RAPIER Industries | Our Leadership Team

Nakia Rapier

Chief Executive Officer
Nakia Rapier is RAPIER Industries newest majority owner and plays a key role in driving growth. With 23 years of experience at Baylor Scott & White Dallas, she has a proven track record of success in process improvement and corporate integration.

She has implemented strategies that elevated her department to new heights throughout her career, creating a lasting impact across the organization. Now, Nakia brings that expertise to our Woman-Owned Business as she works toward obtaining Women Business Enterprise Nation Council (WBENC) and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certifications for our organization.

Nakia focuses on continuous improvement and operational excellence, meaning that partnering with us ensures a commitment to quality, efficiency, and diversity. Her leadership is key in shaping a future where innovation is at the forefront of everything we do.

Mike Rapier

Founder and Chief Operations Officer
Mike Rapier is a Master Electrician and has served American Industry for 28 years. Mike has helped start 3 other electrical contracting companies that are in business to this day prior to founding RAPIER Industries.

Throughout most of his career he's been very fortunate to be exposed to the industrial realm of Engineering, Consulting, & Contracting services spanning from the Manufacturing, Petro-Chemical, Food & Beverage markets to name a few. Visit his LinkedIn page to learn more.

Having a strong passion for American Made Products, he has helped build the RAPIER culture emphasizing, “Make it here, Make it now, American Made, American Jobs” as part of the company mission all the while focusing on training and investing in the next generation of trades-professionals.

His hope is that RAPIER Industries can help create a positive impact in American Industry as well as community and the families of RAPIER team members for years to come.

Shannan Norton

Director of Administration & Finance
Shannan Norton is Director of Administration at Rapier Industries and was instrumental in starting the company with Mike Rapier. Shannan has over 15 years of industry experience, 12 of which she has worked directly with Mike Rapier and has served in numerous roles in her tenure with the company. Shannan excels at special projects and customer service. Shannan is passionate about serving others and the community. When Shannan is not working, she enjoys traveling, volunteering at the local Catholic church and spending time outside with her husband Eric and their 5 children.

Eddie Garcia

Superintendent
Eddie oversees daily field operations, ensuring quality control, safety compliance, and successful project execution across all job sites. His leadership helps maintain high standards of workmanship while supporting field teams and project objectives.

A Journeyman Electrician with more than 30 years of industry experience, Eddie brings extensive expertise in electrical construction and field operations. His knowledge and leadership have contributed to the successful completion of numerous projects throughout his career.

Eddie has been a valued member of the Rapier Industries team since 2017. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, fishing, and spending time with his wife and children.

Hoby Smith

Safety Manager
Hoby oversees company-wide safety initiatives and compliance programs, ensuring Rapier Industries adheres to all federal, state, and local regulations. His responsibilities include conducting job site inspections, managing safety training programs, and promoting a culture of workplace safety.

A retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief with 24 years of military service, Hoby also brings 15 years of experience as a maintenance manager and safety coordinator. His distinguished military career included service aboard multiple aircraft carriers, guided missile destroyers, guided missile cruisers, and a minesweeper.

Hoby holds a Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO) designation from The University of Texas at Arlington. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, camping, gardening, building models, and spending time outdoors with Ollie Hope.

Charlie Griffin

Project Manager
Charlie manages electrical projects from estimating through completion, overseeing project planning, budgeting, coordination, and execution. His hands-on approach helps ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to client expectations.

As a Master Electrician and former Electrical Controls Technician, Charlie brings decades of technical knowledge and field experience to every project. His expertise allows him to effectively manage complex electrical systems and project requirements.

One of the original employees of Rapier Industries, Charlie has played an important role in the company's growth and success. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles.

Derrick McMillan

Project Management / Industrial Services
Derrick oversees key customer accounts, project financials, estimating, manpower planning, quality control, and customer satisfaction initiatives. He leads large teams while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

With 30 years in the electrical industry, including 22 years in commercial and industrial environments and 8 years focused exclusively on industrial manufacturing and food and beverage facilities, Derrick brings extensive expertise to every project. He is a Master Electrician and has held his Journeyman License since 2001.

