UNITED GROUP SERVICES - Key Persons


Austin Wesley - CMO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Marketing
Austin first began honing his customer service skills by interning in the retail industry at Automotive and Powersports dealerships. However, during his time in college, he also interned at United Group Services for a short time. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelors' Degree in Entrepreneurship, he decided to resume his career working at United. Austin began working in our Louisville Division in Business Development and has since moved back to Cincinnati to work at our Corporate Headquarters in Business Development and Marketing. "When I think of what United means to me, it centers around the people. Many of my colleagues have been working here for many years, and they have tremendous pride in the organization. This culture creates immense dedication to making sure we deliver our services at a high standard while maintaining the companies values. " Austin was born and raised in the Cincinnati area. He enjoys spending time with family, playing basketball with friends, biking, reading, and traveling. Partner Brands

Bill Phelps

Job Titles:
  • President, Innovative Mechanical Systems
Bill started in the HVAC business in 1980 as a Service Tech. Transitioning through the ranks to become the CEO of a large Mechanical Contractor. Bill went on to start his own HVAC and Sheetmetal Fabrication business in 2002. In 2014, Bill sold his company to UGS and joined the United team as President of Innovative Mechanical Sytems. Bill has served on several HVAC and Mechanical committees throughout his tenure, including assisting in the development of the Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship program. Bill also served as an Instructor for the 4th year HVAC apprenticeship program. "United means to me "All As One" to both our internal & external customers" Bill served 4 years in the United States Navy on board a nuclear submarine as a Mechanical Tech and a Diver. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, their 11 children, and his 16 grandchildren, as well as playing the guitar and a round of golf. Bill's Toolbox HVAC Partner Brands

Brandon Cross

Job Titles:
  • General Manager, Insulation / Scaffolding Division
Brandon entered the construction field in early 2006 as an insulator and had worked his way up through the ranks as a foreman running projects involving both Insulation and Scaffolding. By 2016 Brandon had advanced his roles and responsibilities taking over as an account manager. He then moved into his current position taking his knowledge learned from the field and overseeing projects as an account manager to operating as a division manager for insulation and scaffolding services.​ "United Group Services is a company that is passionate about service and quality while maintaining a close family culture. United carries a lot of the same values that I live by in my everyday life, and that's why I am happy to be a part of this team." When he is not working, he is spending time with his wife and son enjoying being outdoors, hunting, boating, exercising, and pretty much anything to do with sports. Brandon's Toolbox Insulation/Scaffolding

Brett Landis

Job Titles:
  • Director of Corporate Client Development
Brett brings nearly 20 years of construction industry experience to United. His career has transitioned from Field Laborer to multiple executive positions. Brett joined the United team in 2023 and brings a passion for teamwork, customer service, exceptional project execution, and operational excellence. He appreciates aggressive challenges, that require a culture of high expectations, that allows for top performers to flourish and to consistently deliver positive results. What United means to me - simply put, a culture of excellence, established by many years of persistent hard work, relentless dedication, superior customer service, and outperforming our competition project after project. Brett has been married for 15 years, has 2 daughters, 1 son, and 1 French bulldog. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, coaching youth sports, and outdoor activities.

Brian Dennis

Job Titles:
  • Quality Control Supervisor
Brian first entered the field of welding in 1996 when he attended D. Russel Lee vocational school. After graduation, he worked as a welder for a fabrication shop before coming to United in 2000. Starting out as a pipe welder working in both field and shop settings. He was asked to be the first welding instructor for United's newly opened public welding school, Elite Welding Academy. After being the lead instructor for 3 years he was asked to become United's Corporate Quality Manager. Brian currently oversees welder testing/qualification, new WPS development, ASME pressure vessel repairs and alterations along with pressure vessel construction. Other duties include site quality visits, advice to the construction and estimating teams, and keeping projects compliant to Owner, Jurisdictional, and Governing code requirements. ​ Brian has been married for 20 years, has 2 sons, and enjoys fishing. ​ "United means nothing we do is worth getting hurt over, exceeding expectations, and recognizing talent."

