About Simple Integrity

Simple Integrity is a local company comprised of artisans from the Cooperstown area. Founded in 2013, it has expanded to include many talented and experienced craftsmen. The core of Simple Integrity is a team of full time partners. These Team members bring a vast amount of experience and skill to our group. Utilizing everyone’s strengths allows us to produce a high quality product.

We live in the greater Cooperstown community in which we work.  You are likely to see Team members in the grocery store, at school plays, and other civic functions. We are more than just a construction company, we are your neighbors.   We are here to provide a service and improve our community.  We at Simple Integrity take great pride in our Team and in our work.

Simple Integrity’s Team pulls from decades of experience in the field to allow us to handle all types of projects.  These include some unique niches, but are not limited to, projects that involve historical timber framing, energy efficient design and construction, custom cabinets and trim work, and structural repairs.  Simple Integrity has multiple Certified Passive House Consultants© and Certified Passive House Builders© on staff to guide our high-performance projects. Our wide combination of experience in the construction field makes this array of projects possible from within the Simple Integrity Team.

We are capable and prepared to handle all aspects of home improvement and construction, simple or elegant.  We recognize that construction projects can be stressful and disruptive; Simple Integrity makes every attempt to minimize the negative while providing you with an excellent product.  We strive to accomplish this by streamlining the construction process and minimizing the impact on your daily life.

Simple Integrity is not just a name, it reflects our core values and commitment to high quality work backed by honest and fair business practices.

mission statement

Simply put: Integrity.

Integrity in our workmanship.
Doing it well and doing it right.

Integrity in our business.
Professional, honest and clear.

Integrity in our lives.
Faith, family, community.

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THE TEAM

Jon Edgington

Jon Edgington

Jon got started in construction in his teens and has built over 40 years of experience since then. He earned a degree in Industrial arts education at Buffalo State. Jon is a true master of his craft with expertise in cabinet work, stairs, historical building renovation and relocation, timber framing, and modern construction. In the past, Jon has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for many years before serving as Site supervisor from 2009-2012. Jon moved and restored many of the historical buildings at the Farmers Museum in Cooperstown, NY. He has shared his vast experience with historical timber framing via presentations at the National Timber framing Guild conventions. Two of Jon's barn restoration projects have been recipients of Otsego 2000's historic preservation award. Not limited to historical work, Jon is a Certified Passive House Builder. Jon and his wife Mary live in Milford where they have raised nine children. Jon wrestled in college and enjoys skiing, sailing, and kayaking.
Josh Edmonds

Josh Edmonds

Managing Partner Josh was born and raised in Cooperstown. He has enjoyed the concept of small business since his early days of walking neighbor's dogs and delivering newspapers. He got an early start with woodworking and attended the Windsor Institute at the age of 14. He spent most of his free time growing up, woodworking in a basement shop. From there he started working summers during high school and college with Jon Edgington. What started as summers has turned into a career. He attended Liberty University where he majored in Criminal Justice and Strategic Intelligence. He met his wife, Jaime, there where they were both Division 1 Track and Field athletes. After graduating and getting married, Josh and his wife moved back to Cooperstown. Upon his return to construction, he partnered up with Jon Edgington to form Simple Integrity. As Simple Integrity has grown and developed, Josh enjoys the challenges of new projects and has become heavily involved in designing high-performance houses. He still prefers to work with his hands, but has learned to enjoy the finer points of managing a construction firm. In an effort to continually improving and learning, he became a Certified Passive House Consultant followed by a Certified Passive House Builder. Josh lives in Cooperstown with his wife, Jaime, and two boys Asher and Zeke. He enjoys running, being with his family and being active in his church.
John Craig

