About Us

behind the scenes at NIX® Companies

Who We Are

A fifth-generation family holding company building a portfolio of skilled trades businesses and commercial-industrial real-estate.

Our Vision

To build an industry-leading portfolio of enduring middle-market businesses by pairing blue-collar values with modern technology, disciplined capital allocation, and long-term strategic partnerships.

Our Mission

To leverage our business as a force for good and create value for all *stakeholders.

*stakeholders = team members, customers, shareholders, sellers of acquired companies, and the communities we operate in

Our Core Operating Principles

  • We build enduring businesses through long-term thinking and generational stewardship
  • We lead with Genuine Care, Integrity, and Accountability
  • We allocate capital with discipline, investing where we have conviction & competence. 
  • We empower craftsmen and local leaders, fostering a decentralized model, while balancing economies of scale as one team
  • We pursue operational excellence through technology  and continuous improvement

Meet Our Shared Services Team

Angela Kirlin

Director of Team Member Impact

Miranda Daugherty

Marketing & Digital Sales Manager

Ashley Kiesel

OpsX SQP Manager

Tony Shell

Facilities & Maintenance Manager

Hannah Lang

Executive Administrative Coordinator

Patrick Bender

IT & Data Coordinator

Sydney Rutledge

Corporate Accounting Coordinator

Tori Guzman

Talent Acquisition Leader

EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS

Emeritus board members are those who have served full past terms with us. We are thankful for their contributions.

Tim Sholtis

Chris Brack

Sean Georges

Bill Theby

John Burant

Jim Stratman

Jim Gribbins

Interested in Working with NIX®

We're always looking for top talent.

Matthew Nix

President

Matthew Nix represents the fifth generation of his family’s 120+ year-old welding business, where he began working at age eight sweeping floors for $5 a Saturday. He later worked in the shop during summers, learning the trade alongside his father and grandfather, an experience that shaped his values and leadership philosophy. After earning a certification in Welding Technology from Vincennes University, Matthew joined the business full time in 2004. Committed to lifelong learning, he later completed an Executive Business Administration certificate from the University of Notre Dame in 2017. Today, Matthew serves as President and CEO of Nix Companies Inc., a holding company he founded in 2017. Under fifth-generation leadership, the business has grown organically and through strategic M&A from four family members to a regional organization of more than 200 team members, achieving 100x revenue growth in less than 20 years. Nix Companies has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years, as an Indiana Company to Watch, and as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana. Matthew is passionate about building businesses known for excellence in people and culture and believes business should be a force for good. He actively supports fellow business owners, especially in family enterprises, and is involved in several regional and professional organizations dedicated to economic development and leadership.

Brian Merkley

Vice President of Operations

Brian Merkley joined our organization in 2013 as the first General Manager of one of our business units, Nix Coatings. Brian has a degree from Indiana State University in Construction Management, and prior work experience in operations management. His excellent “boots on the ground” leadership style and problem solving skills have earned him high regard with his team members and a track record for results. Today, Brian leads the entire Coatings Group (Field Coatings and Shop Coatings) as the Vice President of Operations as well as leads our Maintenance Program for the entire company. From leading his team, to scheduling, to maintenance, Brian keeps our facilities running, our customers happy, and our reputation soundly growing.

Adam Nix

Vice President of Business Development

Growing up, Adam was immersed in the business, spending his high school years and university summers at NIX® Industrial while pursuing his studies in Marketing at the University of Southern Indiana. After graduating in May 2011, he joined full-time in the welding shop as a Welding Repair Technician, working under his dad and brother. After years on the shop floor, Adam transitioned into leadership roles as Service Manager and eventually Operations Manager of our Repairs & Maintenance operation, where he also championed our Employee Health and Safety Program, reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of our team members.

In 2021, Adam stepped into the role of Vice President of Operations, overseeing all Metal Fabrication operations in Poseyville—including Custom Fabrication, Engineering, Repairs & Maintenance, and Millwright & Maintenance. In 2023, our Machining operation in Poseyville was added under his leadership. His path at NIX® Industrial has been one of continuous growth and evolution. In 2024, Adam earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southern Indiana, further strengthening his leadership and business expertise.

