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.

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.

Ray Edwards has been in the industry since 2015, and joined Simmons Civil in 2019 as a Leading Hand before being promoted to Supervisor in 2023.

Ray holds a Certificate 2 and 3 in Surface Extraction and Machine Operations, as well as an HR open truck licence, and high risk work licence (WP & LF). Prior to working for Simmons, he previously worked as Leading Hand on a Bund Remediation Project at RTAY for AESTEC Services.

In his Supervisor role at Simmons Civil, Ray looks after all the vehicle maintenance and scheduling, delivers team briefings, manages quoting and budgeting, reports on current works, schedules upcoming works, procures materials, encourages safe work practices, and more.

Some highlights from the last few years include completing the AN1/AN2 floor coating works, working on the AN Hardstand project, and completing the AN Bulk Store Weigh Bridge project. He’s also proud to have been part of Simmons Civil’s growth, having joined soon after the company was founded.

When he’s not busy with work, Ray enjoys heading outdoors, fishing and camping, and loves to spend time with his family.