Brian Harvey - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer
As CFO, Brian is an integral part of leadership for United and its affiliated companies. He joined United in 2014 after 18 years in public accounting, where he specialized in delivering services to his construction clients. That experience of working with "Best of Class" contractors has given him the insight to lead Uniteds financial success. At United, he has built an excellent team of accounting professionals, and together they deliver exceptional customer service, transparent and proactive reporting, and foresight leading to operational excellence. ​ "To me, United means being aligned in purpose, principles, and values. " Over the years, he has enjoyed volunteering time on local boards and committees. He considers himself lucky to share each day with his wife of more than 25 years. Together they have three sons who constantly find new ways to make them proud. On any given weekend, you can most likely find Brian on the sidelines coaching baseball or cheering on his boys in soccer. Partner Brands

Chris Hatfield

Job Titles:
  • Fabrication Foreman
Chris came to work at United Group Services directly after graduating from Butler Tech. vocational school for welding in 1997. He worked as a helper on job sites until an opening in United's welding school program became available that same year. After passing United's weld tests and attending pipe fitting classes at night and on weekends. Chris went on to spend the next ten years as a pipefitter and pipe welder at UGS acquiring many welding certifications and improving his pipefitting and pipe fabrication skills, even teaching his own pipe fitting classes to younger tradesman on the weekends. Chris has been a foreman in the UGS fabrication shop since 2007.​ "I came to United as a young father with no skills or higher education with an unsure future, to say the least. The people here at United provided me with the opportunity I needed to learn a trade. They taught me that hard work will be rewarded and made sure that there was an opportunity for me to advance and make a better future for me and my family. These are values that I wish to pass on to my family and the young craftsmen starting out in our trade. To me, United represents opportunity, work ethic, and a future for the next generation of craftsmen." On any given sunny day, Chris can be found taking long rides on his Harley Davidson or hiking on park trails with his three children. He is also an avid Reds fan and never misses a Bengals game on Sundays. Chris' Toolbox Fabrication

Clayton Beiser

Job Titles:
  • Construction Planner
As a planner, Clayton is an integral part of construction for United. He joined United in 2003 as a helper and has been a pipefitter, welder, and foreman since. Clayton is an experienced layout specialist and piping designer. When not at work, he is spending as much time as possible with his wife and their five children. Clayton also enjoys being outdoors, hunting, and fishing. "To me, United means family, everyone here has been a great part of my life". Clayton's Toolbox Design Assist

Dan Freese - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
Dan is a 3rd generation mechanical constructor following in the footsteps of his father (Larry), who was introduced to Pipefitting by his uncle in the 1960's. Dan joined United in 1987 as a Helper with a desire to grow, improve, and, like the rest of us here, not afraid to lead. In his current role as CEO, he maintains a dedication to holding United true to its foundational values of Safety, Quality, and Service while ensuring the opportunities he has been blessed with will be available to others for generations to come. He is committed to maintaining an environment which recognizes and rewards the ‘good' while pushing out and the limiting ‘bad'.

Drew Smith

Job Titles:
  • Quality Control Specialist
Drew Smith started in the trade at the age of 18 as a helper and learned how to weld a short time after. Drew Smith was a welder for 12 years at United where he eventually accepted a role in the quality department. ​ Drew enjoys spending free time with his family.

Gary Clarke

Job Titles:
  • General Manager, Small Capital Division
Gary came to United in 1987, joining the team as a welder. After a few years, he started to take on additional responsibilities including: Shop Foreman, Field Superintendent, Welding inspector/Trainer, and Operations Manager. In addition, Gary developed and instructed the first Foreman Development Program around the time that computers were first introduced into the field operations. In other words, he has held almost all positions within United. Gary currently leads the Small Capital Division that performs as a bid, buy, build function, anchored by several renewable energy partners across the United States. Gary stated that he has been amazed at the growth in technology within our industry along with United's dedication to Safety over his tenure. "In short, I would say United means A Safe and Quality contractor that has provided stability for my family and I for 34 years. I have not been laid of one day. " During Gary's time away from work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, spending time with his 3 boys and 4 awesome grandkids, playing golf, and playing cornhole with friends and family. He has been a big Bengals and Reds fan as far back as he can remember. Gary's Toolbox Code Work "R" "U" "PP" Piping Rigging/Millwright Structural Steel

Gina Bick

Job Titles:
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
Gina Bick is the Human Resources Manager at United Group Services and enjoys helping people and continuing education to foster growth in herself and the company. She has spent most of her career in Payroll and HR, in the Sports & Entertainment and Construction industry, gaining experiences in areas such as Health & Safety, Benefits & Compensation, and HRIS Implementations. ​ "United to me is Integrity. It is a standard I hold myself and my kids to and a belief that you do what is right. I do not feel like perfect is an easily attainable goal; however, if we are always working to be a better version of ourselves and do the right thing, that is what is important. I believe United Group Services cares for the employees and their safety and that the company values are strong, which makes me proud to be a part of the team. United truly cares, and that stands for so much in today's world." While HR is her primary job function by day, Gina enjoys spending time with family, quick getaways, and Karaoke.

