Kessler named to Ashbrook Board

Zanesville entrepreneur Robert D. Kessler has joined the Ashbrook Board of Advisors.

Kessler is president and founder of Kessler Sign Company in Zanesville, Ohio. His entrepreneurial pursuits carry over into other areas, including real estate, the hotel/motel business, retail outdoor advertising, business graphics and design.

Kessler started his business before graduating from high school, painting signs in his parents’ basement. Shortly upon graduation, he moved the business to the prestigious surroundings of a chicken coop. That chicken coop has grown over the years and his business now includes an expanse of three states (Ohio, West Virgina and Kentucky) and work for many national business franchises.

In the early 1970s, he served as pitcher for the minor league division of the New York Mets. A native of Zanesville, he has strong ties to the community including years of service to local athletic organizations. He has coached area baseball teams and worked with civic leaders to bring minor league baseball to the Zanesville area. He is a member of the local baseball hall of fame.

Kessler is also a member of the Board of Directors at Bank One, Genesis Bethesada Health Foundation, and the Midwest Sign Association and is an active member of Rotary International and the Zanesville Community Foundation.

He is married to the former Debra Bateson and the couple has three daughters, Julie, Valerie and Natalie.