Meet the team

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Meet the team

Hinkle’s Leadership Team is committed to providing quality construction materials and services in Kentucky and the Southeast. Our industry will face challenges and changes in the future, but our leadership team’s commitment to our core values remain constant. We are individuals who live and work in your community, and as such, we strive to deliver products and services that meet and/or exceed the needs of our customers and the communities we serve.

Steven Lee

Message From Our President

Hinkle Contracting’s story began in 1942 with Buckner Hinkle’s commitment to quality, integrity, and service. That legacy has been carried forward by generations of leadership and a dedicated workforce who’ve built Hinkle into one of Kentucky’s most trusted names in construction.

Today, as part of the CRH family, we’re proud to continue that legacy with renewed purpose. CRH’s global reach and values—putting people first, prioritizing safety, driving sustainability, and reinventing the way our world is built—align seamlessly with our own. This partnership empowers us to invest in our people, innovate responsibly, and deliver excellence in everything we do.

Our employees remain the heart of our success. Their commitment to a zero-incident safety culture, continuous improvement, and professional service is what sets us apart. With CRH’s support, we’re enhancing our safety programs, expanding training opportunities, and embracing technologies that make our work safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

We’re not just building our infrastructure—we’re building a better future. One that honors our past, serves our communities, and reflects the values we live by every day.

We’re glad you are a part of our journey!

Steven Lee

President

Steven Lee

President

Steven Lee is the Chief Financial Officer of Hinkle Contracting. Steven joined the Hinkle team in July 2015 with 17 years in financial leadership roles with publicly held organizations and 10 years in the family held residential construction business. Prior to Hinkle, Steven has held senior Finance & IT positions in the building product manufacturing space, with responsibility for North American operation and technical finance. Steven also served as COO/CFO of Lee Homes, Inc. in Somerset Kentucky for 10 years. This family owned business began by his father was vertically integrated with residential development, insurance and finance arms. Steven began his career as Plant Controller, with Hartco Flooring Company a division later integrated into Armstrong World Industries. Steven earned his MBA-Finance from Ball State University in 2008. He received his Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Kentucky in 1988. He received his diploma in computer programing and systems analysis from Somerset Vocational school in 1985. He holds both the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials.

Mark Perry

Equipment Director

Mark Perry

Equipment Director

Mark Perry is the Director of Equipment for Hinkle Contracting, Mark began his career with Hinkle in 1994, starting as a lube technician, he became a mechanic in 1997 and then equipment manager for the Cumberland Quarries Division in 2007, then in 2012 he became the South Region equipment manager for Hinkle and in June 2022 he was promoted to Director of Equipment. Prior to coming to work at Hinkle Mark served 5 years in the United States Army and a Wheel Vehicle Mechanic and graduated with honors from AIT training as one of the top 3 in his class. Mark is a member of AEMP (Association of Equipment Management Professionals) and has complete the course to attain his Certificate of Equipment Management Specialist (EMS).

Tracey Bubnick

Safety Director

Tracey Bubnick

Safety Director

Tracey Bubnick is the Safety Director of Hinkle Contracting. Tracey joined the company in July of 1999. Prior to coming to work at Hinkle, he worked as the safety director of Southern Belle Dairy manufacturing plant located in Somerset, KY. He currently serves on the safety and environmental committees of Kentucky Crushed Stone (KCSA) and Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors (KAHC). He attended the University of Kentucky and recently earned his Certified Mine Safety Professional credential. Tracey is and is a certified mine safety Professional.

Timmy Tipton

Quality Control Director

Timmy Tipton

Quality Control Director

Timmy Tipton is Quality Control Director of Hinkle Contracting, LLC. Timmy began his career with Hinkle in 1976, working initially as part of the maintenance and clean-up crew at Natural Bridge Stone, He became the aggregate technician at Natural Bridge Stone in 1977 and gained certification as an Asphalt technician in 1979, was promoted for a window of time as a asphalt plant superintendent, returned to Quality Control as the QC Manager in the late 1980s. He serves on advisory committees for the Kentucky Plant Mix Association and the Kentucky Crushed Stone Association

Rick Wills

Vice President Asphalt Plant Operations, Kentucky

Rick Wills

Vice President Asphalt Plant Operations, Kentucky

Rick is a graduate of East Tennessee State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science and Associate of Science degrees. After graduation, he began his journey by joining Rinker as a mixer truck driver. That progressively led him through each area of the business, including maintenance, dispatch, plant operations, fleet management, quality control, and successive levels of responsibility. He came directly to Hinkle Contracting from Martin Marietta, serving as Area Manager. Rick has over two decades of experience in the Ready-Mix concrete industry and is actively involved in the National Ready Mix Concrete Association. Rick is a certified Smith System instructor and holds certifications from OSHA Construction Safety and Health and the American Concrete Institute. His asphalt experience is plant operations with training in plant mix asphalt, HMA best practices and advanced asphalt equipment from Gencor Asphalt Academy. Rick is currently responsible for the entire HMA plant platform in Kentucky.

Greg Howard

Vice President of Aggregates Operations

Greg Howard

Vice President of Aggregates Operations

Greg Howard currently serves as the Vice President of Aggregates Operations for Hinkle Contracting Company LLC and Mountain Enterprises. His career started with the Kentucky Department of Transportation in early 1993 as an EIT after graduation from the University of Kentucky – Civil Engineering. Greg started his career with Hinkle Contracting in June of 1995 as a Project Manager for the Southern Region (Cumberland Paving) Construction Division. In 1999, Greg obtained his Professional Engineers License for the state of Kentucky. In 2007 Greg was promoted to Vice President of Asphalt Operations for Southern Kentucky. Greg transitioned to the Aggregates business in 2017 as Vice President of Aggregates Operations. Responsibility for Mountain Enterprises Aggregates Operations were added in 2024. Greg also manages all land transactions for CRH-Kentucky.
Greg is married to his wife, Vicki. They share 6 children and 5 grandchildren together all of which they both cherish.