Greg Walton

Job Titles:
  • Construction Planner
  • Project Planner
Greg Walton is a Project Planner for United Group Services. His professional qualifications include Mechanical designer, Site Forman, Pipefitter & Welder, and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Maintenance. Additionally, Greg has experience in AutoCAD, 3D scanning, Piping & Structural Design, Project Management, Staff Leadership, Safety, and Documentation. "Starting as a Pipefitter Apprentice in 1992, United is more than a job to me! United has given me the financial stability to raise my family, and I've forged lifelong friendships along the way." Greg's Toolbox Design Assist

Joe Clarke

Job Titles:
  • Procurement Manager
Joe started his career at UGS in 2012, working in the Shipping and Receiving Department. He established tool tracking and restructured the inventory to align with the company's growth. After a few years managing the Tool Department, Joe's management responsibilities expanded to the fleet, shipping and receiving, tools and equipment, building maintenance, and the alarm/camera systems. ​ " United is my home away from home. Somewhere I can be myself and being around people I enjoy. " Outside of his work at UGS, Joe is married with 2 children. When not busy with the kids and husbandly duties, he enjoys sports, video games, and shooting at the range. Joe is a die hard Bengals and Reds fan. If you ever need to discuss alien theories and conspiracies in general, Joe is the guy.

Kevin Riggleman - President

Job Titles:
  • President

Kevin Sell

Job Titles:
  • Core Values Officer
Kevin has 31 years of experience in the construction industry. His education includes technical degrees in Fire Science and Business Administration from Northern Kentucky University, a Bachelor's Degree in Safety Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and a Master's Degree in Construction Management from Clemson University. Mr. Sell also serves as a Special Government Employee for the U. S. Department of Labor. ​ Kevin was a contributing author to George Burk's second book, "Value Centered Leadership", and he co-authored the VPPC Program for the U.S. Department of Labor-OSHA. He recently authored "A First Timers Guide To The Death Of A Parent" and it is available free as an e-book. ​ Kevin served as Chairman of the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, and as a member of the 2012 U.S. Electoral College representing Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District. ​ Kevin currently serves as Chairman of both the National Business Development Committee and the Users Summit for Associated Builders and Contractors, and as a member of the Workforce Development Committee for the Construction Users Round Table (CURT). He frequently speaks on industry trends, EHS, and workforce development throughout the U.S. He is currently working on collaborative execution strategies in the industrial space with the Project Summit team and advancing suicide prevention programs in construction. ​ "United means that we are all working under the same Core Values and for the best-in-class outcomes every day. " In Kevin's "spare" time, he is a Trustee for the Silver Grove Volunteer Fire Department, and Chairman/President of the Covington Scottish Rite Foundation that operates speech, language, and dyslexia centers for children in need for twenty counties in Kentucky. Partner Brands

Kyle Norvell

Job Titles:
  • Project Controller
For over seven years, Kyle has performed many occupations in the construction industry. Kyle's interest in construction began due to his family's long heritage in the field. He has worked in many different roles over the years including: Pipelayer, Operator, Project Management, and Business Development. He has been a part of many successful projects over the years and prides himself on teamwork, customer service, and learning something new every day. ​ "What United means to me is a team of exceptionally talented individuals who will put the customer and project before themselves to achieve a product not only the client is happy with but one the team can take pride in. "​ When Kyle is not working, he enjoys watching the Cincinnati Bengals, playing golf, and taking care of his two dogs Frank and Mop.

Mark Mosley - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Board

Mary Ruiz

Job Titles:
  • Craft Resource Director
Mary entered the United family through Core Crew as a bilingual recruiter in 2017 and quickly advanced through the ranks. In 2020, she became UGS's first female Construction Coordinator. Mary found her passion in upholding the core values of UGS and instilling Safety, Quality, and Service across the board. First and foremost, by leading by example. One of her biggest goals is to encourage more women to become leaders in Construction. In her time off, she enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her daughter and husband are also employees at UGS; they truly are a UNITED family. Partner Brands

Matt Lykins

Job Titles:
  • Chief
  • Estimator
Matt has been employed with United since April of 1993. He started working with United at 18 years old as an apprentice, attending pipefitting and welding classes for several months. Matt worked as a Pipefitter/Welder for almost 17 years on several jobsites within the Tri-State area. Matt became a Foreman in 2002 and spent 7 years as a Foreman, supervising crews of 10-15 craftsmen on several occasions. He became an Estimator in 2009 and began by estimating several pipe fabrication projects for the Husky Lima Refinery. Matt also estimated multi-million dollar projects in the Air Separation, Steel Manufacturing, Ethanol/Biodiesel, Chemical, Paper, and Beverage/Food Grade Industries over the next 6 years. In 2015, he became Estimating Department Manager. Matt has managed multiple estimates valued up to 30 million over the past 6 years. ​ Matt has been married 23 years to his wife Melanie, he's a father of two daughters, ages 16 and 13. His hobbies are world traveling, hiking in the Rockies, fly fishing, hunting, drawing wildlife, studying the bible, American history, and world history. Matt traveled through Europe in 2003, traveled through Greece in 2004, toured the island of Mo'orea in French Polynesia in 2012, and toured southern Ireland in 2014. Matt's Toolbox Code Work "R" "U" "PP" Piping Fabrication Plant Maintenance Rigging/Millwright Structural Steel