In 2025, Adam transitioned into his current role as Vice President of Business Development, where he now focuses on driving growth, strengthening customer relationships, and expanding opportunities across our markets. He also serves as a member of the Nix Companies Board of Directors.

With his blend of hands-on experience, operational leadership, and strategic focus, Adam continues to play a key role in advancing NIX® Industrial and the broader Nix Companies vision.

Adam Schmitt

Vice President of Administration

Adam Schmitt joined the organization in 2013 as the first sales person in the company history. Adam graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with degrees in both Human Resources and Business Management. Adam has been instrumental in the company’s growth and evolution. Adam’s ability to see outside the box, his knack for product development, and his customer relationship skills are of great value. Today, he leads our company’s administrative efforts which includes IT and automation systems.

LINDSEY NIX

Director of Talent, Development, & Community Impact

Lindsey Nix, Director of Talent, Development, & Community Impact for Nix Companies, has held multiple roles within the company. She has been instrumental in helping navigate us through our high growth years. She spent 6 years as Director of Finance, managing the accounting and finance department of Nix's business divisions. With the addition of our CFO in 2017, she was able to transition to her current role. Lindsey enjoys introducing Nix to new customers and markets and maintaining key relationships with our current customer base.
Lindsey also represents the company and the Nix family in various community organizations, and activities, and oversees charitable giving. In addition to many other community and volunteer activities, she is the Chair of the Family Business Alliance within EREP, serves as the Marketing Chair, and is a member of the Executive Committee for Junior Achievement of Southwest Indiana. Additionally, she serves on the board for Catholic Charities, plays a role on the National Marketing Committee for the Legatus Organization, and holds the role of Marketing Chair, and serves on the Romain College of Business Board of Advisors.

Brandon Wright

Vice President of Operations

Brandon joined our company in 2015 as the General Manager of one of our business units, Nix Equipment (currently the Repair & Maintenance operation). Brandon was instrumental in development of processes and procedures, integration, and provided the necessary leadership to help Nix grow. Now, Brandon leads as the Vice President of Operations for all Nix satellite locations including our Structural Fabrication in Rockport, IN and Fabrication and E-Coat in New Albany, IN. Within his operations role he is able to leverage his Degree in Industrial Technology & Industrial Distribution from Purdue University, along with over a decade of experience in a similar business, to develop and lead our growing company’s needs.

Jared Baehl

Chief Operating Officer

Jared Baehl joined Nix Companies in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer, leading all financial operations across the organization. A graduate of the University of Evansville with degrees in Accounting and Business Management, Jared has played a key role in strengthening financial discipline, supporting strategic acquisitions, and driving sustainable growth. In 2025, Jared was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, expanding his impact beyond finance to oversee operational alignment, scalability, and execution across Nix Companies—ensuring we continue to grow with intention while protecting the values and culture that define who we are.

Kyle fields

Managing Partner and CFO of Bridge Alternatives

Prior to founding Bridge Alternative Investment Solutions, Kyle was an executive at SS&C Technologies, where he orchestrated and grew the Evansville, Indiana office from one employee in March of 2011 to over 240 employees. Further, he assisted in various growth initiatives and acquisitions while at SS&C where the company went from 1,300 employees to over 24,000 employees in 2021. Kyle was accountable for hundreds of alternative funds ranging in size, structure, strategy, and geographical locations across the globe. Kyle has over 15 years of extensive experience in accounting, finance, technology, helping clients streamline processes, maximize performance, and increase profitability. Kyle is a graduate of University of Southern Indiana and obtained his Certified Public Accounting designation in Indiana while working for Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

