Management Team

Experienced Professionals

Jacqueline Smith “Jackie”

President

Jackie has held senior management positions for companies operating in the contractor marketplace for the last twenty-six years. Well regarded for her keen business acumen, Jackie has a proven track record in effectively managing industrial contracting businesses.

Beginning her career in 1988 with Bay Mechanical Inc, one of the largest mechanical contractors on the east coast, Jackie was responsible for business operations including Financial Systems, Operations, Overseeing the Industrial Division, Service Division and Project Management. In 1995, Jackie accepted a position with a third generation residential and commercial painting contractor.

As Vice President of Operations, she implemented a number of processes which strengthened cash flow, grew profitability, and improved customer service levels. Jackie quarterbacked the implementation and integration of accounting and job cost software into business operations. She developed marketing plans for the company and spearheaded a highly successful new customer and retention campaign. During her tenure, she built and cultivated an exceptional workforce and they became one of the largest and most reputable painting contractors in the Richmond, VA area.

During her career, Jackie has consulted contractors across the country in sound business practices, including loss control, systems for higher efficiency and production, hiring practices and human resources policies.

In New Kent Coatings’ short history, they have been honored with two significant awards. In 2013, the New Kent Chamber of Commerce awarded them their annual Excellence in Business Award and in 2014 they received the coveted (WBENC) WPEO Star Award. Jackie is also on the Board of Directors of the WPEO Washington DC and New York regions.

Michael Gardner

Vice President

Mike began his career in the industry in 1978 working in the marine industrial arena in Jacksonville, Florida. From there Mike spent a period of time on the oil rigs offshore with Bechtel. At Penn Gulf Mike entered the world of pulp and paper. Mike landed in Virginia in the early 80’s with IMC of Virginia working with Tom Radcliff as his mentor. Since then Mike has continued to hone his skills in protective coatings working for several reputable companies including Industrial Cryogenics Enterprises (ICE). Although Mike has a vast knowledge in many industrial settings, his focus over the past twenty years has been in pulp and paper, water storage and power generation. Mike has earned his role as Vice President because of his vast experience, management skills and integrity. Mike is a NACE level 3 inspector, #59343 and SSPC-QCS (Quality Control Supervisor)

Zack Harris

Project Manager/Quality Control Manager

As a second generation industrial coatings professional, Zack was taken under his father’s wing at an early age and taught the trade from the bottom up. He began his career in 2002 working in the potable water storage tank market. His old-school work ethic combined with the ability to complete each project on time and within budget, while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards has catapulted him to the top of his trade. He has worked across the country on projects with a wide range of complexity. They include power generation, flood control, DOT, water/waste water, bulk storage and pipeline industries.

From Foreman to Independent Construction Inspector, Zack has held all field positions in the trade. He is currently a NACE III Certified Coatings Inspector (#46830) and New Kent Coatings Project Manager and Quality Control Manager.

Clovis Long

Field Operations Manager, Safety Manager

Clovis began his coatings career in 1992 while serving in the US Navy as a Boatswains Mate, painter/rigger. He served on several different types of naval vessels and small watercraft and oversaw the refurbishment and beautification of each vessel. After retiring from the Navy in 2012, he worked in the residential painting industry for a short time before joining the New Kent Coatings team. Clovis has worked in several different positions since then, starting as a painter/blaster. He was promoted to Foreman where he ran several different projects for Plains All American, HRSD and various Pulp and Paper mills.

Clovis’s keen understanding of the importance of safety quickly landed him in the Safety Manager role and he currently holds several OSHA certifications. He is a recognized Instructor for OSHA 10 and 30 hour courses, coordinates training and enforces job-site safety programs and rules throughout the company. His dedication and perseverance through the challenges we face in the industrial arena earned him his current position as Field Operations Manager. Clovis is currently a NACE CIP Level 1 inspector (#72816) and SSPC-QCS (Quality Control Supervisor).

OUR EXPERTISE

  • Chemical Facilities
  • Food Processing Facilities
  • Potable Water Tanks
  • Manufacturing Facilities
  • Military Installations
  • Petroleum Storage Facilities
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Piping
  • Power Generation Facilities
  • Pulp and Paper Mills
  • Storage and Warehousing Facilities
  • Structural Steel
  • Swimming Pool Coatings
  • Water and Waste Water Plants

OUR SERVICES

  • Sandblasting
  • Concrete Restoration
  • Corrosion Surveys
  • Epoxy Floor Coatings
  • Industrial Cleaning
  • Industrial Coatings Application
  • Intumescent Fire Proofing
  • Cementitious Fire Proofing
  • Lead Abatement
  • Secondary Containment Coatings
  • Surface Preparation
  • Tank Coating
  • Tank Lining
  • UHP Water Blasting
  • Dry-Ice Blasting
Call us today so we can bring value and longevity to your assets.