About
A sister publication to retrofit, a commercial renovation magazine launched in 2012, retrofit home was established in Fall 2021 to profile unique single- and multifamily home renovations. Among the projects showcased in the magazine are buildings, such as barns, factories and churches, that have been retrofitted into housing. The magazine uncovers the unique strategies and unexpected discoveries while renovating all residential structures, as well as provides guidance about the latest interior and exterior design trends.
retrofit home’s goal is to provide designers, contractors and others education about and insight into retrofitting existing homes for the betterment of their owners and communities.
Our Staff
Director of Operations
Becky Riester
Prior to launching retrofit and retrofit home magazines, Becky was the marketing manager and media services manager for several nationally circulated business-to-business magazines, covering commercial design and construction. Becky brings more than 10 years’ experience in all aspects of business media, including magazine publishing, advertising sales, marketing and events, to retrofit magazine.
Her favorite things include travel to warm places, red wine, anything that sparkles, and spending time with family and friends.
Publisher
John Riester
John has more than 30 years’ experience in the commercial design and construction industries. During his career he has founded and published four nationally circulated magazines in the commercial construction, residential and green-design industries. John also has been national sales manager of several trade publications. He brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience in magazine publishing and advertising sales, as well as industry relationships, to retrofit and retrofit home magazines.
Residing in North Carolina, but still a “South Sider” at heart, he is a huge fan of the Chicago Bears and White Sox.
Editorial Director, Associate Publisher
Christina Koch
Under Christina’s direction, retrofit has won several awards, including national AZBEE Awards for editorial and design. Prior to joining retrofit and retrofit home magazines, Christina was the editor of several nationally circulated trade magazines, including a residential remodeling magazine and a commercial green-building magazine. Christina has traveled extensively across North America and Europe, meeting with architects, engineers, contractors and manufacturers to learn about innovations and successes in design and construction. She is active in industry trade associations and has been interviewed by well-known news organizations, including The New York Times and San Francisco’s KTRB-AM 860 radio station. She notes interviewing former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley as her most memorable professional experience.
Beth Emerich
For more than 20 years Beth has sold b2b and b2c advertising for all media platforms—print, digital and social media, along with event sponsorships and show homes—for multiple publications within the residential and commercial building, architecture, interior design, remodeling, kitchen and bath, home technology and construction spaces. She brings this expertise and a strong sense of dedication to the retrofit publications, plus a unique camaraderie in the business because she has worked with many of the same clients since she started in publishing. When Beth and her husband are not traveling for work, they enjoy weekend getaway trips to paddle around in Northeastern lakes in their restored Old Town, 1937 wooden canoe.