Sam Nichols

VP of Sales

What does a typical day look like for you at Polyco?

I’m based in Reno, so I handle all accounts west of the Rockies. Right now, my region consists of Arizona and California, but we’ll be in more states soon. 

What did you do before joining Polyco?

Since my dad started the company, I started working here when I was 12 years old. As a kid, I was pretty much just running around, pushing a broom and working in the lab. The experience inspired me to pursue a Biology Degree at Concordia University in Portland. 

What are you most excited about at Polyco?

That there’s always a new technology being developed. And, seeing how sustainability allows us to be on the front lines of innovation in a market that has not historically been sustainable.

Why is sustainability at Polyco important to you?

I’ve always had a passion for the environment and asphalt’s second nature to me. It was an easy choice to come back to Polyco and be part of something that’s really moving the sustainability needle in a way that I can agree with and really enjoy while still taking care of our team, my family and the world.

What does the future look like for you? 

For Polyco, it’s going to be realizing cost effective, sustainable options in both roofing and paving while not sacrificing quality or production time. Also, I’d like us to continue to take care of our people and for more companies to see their employees as assets. 

What do you love to do outside of work?

My wife and I love being outdoors. We have a bunch of chickens and are really into gardening — trying to move towards more of a homestead lifestyle where we’re producing more of our own food. I also love snowboarding, hunting, fishing, golfing and rockhounding. And, of course, spending time with my daughter, Cordelia.

“Sustainability allows us to be on the front lines of innovation in a market that has not historically been sustainable.”

Insights

Our experts share their thoughts on asphalt sustainability, innovation, safety and creating a culture of care.

Featured Article: How Scrap Tires Are Revolutionizing Pavement Preservation

At Polyco, we’ve successfully diverted over 1.5 million end-of-life rubber tires from landfills, transforming them into valuable resources for our roofing and paving projects. This innovative approach is driving widespread sustainability efforts. The use of rubberized asphalt helps contribute to a circular economy by continuously upcycling reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS), and …

Meet the Team – Dario Alvarez

As many in asphalt know, we’re a community as much as we are an industry. That’s why Polyco’s latest hire, Dario Alvarez, our Regional Sales Manager, is a perfect fit – he’s about people.  In 2000, Dario launched his asphalt career selling liquid asphalt in Ogden, Utah, for Pioneer Oil Company. “My boss [at the …

Featured Article: Breaking the Limits of Rubber and RAP Content for Major Road Sustainability Initiative in Portugal

Sustainable practices have seen significant advancements across continents, with early adoption of technologies like Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) highlighting a global commitment to reducing environmental impact. The road to sustainability is paved with innovation, and Polyco is proud to be at the forefront of this journey.  We believe that collaboration is the key to unlocking …

Harmonizing the Hallmarks of Sustainable Pavements

In many sectors, including the asphalt pavement industry, sustainable materials are coming into play and are at the top of everyone’s agenda. Recycled asphalt pavement and shingles (RAP/RAS), waste tire rubber (WTR), plastics, glass – many scrap products find viable end uses in pavements. But focusing on materials alone is not enough to achieve truly …

Polyco Expands its Leadership Team: Dario Alvarez named as new Regional Sales Manager

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Reno, Nevada, October 14, 2024 – Polyco, manufacturer of high-performance, sustainable asphalt solutions for the roofing and paving industries, has named Dario Alvarez as its new Regional Sales Manager. Alvarez brings over 20 years of sales leadership experience in asphalt pavement solutions and highway safety technologies. His strength lies in introducing customers …