Kevin Zeppernick, CEO of Columbus-based real estate firm Thrive Companies, is facing a lawsuit alleging years of sexual harassment, grooming, and assault against a former subordinate. The suit, filed in April 2026, also names two other Thrive executives, Mark Wagenbrenner and Steve Bollinger, accusing them of knowing about the alleged misconduct and failing to act.
Zeppernick, who presented himself publicly as a devoted family man and a prominent developer, is accused of subjecting the female executive to sexually explicit text messages and unwanted physical advances. According to the lawsuit, these alleged actions occurred over several years, with the complaint detailing messages from 2022 to 2025. One alleged text from November 2022 reads, "I want to bend you over."
The lawsuit claims Zeppernick dangled career prospects and financial benefits while engaging in unwanted kissing, groping, and sexual contact. A specific incident described in the complaint details an alleged assault occurring after the woman became incapacitated by alcohol following a work event.
The former executive also alleged that Thrive Companies fostered a "hedonistic culture" characterized by parties, drug use, and a toxic work environment. She claims that after she reported instances of harassment, including a coworker’s report of rape by another employee, Zeppernick retaliated against her by withholding promotions and altering her performance reviews.
Zeppernick has denied all allegations, asserting that the text messages included in the lawsuit are "doctored, manipulated, and/or incomplete." Thrive Companies, Wagenbrenner, and Bollinger also deny the allegations. In their response to the complaint, they claim that an internal investigation found Zeppernick and the complainant were involved in a consensual relationship and that the woman was terminated for violating company policy, citing concerns about her leadership and professionalism.
Thrive stated that Wagenbrenner and Bollinger acted "swiftly and decisively" upon learning of the allegations against Zeppernick, placing him on administrative leave to begin an investigation. However, the lawsuit alleges that after the complainant pursued her claims, Wagenbrenner told others she was responsible for Zeppernick's termination, leading to further hostility and an anonymous threatening note at her desk. She was subsequently placed on leave and later terminated by Thrive in September 2025.
Zeppernick officially left Thrive in July 2025, with the company citing "violations of company policy related to personal conduct." Public statements from Thrive at the time praised his contributions. The lawsuit seeks more than $25,000 in damages for claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, along with assault and battery against Zeppernick.
Neither Wagenbrenner nor Bollinger have publicly commented on the lawsuit. A trial is not expected until April 2027. The complainant was recently involved in a serious cycling accident and is recovering from critical injuries.