Matt Mofield

Job Titles:
  • Designer
  • Project Manager
  • Construction Planning Supervisor
  • Specialist
Matt Mofield is an experienced Layout Specialist, Sr. Piping Designer, Project Manager and currently oversees our Planning Department. For over 26 years, he has been a noteworthy leader in our management team at United Group Services. Matt is an experienced Scanning Technician that applies his years of experience with piping layout and installations to create accurate piping models and fabrication drawings. ​ " To me United means Family, everyone here has been a great part of my life". During his personal time, you can find him in the garage building cars and trucks or hanging out with his family. Matt's Toolbox Design Assist

Mike Hucke

Job Titles:
  • Estimator
  • Project Manager
Mike Hucke, Estimator and Project Manager, has over 38 years of experience in the HVAC field. His attention to detail has led to many successful projects that were completed on schedule and within budget. He has collaborated on projects in Government, Education, Medical, Retail, Office, and Industrial sectors, both renovation, and new construction. A lifelong Cincinnatian, Mike likes to spend quality time with friends and family. His wife Patti, his greatest support, has put up with his antics for over 32 years. They have two grown children, Justin and Eric. Mike's Toolbox HVAC

Ron Williams

Job Titles:
  • Corporate Safety Manager
Ron brings over 26 years of construction industry experience to United. He also brings over 25 years of safety experience to United. Ron joined the United team in 2007 and brought a passion for excellence in safety, teamwork, and customer service. Ron enjoys spending time with his wife, 2 daughters, and 3 grandchildren. He is an avid hunter and angler. He loves to travel, cruise, and is an amazing pageant dad. During college football season, you can catch him cheering on his favorite team, the Tennessee Volunteers.

Steve VanStrien

Job Titles:
  • General Manager
  • General Manager, Northern Kentucky Division

Tony Tirey

Job Titles:
  • Fabrication Shop Leader
Tony joined the team at United Group Services in 1997 in the Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program. After attending night classes and completing the apprenticeship program, Tony worked as a Pipefitter for the following 9 years on several projects across the United States. In 2006, he started working in our Fabrication Facility as a Pipefitter. His passion for Safety, Quality, and Service was quickly noticed by our team, and Tony was promoted to Foreman. While fulfilling his role as the Shop Foreman, he also shared his knowledge while teaching pipefitter classes on the weekends and sitting on various safety and training committees. Tony excelled in the Foreman role, and in 2007 he was promoted to the Fabrication Shop Superintendent, a position he currently holds today.​ "I came to the company at a very young age, not sure exactly what I was getting into. United provided the opportunity and training to learn the trade. It didn't take long for me to realize what type of company I was working for. Because of the dedication to safety and high standards the company set, I knew I was where I wanted to be. This gave me the motivation to be a part of something great and work for a company who cares about your safety and development. Over the last 24 years, I have developed the same dedication to safety and high standards not only while I'm at work but when I'm at home with my family. " When not at work, Tony cherishes his time with his beautiful family. He has been married for 22 years and has 2 boys and 1 daughter. Tony enjoys watching his kids compete in sports from the youth level to the college level. He loves coaching football and rooting for the Bearcats on Saturdays and the Bengals on Sunday! Tony's Toolbox Fabrication

Troy Norvell - COO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operations Officer
Troy brings over 35 years of construction industry experience to United. His career has transitioned from Field Laborer to several executive positions, including President, Senior Vice President, and now Chief Operating Officer. Troy joined the United team in 2019 and brings a passion for teamwork, customer service, exceptional project execution, and operational excellence. He appreciates aggressive challenges, that require a culture of high expectations, that allows for top performers to flourish and to consistently deliver positive results. "What United means to me - simply put, a culture of excellence, established by many years of persistent hard work, relentless dedication, superior customer service, and outperforming our competition project after project. " Troy has been married for over 30 years, has 2 daughters, 1 son, and 5 grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, physical fitness, and travel. Partner Brands

Tyler Jones

Job Titles:
  • Project Controls Manager