Team Members
Kevin Knobloch
Member
Co-Owner | North Country House Watch
Born and raise in Westchester County, New York, I learned early the value of hard work, craftmanship, and taking pride in what you build. After two years of college at RIT, I started my first business--a lawn maintenance company that I grew into a full-service landscaping company, retail garden center, and wholesale greenhouse growing operation.
My career eventually took me to East Hampton, NY, where I had the privilege of managing some of the finest estates and properties in the Hamptons. That experience taught me that managing a home or estate is about far more than maintaining a property--it is about trust, discretion, attention to detail and understanding what it takes to protect someone's investment.
After spending a year traveling the country in our RV, my family and I moved our way to the Adirondacks. Since 2005, I have had the opportunity to build and manage some of the area's exceptional compounds, resorts, private family compounds, and custom homes while working alongside a premier custom home builder.
Today, I am bringing all of those experiences together through North Country House Watch. My goal is simple: to provide homeowners with the same level of care, attention, and personal responsibility that I have provided to estates and properties throughout my career.
I am also passionate about passing that knowledge on to the next generation. I currently mentor two brothers as they build their construction company and work alongside my son-in-law, Jon, helping him develop the skills and knowledge needed to carry on a tradition of estate management that began with my grandfather during the Great Depression.
For me, North Country House Watch is more than a business. It is about trust, taking care of people's homes as if they were our own, and building a legacy of quality and service for the next generation.
Jonathan Smith
Member
Co-Owner | North Country House Watch
I grew up in East Hampton, New York and in 2005, I made the move to the Adirondacks, where I've been proud to call the North Country home ever since.
My professional background has given me a unique combination of experiences that led me to co-create North Country House Watch with Kevin and Jean.
For 15 years, I had the opportunity to work alongside Kevin, who has spent decades managing properties and working in construction. Through that experience, I developed a strong understanding of what it takes to properly care for and maintain a home, as well as the importance of noticing problems before they become major issues.
I also spent 13 years managing a Starbucks, where I learned the importance of leadership, customer service, organization, and building lasting relationships with the people I serve. I then spent three years as a development manager at Lowe's, gaining additional experience with home improvement, products and helping customers find solutions to their needs.
My greatest accomplishments, however, is my family. Married since 2006, and my wife and I have two children. Family has taught me the importance of responsibility, commitment, and being someone, others can depend on.
Giving back to the community has also been important to me. I serve as a volunteer EMT with Queensbury EMS and as CEO of the board, where I have the privilege of serving alongside others who are committed to helping our community.
All of these experiences have shaped the way I approach North Country House Watch. I believe in showing up, paying attention to the details, communication honestly, and treating people and their property with respect.
My in-law's and I started North Country House Watch because we saw an opportunity to provide valuable; peace of mind. When you can't be there to look after your home, you deserve someone you can trust to be there for you.
North Country House Watch--
your home, our watch, your peace of mind.
Jean Knobloch
Member
Co-Owner | North Country House Watch
I grew up in Suffolk County, New York. I bring a strong background in business administration, property management, construction, and organizational management to North Country House Watch, along with a genuine commitment to providing homeowners with dependable, personalized service.
Throughout my professional career, I have developed extensive experience coordinating properties, contractors, maintenance needs, business operations, and the many details required to keep homes and projects running smoothly. My experiences have taught me the importance of being proactive, noticing the small things, communicating clearly, and addressing potential problems before they become larger and more expensive.
I understand that allowing someone into your home while you’re away requiring a tremendous amount of trust. My approach every property with professionalism, discretion, attention to detail, and respect for the homeowner’s privacy.
As a local business owner, I am committed to serving homeowners throughout the Lake George and Adirondack region and understands the unique challenges of maintaining seasonal and second homes in the North Country—from winter temperatures and storms to power outages, water concerns, and seasonal property needs.
My philosophy is simple: every client should be able to leave their home knowing there is a trusted local professional looking out for it.
Through North Country House Watch, Jean provides homeowners with consistent communication, reliable property oversight, and the reassurance of knowing someone is there when they can’t be.