John Craig

John earned his bachelors degree in english literature and philosophy from Lehigh University before working as a self employed carpenter in Pennsylvania and upstate New York. Settling near Cooperstown, John brings a high level of skill to Simple Integrity. He is a talented craftsman with a cheerful outlook. Earning his Certified Passive House Consultant designation in 2017, John has an exemplary understanding of building science and high performance construction. He has served as the site supervisor for Habitat for Humanity in past years. He resides locally with his wife Emily and two children. He enjoys most outdoor activities, especially with family and friends.
Peter Layton

Peter Layton

Peter studied business at New England College followed by architecture at Monmouth College and ended with seminary at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary. He has over 35 years of experience working in residential construction. He spent most of his career as a self-employed carpentry contractor remodeling high end homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Upon moving to upstate NY Peter, his wife and six children, purchased a 160-year-old farmhouse and are in the process of renovating it. Peter brings an eye for detail to Simple Integrity. Years of experience have made Peter efficient and a well rounded carpenter. On the old farmstead, Peter and his family raise animals and farm organically. Peter enjoys skiing, golfing and good food in his spare time.
Jeremy Hoag

Jeremy Hoag

Jeremy is a native of the Cooperstown area. He graduated from the ONC Boces building trades program in 2007. While at ONC Boces he was a member of the National Technical Honor Society. In 2009, he graduated from SUNY Delhi Magna Cum Laude with an associate degree in Occupational Studies(Building trades program). He spent 12 years working in the construction industry, running his own company before being recruited to join Simple Integrity. He recently earned his Certified Passive House Builder Certification. Jeremy brings a positive outlook and a great sense of humor to the team. Outside of work he enjoys Maple sugar season, hunting, fishing, snow-shoeing, camping, woodworking, and Ford Diesel trucks. He enjoys spending time with his wife Jennifer, son Jase and daughter Lana.  He also enjoys being active in their church.

Caleb Edgington

Caleb Edgington

Caleb is a well rounded member of Simple Integrity. He has a wide range of skills and a good work ethic. Before coming to Simple Integrity, he worked in residential construction in Chattanooga, TN. Caleb is one of the main electricians at Simple Integrity. His attention to detail helps him produce neat and tidy work. Not limited to electrical work, Caleb is a seasoned carpenter. Caleb lives in Fly Creek with his son Gabriel. He enjoys rock climbing, motorcycles and soaking up the sun.

Devon Gurley

Devon Gurley

Devon joined Simple Integrity as a 3rd generation carpenter. He started learning carpentry at a young age from his father. He grew up in the Catskill mountains and attended Gilboa-Conesville Central School. Following high school, Devon started building houses. That took him to New York City where he was project manager for Zacco Construction. During his time with Zacco Construction, Devon managed large scale, high end apartment renovations. That experience allowed him to become proficient in a wide variety of high end finishes and techniques. He brings those strengths with him to Simple Integrity. Devon excels at finish work with mastery of technique and an eye for the work.

When not on the job site, Devon is a Certified Interior firefighter. He resides near Cherry Valley with Rose, 2 daughters, Adrianna and Arabella. He enjoys hunting, fishing, sports, camping, family activities, kids soccer games, and snowboarding.

Connor Carey

Connor Carey

Connor comes to Simple Integrity with a unique background. He grew up in England and worked in the scaffolding industry, even setting scaffolding for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He comes with a number of certifications including OSHA certifications and a certified welder, he also recently obtained his Master Electrical License and became a Certified Passive House Builder.  His focused work ethic has made him an excellent electrician among other skills. He is easy to work with and a quick learner. 

He lives in Cooperstown with his wife Dayle, son Kaiden and French Mastiff Flo. He enjoys soccer, rugby, motorcycles, biking, boating, snowboarding, and martial arts.

