helped generate more than $7.5 million in reinvestment to support ongoing improvements throughout the entire Devou Park. And of course there’s that amazing view of Covington and downtown Cincinnati.
“I was hired 24 years ago by Devou Properties to serve as its Executive Director over the Drees Pavilion at Devou Memorial Overlook and the Devou Golf & Event Center,” says Scott Mescher. “Barbara has been chair since I was hired. Her business insight and marketing knowledge is vast.
“I always want people to know that this wonderful project on top of this hill was her idea. It’s been such a blessing. I worked in the Drees offices while the Pavilion was being built and got to see Barbara in action. She is bright, insightful and direct. I’ve learned a lot from her. She is very modest and does a lot for Devou and the community that people don’t always know about. Barb doesn’t look for recognition. She does it all to be genuine.”
Barbara is committed to continuing the Drees legacy of serving the local community. In 2010 she was the first female president of the Northern Kentucky Home Builders Association and is active with United Way and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
As president of the Drees Homes Foundation, Barbara oversees the company’s charitable giving.
“I like to think of what my parents would want to support. They were great contributors to organizations like St. Vincent de Paul, Redwood Easter Seals, and the recently opened New Faith Community Center. My brother David (a former NewsMaker himself) just chaired the capital campaign for the Emergency Center of Northern Kentucky.”
The Foundation has committed $12.5 million to non-profit projects since 2016.
Barbara is also involved with philanthropy through the Horizon Community Foundation. Nancy Grayson, Horizon’s President and CEO, is a fan of Barbara Drees Jones.
“She is a steady voice as our marketing and communications committee chair. Always full of wisdom and grace, she is present, thoughtful and someone who doesn’t seek recognition. Barbara is a leader who walks the walk. She shows up and is always passionate about Northern Kentucky and what more we can do to thrive. I am so glad she has been with us since our early days.”
Barbara also is the rudder that steers the entire Drees clan as chair of the Drees Family Council. Every family member and spouse, now representing the fourth generation, meet annually to keep everyone informed of what is happening with the business. Often consultants come in to discuss topics such as succession plans and technology. Sometimes the meeting is held in a city where Drees has expanded. Austin and Nashville have been recent meeting locations where the group can tour the newest Drees developments and have some fun together.
When asked about her mentors, two come to mind. The first is her father, the irrepressible Ralph Drees.
“Dad believed in people and let them do their job. He was also community minded. Giving back to those who make a region successful was always foremost on his mind. I think that’s why he became Kenton County Judge Executive.”
The second is Jack Miller. He was the Drees Vice President of Marketing when Barbara began working there. A “big personality,” he nurtured his team and drew the best out of them. Barbara has followed in his footsteps.
“Of course nothing would be possible without the love and support of my husband Rich and our two sons who recently graduated from college. Weston earned an engineering degree from the University of Iowa and Cooper graduated with a business degree from Miami University.
“They have been very congratulatory about this NewsMaker honor. While I obviously like to stay behind the scenes, it’s nice to know that what I have done has made an impact. I am very, very thankful.”
For now, Barbara’s reach is immense. She and her team lead marketing for projects in 12 metropolitan areas across eight states. One of the largest projects is brainstorming on a centennial logo and celebrations for the company’s 100th anniversary in 2028. It will be hard to top the construction of the Drees Pavilion.
Knowing Barbara, she will come up with ideas that will further leave a permanent Drees family imprint on the community.
(Celebrate Barbara Dress Jones and other NewsMakers at free breakfast-by-the bite (with coffee) reception and awards presentation on October 7, 8-10 a.m., at Wenzel Distillery Event Center, 412 Madison Ave., Covington. All welcome.)
