Chapter: Columbus
Name: Nate Smith
Company: Shelly & Sands Inc.
Position: Quality Control
Although there is no known attribution to who said: “Only take advice from someone who’s been where you want to go,” Nate Smith can attribute the saying to much of his life.
A 15-year veteran of Shelly & Sands Inc. and first-year chair of the Columbus Chapter, Smith said he has always enjoyed “all things outdoors.” Growing up near Newark, Smith enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking as well as construction. “My father had some background in home construction and started my interest in building,” he said. “Heavy/highway construction is the perfect industry for building in the outdoors.”
Urged by his family to pursue his interest in construction, Smith attended Ohio University and graduated with a civil engineering degree.
Working for three years with consulting group DLZ doing materials testing and construction inspection, Smith wanted to become more involved in the construction aspect and joined Shelly & Sands.
Following roles serving as a project manager and superintendent, in which during that time he obtained his P.E. license, Smith was promoted to Quality Control Director in 2022.
Just as he wanted to become more involved in the heavy/highway construction industry, Smith wanted to become involved in OCA chapter activities. He has been active in the Columbus Chapter since 2017. “I enjoy the industry networking and discussions with other members and companies,” he said.
As chair, Smith is helping provide his fellow chapter members what he enjoys the most by being a part of the Columbus Chapter: “The activities of course.”
This year, the Columbus Chapter has busied itself by raising scholarship money through a variety of activities and continued its traditions of helping organize the Big Machines Exhibit for the 23rd year at the Center of Science & Industry (COSI) in Downtown Columbus and OCA’s 8th Annual Military Benefit at Benny’s Pizza in Marysville.
The Columbus Chapter also teamed with the City of Columbus Parks & Recreation Department on a community service project.