Meet the Team: Civil & Construction Experts
Jake Simmons
Jake Simmons
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!
Renee Simmons
Renee Simmons
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.
Ray Edwards
Ray Edwards
Ray Edwards has been with Simmons Civil since 2019, starting as a Leading Hand before progressing through the ranks to Supervisor, Project Estimator, and now Business Development Manager.
As Business Development Manager, Ray is responsible for developing and maintaining strong client relationships, achieving high quotation conversion rates, and providing leadership, coaching, and direction to the workforce to ensure project objectives are successfully delivered. His role also includes the planning, oversight, and implementation of strategic business initiatives, while effectively managing client expectations and financial budgets.
Some highlights from the past few years include completing the AN1/AN2 floor coating works, contributing to the AN Hardstand project, and delivering the AN Bulk Store Weigh Bridge project. He is also proud to have been part of Simmons Civil’s growth, having joined the company shortly after it was founded.
Outside of work, Ray enjoys spending time outdoors fishing and camping, and most of all, spending quality time with his family.
Sarah Spresser
Sarah Spresser
Sarah joined Simmons Civil in early 2024 and holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) and a Cert IV in Workplace Health & Safety.
With more than two decades of industry experience, Sarah has worked across a wide range of projects, from small-scale contracts through to $100 million projects. Previous roles and projects include:
- Project Engineer (Harlow Civil): Delivering surface civil infrastructure projects within the mining environment, including backfilling disused mine shafts — some more than 100m deep.
- Project Manager (Sterling Infrastructure): Primarily focused on delivering culvert renewals located within the rail corridor, most of which were completed during 36-48 hour shutdown periods.
- Project Engineer (Vassallo Constructions): Completing safety improvements along Port Alma Road, including installing new underground electrical infrastructure, removing existing power poles, and widening pavements. This project was in response to a fatal truck accident that occurred along that road in the years prior.
- Contract Quality Representative (SGQ): Involved in a pavement widening project on the Bruce Highway near Tiaro.
- Project Engineer (Hall Contracting): Involved in the construction of new subdivisions on the Sunshine Coast.
- Project Engineer & Quality Coordinator (McCosker Contracting): Worked across various civil earthworks and concrete projects, including the GAWB Curtis Island Pipeline Installation, the QAL Red Mud Dam embankment construction, the BSL CBF4 Concrete Package, NDRRA Flood Remediation Works, QCLNG Traffic Management, and the Fairbairn Dam Concrete Package. Ensured teams followed all documented environmental, quality, and safety processes.
As a Project Engineer at Simmons Civil, Sarah works closely with our supervisors to ensure they have the information and resources they need to complete their works. She also stays in touch with clients and keeps them updated on the status of their project.
Known for her emphasis on delivering quality outcomes, Sarah brings her deep understanding of quality and technical requirements to every project. She ensures these requirements are implemented onsite and properly documented, according to the drawings and specifications.
Sarah is all about new experiences, making memories, and capturing each moment on camera. When she’s not at work, she loves spending time with her husband and three children, hiking, fishing, camping, at the park, or riding scooters— nothing beats going on adventures in the great outdoors!
John Pappagallo
John Pappagallo
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.
Glen Wells
Glen Wells
Glen is a trade-qualified carpenter who joined the team at Simmons Civil in April 2024, bringing more than three decades of industry experience. Prior to joining Simmons, Glen worked as a site supervisor at Youngs Building Contractors in Gladstone.
Glen often meets with Simmons Civil clients to discuss any upcoming plans and progress. In addition, a typical day for Glen includes organising projects, setting tasks, planning works, and scheduling teams. As Supervisor, he’s also responsible for preparing material take offs, writing project site reports, and organising pre-start meetings.
Outside of work, you’ll find Glen and his family enjoying the great outdoors and all it has to offer, including reef fishing, four-wheel driving, camping, and crabbing.
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