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NUCA Tennessee






About NUCA Tennessee

NUCA Tennessee is the unified voice of the utility and excavation industry across Tennessee. We represent the contractors, suppliers, and industry partners responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure that supports our communities—water, wastewater, gas, electric, and broadband.

We are the only chapter of the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) in Tennessee and we connect local professionals to national advocacy, resources, and expertise while remaining focused on the unique challenges and opportunities facing our state.


Who We Are

 NUCA Tennessee was founded by industry leaders who recognized the need for a stronger, more coordinated voice for utility and excavation professionals in our region. What began as a small group of committed members has grown into a respected chapter representing companies that employ thousands of skilled workers throughout Tennessee.

Our membership includes utility contractors of all sizes, along with manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, and service providers who support this essential industry. We are built by contractors, for contractors—grounded in experience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to professionalism, safety, and industry excellence.

Our Mission

Our mission is to build ONE united voice for the utility and excavation industry while raising awareness of economic and political issues that impact our members.

We work to ensure our members are informed, represented, and prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry—while protecting their businesses, workforce, and long-term success.

Join the Voice That Shapes Our Industry

Membership in NUCA Tennessee is more than participation—it is a commitment to strengthening our industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Together, we are building a safer workforce, stronger businesses, and a more resilient future for East Tennessee.



What We Do

Government Affairs & Advocacy

NUCA Tennessee actively engages in government affairs at the local and state level on issues that directly impact our industry, including infrastructure funding, regulatory policy, and lien law reform. Through legislative luncheons, advocacy initiatives, and direct engagement with elected officials, we work to ensure contractor voices are heard where decisions are made.


Safety, Education & Training

Safety is a foundational priority of our organization. We provide industry-specific safety and education programs focused on trench safety, damage prevention, emergency action planning, and regulatory compliance—supporting our members’ efforts to protect their employees and jobsites.


Workforce Development

The future of our industry depends on a skilled, well-prepared workforce. NUCA East Tennessee is committed to workforce development through partnerships with educational institutions, scholarship programs, and hands-on training initiatives that create clear pathways into utility construction careers.


Member Engagement & Professional Connections

We create opportunities for members to connect, learn, and collaborate through educational luncheons, training programs, industry events, and networking opportunities. These connections strengthen our membership and reinforce the collective value of being part of a unified industry voice.


Why It Matters

Underground infrastructure is critical to public health, economic development, and quality of life—yet it is often overlooked. NUCA Tennessee works to elevate the importance of this industry, support the professionals who perform this work, and advocate for policies and practices that ensure infrastructure is built and maintained safely, responsibly, and sustainably.

Our Members:


Board of Directors:


Trey Goethals,
NUCA TN President
Cleary Construction

Wes Carpenter,
NUCA TN Vice President
Southern Constructors Inc.

Travis Smith,
NUCA TN Secretary
Workforce Development Chair
Stowers CAT Machinery


Mason Guymon,
NUCA TN Treasurer
Rodefer Moss


Wade Sexton
NUCA TN PAC President
Government Affairs Chair
Past President: 2024 - 2025
Knox HydroVac


David Hurst,
Board of Directors
Founding President 2019 - 2021
Hurst Excavating



Mike Adams,
Board of Directors
Past President: 2022 - 2023
Adams & Sons




Andy Graves
Board of Directors
Safety & Training Chair
United Rentals Trench Safety


Rance Merkel
Board of Directors
Merkel Bros. Inc.


Byron Goble
Board of Directors
Consolidated Pipe & Supply

Mike Cunningham
Board of Directors
Stowers Cat Machinery

Cory Hinchey
Board of Directors
Pavement Restorations


Jason Robertson
Board of Directors
Erosion Solutions


Terry Franklin
Board of Directors
Franklin Underground Utilities Services



John Fritts
Board of Directors
Governance Chair
TIS Insurance


Kelly Leach
Board of Directors
Blue Tank & Pump Rentals


Kevin Mowery
Board of Directors
Chattanooga Trailer & Rental

NUCA Tennessee
P.O. Box 5830
Knoxville, TN 37928
nucatn@nuca.com
Office: 865-264-3233

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