Tom Hingst

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Tom Hingst

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Tom joined Hinkle Contracting in 2019 and brings more than 30 years of experience in the aggregates industry. Since beginning his career in 1994, he has held leadership roles across the United States, developing deep expertise in railroad operations and high-calcium carbonate products. At Hinkle, Tom leads marketing strategy and developing acquisition projects, driving growth and strengthening the company's market position.

Brad Thompson

Vice President of Construction

Brad Thompson

Vice President of Construction

Brad Thompson is Vice President of Construction for Hinkle Contracting. He received his BS in Construction Management from Morehead State University in 1996. Brad began working for Hamilton Hinkle & Ruth in June of 1996 and was transferred to Hinkle Contracting in January of 2005. He has held multiple positions throughout his 29-year career including paving crew foreman, estimator/project manager, area manager, paving operations manager and currently VP of Construction.

Melissa Melendez, PHR

Human Resources Business Partner

Melissa Melendez, PHR

Human Resources Business Partner

Melissa (Mel) joined Hinkle in 2023 as a Strategic HR Business Partner. She brings over 10 years of Human Resource experience. She has built a career on aligning people-strategies with business objectives to drive sustainable growth. Beyond HR operations, she is recognized for building collaborative relationships across functions, positioning HR as a strategic driver.
Leading change management she has helped drive & transform organizational culture, enhanced employee engagement, and strengthen leadership capabilities. Known for a consultative approach, Mel partners closely with executives to design talent management frameworks, succession planning programs, and performance management systems that empower employees and accelerate organizational success. Whether advising the C-suite or engaging with employees on the front line, Mel brings authenticity, insight and a commitment to create workplaces where people thrive and businesses excel.
Outside of the office, Melissa is an active nature enthusiast. She volunteers for the Red River Gorge Trail Crew, and Friends of Red River. Both organizations prioritize safe accessibility and environmental conservation in east-central Kentucky within the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Ryan Buffington

Vice President of Finance - Kentucky Companies

Ryan Buffington

Vice President of Finance - Kentucky Companies

Ryan brings 25 years of financial leadership experience within the construction materials industry to his role as Vice President of Finance for the Kentucky Companies (Hinkle Contracting Co. and Mountain Companies). He joined Hinkle in January 2012 as Controller and has since played a key role in strengthening financial strategy, operational efficiency, and long‑term business performance across both Kentucky‑based organizations.
Before rejoining CRH in 2024, Ryan held finance positions at Summit Materials Inc. based in Denver, Co., where he worked as the Vice President of Record to Report for SAP integration along with Vice President of Finance for East Region with operations in FL, NC, SC, VA, and GA.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Business Administration from Penn State University. Ryan is an active member of Bluegrass Financial Leaders, an organization focused on professional development, networking, and education within the accounting and finance community.
Outside the office, Ryan and his wife, Bridgit, are passionate advocates for organ donation. They work closely with organizations such as Donate Life Kentucky and the National Kidney Foundation, sharing Ryan's personal journey following his successful simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplant in 2014.

Lisa Fryman

Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Lisa Fryman

Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Lisa is the Senior Human Resources Business Partner for Hinkle Contracting. She began her career with Hinkle in 2006, starting as a receptionist. She transitioned to a role in Safety and HR in 2008 and in 2010 transitioned to a full-time role in Human Resources. Prior to coming to work at Hinkle, Lisa worked for Eaglestone Farm as Office Manager/HR/PR manager for 12 years and then worked as Office Manager/HR/PR in partnership with her husband running their small machining business. Lisa is a member of SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) and completed a 12-week course through SHRM for her HR Certification. She is also a member of the Women in Construction Management Employee Workgroup.

Georgia DeRossett

Controller

Georgia DeRossett

Controller

Georgia currently serves as Controller for Hinkle Contracting. She joined Hinkle in 2010 as an Accounts Payable Clerk, advanced to Staff Accountant in 2011, was appointed Accounting Manager in 2022, and promoted to Controller in 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Eastern Kentucky University and an associate in science degree from Maysville Community College.

Kevin W. Houston

P.E., Vice President of Estimating and Construction/Performance for KY Companies

Kevin W. Houston

P.E., Vice President of Estimating and Construction/Performance for KY Companies

Kevin serves as Vice President of Estimating and Construction/Performance for KY Companies, representing both Hinkle Contracting Company, LLC and Mountain Enterprises, Inc. He brings more than three decades of combined experience in Mining, Explosives, and Construction. Throughout his career, Kevin has held roles including Estimator/Project Manager, Area Manager and Vice President, serving in various construction leadership positions with Hinkle Contracting Company, LLC since February 2007. Kevin earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1993 and obtained his Professional Engineering License in 2004.

David Stephens

General Manager of Triple Crown Concrete

David Stephens

General Manager of Triple Crown Concrete

David serves as the General Manager of Triple Crown Concrete, a division of Hinkle Contracting. He joined Hinkle in 2004 as Senior Aggregates Sales Engineer for Cumberland Quarries, supporting markets across Southeast Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. In 2016, he advanced to Assistant Sales Manager, followed by a promotion in 2017 to Central Quarries Sales Manager, where he oversaw sales operations throughout Northeastern Kentucky. David has over two decades of experience in the construction industry. He attended the University of Kentucky at the Somerset Campus from 1989 to 1992, majoring in Telecommunications with a focus on Radio and Television Broadcasting.