Meet the Team: Civil & Construction Experts

Our Director, Jake Simmons, is a Gladstone local (born and bred) with 15+ years’ experience in construction.

After quickly rising through the ranks to Senior Supervisor, Jake was keen to build something of his own and launched Simmons Civil in 2018. Within the first year, he’d hired his first three employees, with the team doubling year-on-year to help keep up with demand.

Well known and respected in the industry, Jake is a trade qualified Low-Rise Builder, with various management and civil construction qualifications. His experience and training give him a unique understanding of and ability to navigate the construction industry.

With an unbeatable work ethic, Jake is directly involved in our major projects, as well as managing the overall business.

Outside of work, Jake is kept busy with his three young children — and enjoys a spot of fishing, when he can find the time!

As Simmons Civil’s Co-Founder and Co-Director with Jake, Renee Simmons brings a wealth of experience in Human Resources and Administration.

Together with her team, she ensures that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, from talent sourcing and hiring, to scheduling, financial management, and business processes.

A master of multitasking (if ever there was one), when she’s not at work, Renee loves to explore the local beaches with her three young children.

Matthew joined Simmons Civil as a Project Manager in late 2022. He brings two decades of experience in the building and construction industry, with qualifications in carpentry, building & construction, demolition, project management, business management, and leadership, along with various tickets.

His background includes concrete structures, civil drainage, and road construction. He has a special interest in environmental work, rehabilitation, and the rejuvenation of waterways. Matthew was recently involved in the installation of cantilever concrete decks to create viewing platforms and amphitheatre seating at Auckland Hill (Gladstone Ports).

At Simmons Civil, Matthew looks after the entire project lifecycle, including team management, resourcing, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

When he’s not at work, Matthew keeps busy thanks to his farming addiction, with 200-300 head of cattle to look after.

Ryan spent nearly two decades in the building and construction industry before joining Simmons Civil in early 2023. He holds a Cert 4 in Building and Construction and has proudly constructed a number of residential homes while running his own residential building business. Ryan was also involved in the Queensland Gas Company Ltd (QGC) LNG project.

As one of our Supervisors, Ryan is responsible for organising and overseeing the delivery of projects for our clients — with a focus on quality, safety, and integrity at every step.

Outside of work, you’ll find Ryan spending quality time with his family and friends — and (when he gets the chance) he likes to ride his bike at the local mountain bike park.

John (Pappy) Pappagallo has more than two decades of experience in the industry, with qualifications as a chippy, formworker, and concreter.

Prior to joining Simmons, Pappy worked on various projects, including Boyne Smelters Limited (BSL), Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET), APLNG Pipeline, Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) at various CQ mine sites, Queensland Gas Company Ltd (QGC) LNG, and others.

As a Supervisor, Pappy liaises with the Simmons Civil team and our clients to deliver a quality product safely. This includes carrying out safety checks, organising materials and tools, and sharing his knowledge and experiences.

Despite being part of many major projects in the area, some of his proudest moments have been where he has identified potential risks or hazards that were missed — and had the courage to speak up and prevent injuries or accidents. And of course, he’s always pleased to see others displaying the same courage and commitment towards safety.

Outside of work, Pappy loves family time with his wife and three young children. Having built his own pub, he is never short on mates and loves to socialise over a drink. He enjoys fishing (despite being prone to seasickness!) and also loves to go camping.

Civil Construction Supervisor, Hayden De Vries, is a qualified Carpenter with further qualifications in mining supervision, working at heights, working in confined spaces, and first aid. He also has his Dogman Ticket, Crane Ticket, and Skid Steer and Excavator Ticket.

Previously, Hayden worked as a Leading Hand (Civil Construction) before being given the opportunity to join Simmons Civil in early 2021, and continue progressing his career as a Supervisor.

His role involves quoting, site inspections, risk assessments, work scheduling, morning pre-starts, daily reporting, and equipment/materials scheduling.

When he’s not at work, Hayden enjoys camping, riding, and spending time with his family.