Norm Farwell

Norm Farwell

Norm brings specialized experience and depth to the Simple Integrity team. He earned a Bachelors Degree in English from Cornell University and a Masters in Teaching from Binghamton University. He has taught English both in and out of the United States. Norm has a deep background in mechanicals and a keen interest in building science and healthy buildings. Norm has spent the last number of years specializing in energy efficient mechanical systems such as air-source heat pumps, wood and pellet boilers, mod-con gas boilers, hydronic systems, heat recovery ventilation systems, and solar hot water. Hand in hand with efficient heat systems, Norm, is an experienced dense packed cellulose installer. Not limited to mechanical systems, Norm is a seasoned carpenter with a wide range of skills. Norm lives in the area with his wife, Michele, and daughter, Maya. He enjoys being outside, cooking, gardening, and making cider in the fall.
John Turnbull

John Turnbull

John comes to us from Yonkers NY. Right after high school, John went in to business with his father. For 20 years they owned and ran a home improvement company. Much of the work was restoring historical mansions in the Park Hill area.  John has a knack for getting work done no matter what it is. His wide range of experience makes him invaluable to our team. John moved to the area a few years ago and lives in Morris with his wife, Jackie and 3 children Kacie, Lindsay and Mason. In his free time he enjoys snowmobiling, camping, and building stuff with his kids.

Sam Shafer

Sam Shafer

After graduating high school, Sam went straight to working for a general contractor doing remodeling work in the Cooperstown area. Transitioning to the Simple Integrity team, Sam brings experience and enthusiasm. Sam grew up on a farm in the Cooperstown area that his family has owned and operated. Growing up, Sam raised animals, worked the crops and ran equipment. Sam enjoys raising animals, sports, working out and hunting.

Jean Edmonds

Jean Edmonds

Jean was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She attended Bucknell University and obtained a Bachelors degree in biology. Jean moved to Cooperstown in 1988  with her husband Lee and raised 5 children here, 4 sons and a daughter. Jean was a home school teacher to her 5 children and an active member in her church where she leads the Mom to Mom Ministry at Community Bible Chapel. Jean enjoys cooking, hiking, birdwatching, teaching and spending time with her family.

Amos Edgington

Amos Edgington

Amos was born and raised in the Cooperstown area. After graduating high school he spent time working on large private vessels doing detailing and deck maintenance. Amos enjoys music and has assisted in custom guitar making. Before joining Simple Integrity, Amos spent 2 years working as a line cook and became a breakfast master. In his free time he enjoys biking, hiking and playing his guitar. 

Dayle Carey

Dayle Carey

Dayle was born and raised in England, she moved to Cooperstown in 2014 with husband, Connor and son, Kaiden. Dayle has over 15 years experience of customer service and office based work. In her free time she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. Dayle enjoys spin classes, walks with her French Mastiff Flo and summers on the lake with her boat. Dayle also enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Ethan Shafer

Ethan Shafer

Ethan grew up on a farm in the Cooperstown area. He comes to Simple Integrity with a strong work ethic. He is cheerful and eager to work. Ethan's  family has owned and operated farms for 3 generations. During that time, he has learned how to operate and run machinery such as tractors and excavators. In his free time he enjoys wood carving, cooking and reading.

Anna Edgington

Anna Edgington

Anna is a native to the Cooperstown area. After finishing school Anna worked at a local gym in the adventure department. She also spent 6 months doing missionary work in AUS. Anna is easy to work with, and works hard on any task she is given. In her free time she enjoys soccer, rock climbing, skiing, traveling and missionary work. 

Ray Smith

Ray Smith

Ray is a native to Otsego County. After graduating high school in 2016 he went to work in a cabinet shop which is what lead him to get in to the trades. In 2018 Ray attended Morrisville State Collage to study wood product technology with a focus on furniture making and business. He then later transferred to SUNY Delhi to do their residential construction program. Ray has also competed in the wildlife and forestry categories for Envirothon. Ray is passionate about woodworking, and in his free time he enjoys bow hunting, weight lifting and has a love for the outdoors. Ray brings a cheerful positive attitude to our team. He is a welcomed addition to Simple Integrity.
Bud Zaengle

