Our Team

Our Mission

“Quality and Efficiency with Integrity”

Our Team

Sheila Nickell

CEO

Dwight Nickell

President

Paul Nickell

VP of Asphalt Division

Grant Nickell

VP of Concrete Division

Kim Willis

Business Development

Steve Wiley

Executive Manager

Zak Smith

Senior Concrete Estimator

Bryant Oden

Asphalt Estimator

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Larry Duncan

Concrete Estimator

Todd Orton

Todd Orton

Concrete/Asphalt Estimator

Michael Varnell Headshot 1

Michael Varnell

Chief Financial Officer

Sulma Santana, Cindy Rowekamp, Jennifer Hobby

Office Staff

Think you’d be a good fit here? 

We’re always looking for talented, dedicated professionals.

Our Location

Main Office

785 Armstrong Lane,
Columbia, TN 38401

© 2024 Nickell Company. All right reserved

Contact Us

Todd Orton

Concrete/Asphalt 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.

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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.

Steve Wiley

Executive Manager

Steve Wiley is the Executive Manager of Nickell Company. Functions include implementation of procedures/protocols, coordination of safety program, and material/services procurement.

Education
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Kansas State University.

Career
Serving the construction industry through forty-plus years engineering and management roles in construction services, construction/agriculture equipment, and building products with Nickell, Deere, and Trane companies.

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.