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Our Team

Our Mission

“Quality and Efficiency with Integrity”

Our Team

Sheila Nickell

CEO

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Dwight Nickell

President

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Paul Nickell

Partner

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Grant Nickell

Partner

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Kim Willis

Business Development

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Zak Smith

Senior Concrete Estimator

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Chase E

Chase Estes

Asphalt Operations

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Bryant Oden

Asphalt Estimator

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Matt H

Matt Huddleston

Asphalt Estimator

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Kevin B

Kevin Baggett

Asphalt Project Manager

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Miguel E

Miguel Espinales

Concrete Project Manager

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Peyton D

Peyton Duncan

Concrete Project Manager

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Larry D

Larry Duncan

Concrete Estimator

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Todd O

Todd Orton

Concrete Estimator

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Michael V

Michael Varnell

Chief Financial Officer

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Cindy R

Cindy Rowekamp

Administrative Assistant

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Jennifer H

Jennifer Hobby

Accounts Receivable

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Sulma S

Sulma Santana

Accounts Payable

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Think you’d be a good fit here? 

We’re always looking for talented, dedicated professionals.

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Our Location

Main Office

785 Armstrong Lane,
Columbia, TN 38401

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Chase Estes

Asphalt Operations

With over 10 years of experience in asphalt construction, Chase has built a career rooted in hard work and dedication. Starting as a laborer, he advanced through the ranks from foreman to estimating and now leads in asphalt operations. Chase brings a wealth of expertise and hands-on knowledge to every project. His journey from the field to leadership roles has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of construction processes and the ability to manage projects with precision and efficiency. Chase holds a Bachelor’s degree in Concrete Industry Management, further solidifying his technical foundation and strategic approach to construction operations.

Cindy Rowekamp

Administrative Assistant

With 25 years of experience in the roofing industry, Cindy brings a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn into her role as Administrative Assistant. She supports the company in a variety of ways, including reception, document preparation, payroll support, and coordinating office events. Her adaptability and dedication help keep daily operations running smoothly and ensure the team stays connected with client needs.

Kevin Baggett

Asphalt Project Manager

With over 20 years of experience in the commercial construction industry, to include 13 years as a General Contractor, Kevin has built a career defined by quality craftmanship, operational excellence, and strong leadership. Over the past two decades, he has successfully led a wide range of commercial projects— from large-scale residential/multi-family, hospitality, and government complexes along with retail developments to healthcare facilities and industrial structures— always delivering on time, within budget, and above expectations. Kevin brings a results-driven approach and a commitment to collaboration that ensures smooth communication across clients, and contractors. He has a proven ability to guide projects from initial planning and permitting through final inspection and turnover, consistently exceeding industry standards. Kevin is also an “Air Force veteran bringing mission-focused discipline, leadership, and logistics expertise to the construction industry. From coordinating complex operations in the service to managing builds with precision and integrity—I build with purpose.”

Jennifer Hobby

Accounts Receivable 

Jennifer brings over 30 years of accounting experience in the construction industry, with a focus on accounts receivable and financial operations. Throughout her career, she has supported project teams with reliable financial management and a strong attention to detail. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, fishing, reading, and cooking.

Sulma Santana

Accounts Payable

Sulma is a detail-oriented and highly organized Accounts Payable Specialist with a comprehensive understanding of the full AP cycle, from invoice processing to payment disbursement. She brings a valuable cross-functional perspective, drawing on her diverse experience in sales, customer service, and accounts receivable. Known for her strong attention to detail and clear, effective communication with vendors, Sulma consistently ensures accuracy, efficiency, and positive working relationships in all aspects of financial operations. 

Peyton Duncan

Concrete Project Manager

Peyton Duncan serves as a Project Manager in the Concrete Division, bringing a well-rounded blend of field expertise and office leadership to every project. He is responsible for managing commercial and industrial construction initiatives, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. Known for his integrity and dedication, Peyton is guided by his Christian faith and strong family values, consistently demonstrating a commitment to hard work and building lasting foundations, both professionally and personally. 

Miguel Espinales

Concrete Project Manager

Originally from Nicaragua and raised in Florida, Miguel gained early exposure to the construction industry through collaboration with his stepfather, a civil engineer. This experience, combined with formal education across four Florida schools, laid the foundation for his career. He progressed from laborer to project manager, gaining hands-on experience in every trade along the way. Currently, he is pursuing his PMP certification to further enhance his project management expertise. He believes challenges are opportunities, especially when someone says, “You can’t achieve it.”

Matt Huddleston

Asphalt Estimator

With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Matt has built a strong foundation across civil, asphalt, and utility work. Throughout his career, he has taken on a variety of roles, developing a deep understanding of field operations, project coordination, and infrastructure development. His hands-on experience has shaped his practical approach to problem-solving and project execution. Currently, he serves as an Estimator, where he applies his industry knowledge to deliver accurate and competitive bids that drive project success. 