tracy ripple

Financial Consultant & Member of Nix Companies Board of Directors

After graduating college in 1983, Tracy worked at a local tool and die shop as office manager. In 1992, Tracy started working for a small start-up plastics company in Poseyville called All-Tech Plastics as Office Manager. The company was sold in 2000 to Lucent Polymers in Evansville, IN and Tracy was promoted to Corporate Controller. In 2005, Lucent Polymers was sold to a private equity firm out of Chattanooga, TN, so Tracy continued with the new company and in 2006 was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Lucent Polymers was sold again in 2013 to Citadel Plastics Holdings out of Chicago, IL and Tracy was moved to Director of Finance for all subsidiaries in the US and Canada. Then, 2015 came and Citadel Plastics Holdings sold to A. Shulman, a publicly traded company based out of Germany. Tracy continued as Director of Finance until retiring in 2016. Since retiring, Tracy has continued to help with Accounting, Finance and Operations Consulting work for various local companies.

Greg Eling

Regional Vice President, Cintas

Greg Eling is a lifelong resident of Cincinnati and attended the University of Cincinnati receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Xavier University. He started his career with Cintas Corporation in 1976 in Accounting. He has had the unique experience to see the organization grow from $7M in annual revenues in 1976 with less than 200 employees to a Fortune 500 Company with over 40,000 employees and $7.5B in annual revenues. He has held various positions throughout his career in the Accounting / Finance / Treasury function moving to Corporate Controller. In the mid 1980’s, he was promoted to Director of Business Development. Greg acquired over 100 industrial laundry businesses across America as the industry was consolidating through the mid 1980’s into the 1990’s. Greg was promoted to Regional Vice President in 1996 and then became a Group Vice President in 1999 where he oversees a $400M annual revenue organization. With his extensive exposure to the evolution of Cintas, he has served on various corporate wide committees including Corporate Policy Committee, Audit Committee, Cintas PAC Oversight Committee and the Partner Profit Sharing Investment Committee. Outside of Cintas, he has significant interaction with the University of Cincinnati Lindner School of Business on an advisory board to the Dean and is involved in Project Strategy designed to engage freshman with the business community.

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matt weinzapfel

President & COO, Jasper Engines & Transmissions

Matt currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of Jasper Engines and Transmissions and is a member of the Board of Directors of Jasper Holdings, Inc. Matt began his career with JASPER in 1994 and served in a variety of roles within the company’s manufacturing, distribution, and process improvement groups, before joining the company’s Executive Team, as Vice President of Engine Manufacturing, in 2011. He was named Chief Operating Officer in 2021 and assumed the role of President in 2023. Matt is a graduate of the University of Evansville, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He serves on the Board of Directors of Regional Opportunity Initiatives, the Vincennes University Jasper Community Advisory Committee, and the Board of Directors of HUB 19. Matt has previously served on the Tri State Manufacturer’s Alliance steering committee, the Board of Directors of Dubois Strong, and was President of the Production Engine Remanufacturer’s Association.

neil ryan

President of Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group, Inc. (MCSG)

Neil Ryan is President of Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group, Inc. (MCSG), the world’s largest Soil
Stabilization Contractor based in Mt. Carmel, IL. Having progressed through roles in Marketing and Business Development (2008–2011), Vice President of Operations (2012–2019), and President since 2020; Neil is also past President of Omni Materials, Inc. (2022-2025).
Neil previously held General Manager responsibilities for Mt. Carmel Stabilization North based in Ontario, Canada; and for MCSG operations across Ohio, Kentucky, and all wind-energy projects, leading the company’s fastest-growing markets from 2010 to 2022.

Neil joined MCSG from Carmeuse and brings deep technical expertise in soil stabilization materials and practices, having delivered hundreds of presentations across North America. Known for his hands-on leadership style, he has spent extensive time in the field with customers and project teams, including serving many years as Field Superintendent when required. Neil led the development of Omni Materials’ nationwide terminal network, founded and continues to advance the company’s proprietary technological initiatives and has guided the organization’s long-term vision, growth, and resilience through multiple market cycles.

Neil holds a BS from the University of South Dakota and an MBA from Oakland City University.
He and his wife Jessica have four children and reside in Evansville, IN.