His professional accomplishments include earning his Master Electrician License, completing OSHA training and Dale Carnegie Leadership Training, and serving as an ordained deacon and ministry leader. Outside of work, Derrick enjoys fishing, hunting, camping, farming, and weight training.

Ivan Lemus

Sales Account Manager
Ivan serves as the primary point of contact for customers, building strong relationships while identifying opportunities to deliver comprehensive electrical and industrial solutions. He collaborates closely with project management and operations teams to ensure exceptional customer experiences and successful project outcomes.

His diverse background spans industrial manufacturing, commercial electrical systems, facility operations, and technical systems. With experience across electronics, electrical, mechanical, and controls environments, Ivan effectively bridges technical expertise with customer-focused business development.

Known for his adaptability and problem-solving abilities, Ivan has built a reputation for translating complex technical challenges into practical solutions that create long-term value for customers. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with family, staying active, and building meaningful relationships both personally and professionally.

Emily Murray

Office Manager
Emily oversees daily office operations while supporting accounts payable, accounts receivable, and administrative functions that help keep the organization running smoothly. She serves as a key resource for both employees and leadership teams.

Before joining Rapier Industries, Emily spent 12 years in early childhood education, developing strong organizational, communication, and team coordination skills that continue to benefit her current role.

Emily has been with Rapier Industries for seven years and has completed HR certification training. Outside of work, she enjoys supporting her children's activities, cooking, traveling, and serving in her church community, where she has been actively involved for more than 20 years.

Kevin Vickery

Assistant Warehouse Manager / Fleet Manager
Kevin oversees fleet management, equipment rentals, tool audits, vehicle inspections, and warehouse operations, helping ensure crews have the resources they need to perform efficiently and safely.

He brings more than seven years of experience managing warehouse and fleet operations within the solar, residential electrical, and residential plumbing industries. His background has provided extensive knowledge of logistics, inventory management, and operational support.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys riding motorcycles, reading, playing video games, and staying active in the gym. He is also known for keeping the team entertained with his legendary stories and sense of humor.

Christopher Castillo

Senior Low Voltage Technician
Christopher leads low-voltage installations while ensuring industry standards and safety requirements are met. He provides technical guidance to customers, supports technology infrastructure planning, and trains technicians through both classroom and field instruction.

His experience includes implementing structured cabling systems for commercial construction projects, giving him extensive knowledge of project coordination, stakeholder communication, and successful project execution from start to finish.

Christopher holds a BICSI Technician certification, a Construction Management certification, an Associate of Science in Computer Science, and an Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science. He is currently pursuing his BICSI RCDD certification and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. In his free time, he enjoys exploring new restaurants, running, and gaming.

Nahom Abay

Estimator / Assistant Project Manager
Nahom serves as an Estimator and Assistant Project Manager, supporting project planning and execution through detailed estimating, coordination, and project management assistance. He works closely with project teams to develop accurate bids and help ensure projects are delivered efficiently and with precision.

With a background in Electrical Manufacturing Engineering and experience in electronics, RF communications, and IoT technologies, Nahom brings a strong technical foundation to project management. His expertise includes PCB design, manufacturing processes, and team leadership, allowing him to bridge technical knowledge with project execution.

Nahom holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, PMP certification, OSHA 30 certification, and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB). Outside of work, he enjoys playing soccer, hiking, flying, and working on cars.

Corina Penaloza

Operations Administrator
Corina serves as a vital link between field operations and office teams, helping coordinate communication, processes, and administrative support to keep projects moving efficiently. She works closely with multiple departments to ensure operational needs are met and information flows seamlessly throughout the organization.

Her professional background includes five years as a High-End Residential Sales Consultant and two years with Rapier Industries supporting safety and warehouse operations. This diverse experience has strengthened her customer service, organizational, and operational support skills.

Corina holds a Social and Behavioral Sciences certificate from The University of Texas at Arlington. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, trying new foods, and getting plenty of rest and relaxation.