Todd Orton

Concrete Estimator

I am a Product Manager and Estimator working with both Asphalt and Concrete.

Education:

  • The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.
  • Major in Animal Science and Minor in Agriculture Economics.

Previous work experience:

  • Management Training Program, Tennessee Farmers’ Cooperative.
  • Product Manager for Automotive Tires, Batteries, and Accessories for the State of Tennessee. Tennessee Farmers’ Cooperative
  • Over 24 years in Glass Manufacturing and the Electrical field.

Keith Rogers

Asphalt Estimator

Keith began his career in Heavy Civil Construction in 1996. Beginning as an estimator, he worked his way into senior estimating and project management roles. He successfully oversaw the merger and acquisition of two large construction companies that he had helped grow into some of the largest paving contractors in North Alabama. He then transitioned into commercial development and land acquisition for a large production home builder. Keith brings a strong background in heavy civil construction and residential development into the Asphalt Division of Nickell Company.

Larry Duncan

Concrete Estimator

As a project manager and estimator for our concrete and bridge divisions, Larry brings a diversity of experience to every project he is involved in. He has over 16 years’ experience in the concrete industry in roles from carpenter, layout engineer, foreman, to project management and estimating. Additional he brings 30 plus years of miliary experience focusing on maintenance, logistics, and personnel management. Larry’s family is the joy of his life with over 25 years of marriage to his wife Tammy, where they have raised 2 outstanding young men. Larry will bring that same dedication and integrity that he has brought to our country and his family to complete every project he is a part of.

Bryant Oden

Asphalt Estimator

My name is Bryant Oden. I have been in the civil industry for 23+ years. I have been involved with projects that range from $10,000.00 to $2 million +. I started out in this industry running heavy equipment, surveying, crew leader and have worked my way up the corporate ladder. I enjoy working with our team here at Nickell Company. I am the Sr project manager/estimator for the asphalt division at Nickell Company, LLC.

Michael Varnell

Chief Financial Officer

As a Chief financial officer, Michael oversees all financial and accounting duties. Prior to joining the company, Michael served the construction industry as a certified public accountant assisting in planning and executing audit and tax engagements, maintaining client relationships, managing and reviewing the work of other team members, and preparing and presenting reports to clients. He provided other specialized duties including working in transaction services, forensic accounting, SOC reports, and expert testimony in legal proceedings.

Michael has more than 20 years of experience as an accountant.

Certifications: 

»» Certified Public Accountant

»» Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional

»» Chartered Global Management Accountant

Zak Smith

Senior Concrete Estimator

I am a project manager and estimator for the concrete division. I have 15 years of experience in the concrete industry in roles from layout engineer, superintendent, safety lead, to project management and estimating. I have a bachelor’s degree from University of Alabama in Huntsville Business Management, and as a Christian, I strive to use my education, experiences, and principles as a Project Manager and Estimator at Nickell Company.

Grant Nickell

VP of Concrete Division

As a Division Vice President, Grant brings a literal lifetime of industry knowledge to every concrete project. He began working by his father’s side at the age of 13, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in Concrete Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University. Grant oversees all things concrete with extensive knowledge and experience in a wide range of applications, from curbs and gutters to driveways and sidewalks; heavy structural to decorative concrete and site work. He also oversees our bridge division. 

Kim Willis

Business Development

Kim leads the Business Development and Marketing functions at Nickell. Kim collaborates with the executive team to develop key relationships and enhance the company’s growth in Middle Tennessee.

After receiving her Civil Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University, she has worked in manufacturing, has been the CEO of her family construction business and has worked in numerous other management positions throughout the construction industry.

Kim serves on several construction and civil boards and is a past recipient of the AGC “Iris Award.”

Paul Nickell

VP of Asphalt Division

As a Division Vice President, Paul oversees all operations of our asphalt business. Paul joined the family company after earning his bachelor’s degree in Concrete Industry Management at Middle Tennessee State University. Having literally grown up in the business, Paul has experience working in all departments of the company, from project management and contract negotiation to estimating and business development. His deep understanding of both the business and the industry brings an unmatched level of experienced leadership to every asphalt project. 

Dwight Nickell

Partner

As President of the family business, Dwight oversees all operations and sets the vision for the company. Dwight studied civil engineering at Tennessee Tech University, growing the deep knowledge he gained working in his father’s road construction business. 

Sheila Nickell

CEO

As Nickell Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Sheila provides the organizational and management structure for the business. Dwight and Sheila’s “God first, family second, business third” philosophy has been the cornerstone of the company’s growth over the years.