Bud Zaengle

Bud grew up in Worcester NY. After graduating high school he attended SUNY Cobleskill to study computer science. After some time Buds attention went towards the health care field and joined Bassett Medical Center, later going back to education to study radiation oncology at SUNY upstate medical center in Syracuse. Bud then returned to Bassett and earned his title of Certified Medical Dosimetrist. Bud has spent over 35 years in the medical field working in several hospitals in various states including, New York, Wyoming and Pennsylvania. Bud returned to the Cooperstown area, and went back work at Bassett before retiring in 2019. While he has enjoyed spending extra time with his wife, Sally and 8 children. He decided he wasn't quite done working and joined the Simple Integrity team in the Summer 2022. Bud has been a happy addition to our team, he is a hard worker and gets on with the task at hand!    
Sam Layton

Sam Layton

Sam was born and raised in Otsego County, right after school he came to work for a brief time at Simple Integrity. He then moved on to other opportunities including landscaping. Sam rejoined the Simple Integrity team at the end of 2022 and we have been happy to have him back. Sam is a great asset to the team and gets on with the task at hand. In his free time he enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing and snow boarding.    
Grant Baron

Grant Baron

Grant joins Simple Integrity with a background in heating and cooling. He has a degree in HVAC from Suny Delhi. Grant moved around growing up but spent his high school years in Syracuse NY. Before joining Simple Integrity Grant worked as a landscaper and also worked for a heating company. In his free time he enjoys spending time at his family farm with his cousins and riding his motorcycle. Grant is a welcomed addition to the team.    
Chris Barnett

Chris Barnett

Chris joins Simple Integrity with over 30 years of construction experience. After growing up in Marshfield Massachusetts he joined the Marine Corps and served in combat in Operation Desert Storm. He lives in Herkimer County with his wife of 27 years.  He also has 4 children. Chris is a hard worker and has great knowledge of the trade, he has been a great addition to our team. In his spare time he is an avid bow hunter and active in his church.    
Justin Newnham

Justin Newnham

Justin comes to us with a background in HVAC and plumbing. He grew up in Upstate New York and currently lives in Burlington Flats with his girlfriend Luli, and step kids Isabella, Noah and Liam. In his free time he enjoys family activities, sports and being outdoors. We are happy to have Justin on our team.    
Garrett Quigley

Garrett Quigley

Garrett was born into a military family and moved up and down the East Coast. He graduated collage in 2018 and moved to the Cooperstown area the following year. Having worked in the building industry since 2013, he enjoys outdoor projects such as porches and decks. When working indoors, you'll likely find him with a spackle knife, often whistling to a tune. Garrett has been a happy addition to the Simple Integrity team. When not at work, he is either busy in the kitchen or has his nose buried in a work of history, philosophy, theology or struggling to learn a new language. Garrett lives in Maryland NY with his wife and two kids.    
Darren Banks

Darren Banks

Darren originally joined Simple Integrity several years ago. After moving back to the area we were happy to welcome him back. Darren grew up on a farm in Jordanville, after graduating high school he studied physics at Suny Geneseo and meteorology at University or Oklahoma. Darren is a well rounded worker, specializing in finish carpentry, framing and electrical. Darren works hard and will excel at anything that is asked of him. Darren lives in the Helderberg Mountains in the town of Rensselaerville  with his wife, Gayle and there many animals including dogs, rabbit and chickens. In his free time he enjoys hiking in the Adirondack, wood working and working out.    
Jake Hanlon

Jake Hanlon

Jake comes to us with a background in cabinetry. He grew up in the Cherry Valley area and spent his time after school hours in his step fathers cabinet shop learning woodworking. After graduating high school, Jake spent 10 years working in the local community. In his free time he enjoys golfing,  he is also enjoying fixing up his new homestead for him and his family, his favorite part of the day is unwinding with them over a heated contest of Mario Kart before bed. Jake has been a great addition and gets on with the task at hand.    

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