Our History

01.

Burke Pinnell

Founder & Chairman

Look up the word "Craftsman" in the dictionary and you might just find a picture of Burke. For his entire life Burke has truly enjoyed working with his hands and finding unique solutions to difficult problems. In 1977, Burke and the other founders of Hickory Construction set out to create a company dedicated to providing the highest level of quality and service in everything we do. From the smallest renovation to the largest custom home, Hickory's mission has never wavered. As Chairman, Burke is still very actively engaged in the day-to-day operations of the company.‌

Burke is a veteran of the U.S. Army and an Eagle Scout, bringing the principles of discipline, leadership, and service with him in his daily work. In 2024, he was recognized for his lifetime involvement in scouting – an honor that speaks volumes about his commitment to excellence and service.‌

When he is not busy mentoring Hickory's leadership team, Burke can be found exploring the great outdoors with his wife, Lezah. Together they have traveled the globe, embarking on amazing adventures and creating cherished memories along the way. However, Burke’s interests aren’t limited to travel. He is also an avid fisherman, hunter, and woodworker. He enjoys combining these passions by handcrafting bows, arrows, fishing rods and tying flies which he uses on his many adventures.

02.

Ben Pinnell

President

Growing up in the halls of Hickory, Ben has been raised under Hickory’s founding principles. He embodies “The Hickory Way” and has inherited the love of craftmanship from his father, Burke.‌

Ben’s journey in excellence extends beyond construction sites. He too is an Eagle Scout and lives his life surrounded by the values of scouting as his ethos, putting others before himself and providing the highest level of service to all.‌

Ben’s passion and enthusiasm is contagious. His leadership brings a spirit and energy to Hickory that is absorbed by our entire team. Ben is extremely passionate about Hickory, his family, and his bees. Yes, his bees. Ben is a highly respected beekeeper and exceedingly impassioned about this hobby. If you want to talk construction or bees, Ben is always ready willing and (more than) able. Additionally, Ben’s thirst for adventure is immense. He has sought out and conquered challenges such as having hiked the length of the Appalachian Trail and navigated the entirety of the Mississippi River on a handmade raft just to name a few. This lifetime of journeys has helped him develop his leadership style and given him unique perspectives on life’s day-to-day challenges.

03.

Ben Spina

Executive Vice President

Ben Spina brings a true engineer's analytical mindset to Hickory Construction. His professional career has included amazing and diverse adventures. Ben spent several years leading an elite engineering team focused on the maintenance and modernization of our nation's submarine force. This work included detailed project management, as well as leading the waterfront engineering, planning, and testing team for Oceaneering International, Inc. Ben also brings commercial real estate development and management experience.

A Knoxville native and graduate of Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, Ben has lived coast to coast (four times to be exact) but always finds his way back to the East Tennessee mountains he loves. Outside of work, you'll find him fishing, mountain biking, mountaineering, or traveling with his wife Kate and their energetic son, Fin.

Fun Fact: Ben has been a long-time friend of Hickory's President, Ben Pinnell, so joining the team feels a lot like coming home.

04.

Randy Fields

Director of Business Development

Randy, also a U.S. Army Veteran and Eagle Scout, serves as the leader of sales, marketing, and community engagement initiatives for Hickory. In his role, Randy leads Hickory’s efforts to be exceptional corporate partners both with our clients and within our community. In his sales and marketing role, Randy leads our team to develop and foster relationships in the pursuit of new projects. He also maintains partnerships with design and business leaders throughout our region. Randy also leads Hickory’s engagement in the Fine Home Builders Alliance, of which Hickory is a founding member.

Within the local community, Randy serves on numerous boards and works tirelessly to promote civic engagement amongst area business and community leaders. His community engagement includes the following: 2023/24 UT Chancellor’s Associates Chair, two-time Chair of the CRE Charitable Breakfast – benefiting East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, President of the West High School Football Booster Club, Development Director of the West Athletic Council and much more.

Outside of his "day job" Randy can usually be found actively involved in his children's activities; be it school, sports or engaging in outdoor adventures with his family. He loves sports and the outdoors so is frequently enjoying time with those activites.

03.