Chester Inc. has been very busy hiring and developing new employees to their multifaceted, fast-paced company. All three departments have welcomed new additions to their core staff. Below are the names and brief backgrounds of each new employee!
Architectural & Construction
Laura Small
Laura Small is an experienced and accomplished licensed architect and LEED AP, with over 25 years of experience. She began her architectural career in 1990 working for a well-known Porter County architectural firm. In 2010 she started her own architectural business, L A SMALL ARCHITECTS, LLC in Crown Point for commercial and custom residential projects.
She has lived in Crown Point for the past 22 years and is happily married with three children. Laura has volunteered and chaired many events and fundraisers for Crown Point High School, St. Mary’s School & Church. Laura is also an active Board Member of the Lake Court House Foundation in Crown Point.
“What keeps me going is seeing a project on paper being materialized in the real world. It’s very rewarding work!” Laura said.
Information Technologies
Nick Doud:
Nick started his IT career in 2004 by enlisting in the United States Air Force. After the military, Nick spent 5 years at Purdue University North Central, where he was the technician responsible for all technology used in the classrooms. He spent his next 4 years working at the corporate headquarters for DirectBuy in Merrillville.
Nick has been married for 11 years and has two children, both boys, ages 10 and 7. He is also extremely involved in the youth sports throughout the community.
“I coach and am involved in a variety of youth sports programs. All of these are volunteer positions, but it’s extremely fun and gratifying to be involved with the children and their friends,” said Nick.
Michael Sikora:
Michael graduated from Indiana University in 2013 with a degree in Telecommunications. Since college, Michael has been working in the Chicagoland area as an Information Technologies Specialist. He has always had an interest in computers, and how they can impact our lives.
In his spare time, Michael often builds computers for his family to use. Michael stated that he enjoys spending time with his family, and cooking meals together. His other interests include riding bicycles, fishing, and astronomy.
“I also take a lot of pride in the work that I do, and I enjoy being able to help others by resolving problems they have with computers.” said Michael.
Sam Sawaya:
Sam has been in the IT industry for over eight years, with an expertise in disaster recovery, business continuity, and managed service plans to proactively support many different types of businesses. He is deeply committed to his clients and enjoys building strong, enduring relationships.
Sam is happily married to his wife Jessica and they have two kids: Leila and Simon. He loves to spend time at Lake Michigan, going on bike rides. and to travel with his family.
“I’m also a big foodie! I absolutely love cooking for my family and myself,” Sam added.
Agricultural Systems
Kent Wamsley
Kent grew up in White County Indiana with the love of the outdoors and agriculture. Kent’s grandfathers were both instrumental in his career path and volunteer decisions, as one raised hogs and farmed, while the other was a county extension agent. Upon graduation from North White High School in 1997, he went on to attend Purdue University. He studied in the natural resources field while at Purdue and in 2001 received his Bachelor of Science Degree.
Kent started his career in Ohio with a private lake management company, before he was able to secure a job two years later in Winamac, IN with The Nature Conservancy, where he worked for 13 years. Before coming to Chester Ag Systems, Kent was employed at Wallace Pork Systems; a swine and cattle feed mill in southern Pulaski County.
"Agriculture is in my DNA. Anytime I'm out in the field, I'm a happy man," said Kent.
