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.

Polyco and All American Tire Recyclers Bring Sustainability Full Circle in Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ennis, Texas, November 21, 2024 – In its latest paving project, Polyco, manufacturer of high-performance, sustainable asphalt solutions for the roofing and paving industries, has solidified its partnership with All American Tire Recyclers (All American), affirming the collaboration required to achieve greener, more sustainable infrastructure.  All American, Polyco’s crumb rubber supplier, contracted …

Recycled Tire Rubber Comes Full Circle with SigmaBond

We experienced a full circle moment during one of our latest paving projects. All American Tire Recyclers (All American), our crumb rubber supplier, contracted Elite Asphalt and materials supplier Austin Bridge and Road to repave their high-traffic lot with a mix that included our SigmaBond rubberized binder! This unprecedented opportunity solidified our partnership as we move …

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 …

Honoring Excellence at the CalAPA Annual Awards Dinner

Recently, I joined industry leaders at the California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA) Annual Awards Dinner, held at the historic Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles. This evening of camaraderie, celebration, and reflection showcased the achievements of key figures in the asphalt industry while also paying tribute to its storied past. A Night of Recognition and …

Webinar Recap: Rubberized Asphalt Performance Around the World

The first installment of our Back to Black webinar series, Not Lost in Translation, brought together two distinguished experts from opposite sides of the Atlantic to discuss the latest advancements in rubberized asphalt performance.  Henrique Borges Miranda, Ph.D., a pavement engineer and assistant professor at Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, shared insights from his …