A Trusted Partner
Premier has been a trusted partner for customers nationwide since opening in 2013. With an extensive network of top-tier manufacturers and wholesalers, we offer a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to the diverse needs of the industrial marketplace. From HVAC and janitorial supplies to electrical components and office furniture, we provide everything you need to keep your operations running smoothly. Our areas of specialization span various disciplines, including construction management, project management, quality assurance, and safety. We’re dedicated to delivering exceptional results and look forward to contributing to your success.
Meet the Leadership Team
James Luby
President
James Luby, President of Premier Contracting and Technical Services (PCTS), brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to his role. With a dynamic career spanning military service, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurial ventures, James possesses strategic vision, operational expertise, and unwavering integrity. As President, James is responsible for providing strategic leadership to drive PCTS’s growth and success in the government contracting sector. He oversees all aspects of the organization, from business development and operations to financial management and team leadership.
James’ professional journey is marked by notable achievements and accolades. From his tenure as a Senior Endocrinology Specialist at Novo Nordisk Group, where he achieved top sales rankings and earned numerous awards, to his role as Co-Founder and Director of Sales at Patriot Talent Solutions, where he spearheaded strategic initiatives that doubled revenue, James has consistently delivered outstanding results throughout his career.
A decorated veteran of the United States Army, James brings exceptional leadership experience and a commitment to excellence to his role at PCTS. His military service included serving as a Staff Sergeant and receiving prestigious awards such as Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year for the entire U.S. Army 2003-2004 and honors such as traveling around the world with the Sergeant Major of the Army representing all NCOs in the US Army. James’ military experience instilled in him values of integrity, dedication, and teamwork that continue to guide his approach to leadership.
James conducts business with the highest standards of honesty and transparency, delivering excellence in all aspects of operations and prioritizing the needs of customers above all else. He believes success is not just about making profits; it’s about making a positive impact with integrity, compassion, and unwavering ethics. In his spare time, James enjoys golfing, spending time with his wife and four children, and giving back to the community through coaching sports at the Boys and Girls Club.
Steve Watson
Vice President of Sales
Steve Watson serves as the Vice President of Sales at PCTS, leading the sales team and overseeing rental equipment services for customers. With more than thirty-five years of experience in industrial products, heavy equipment rentals, and government procurement sales, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.
Steve specializes in managing various off-site customer projects within DOE/DOD reservation sites, demonstrating a deep understanding of contract regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulations, DEAR, Davis-Bacon, Certified Payroll, and the Service Act Labor laws. Steve is known for his excellent communication skills and his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments effectively.
Jason Watson
Inside Sales Manager
Jason Watson, Sales Manager at PCTS, is a seasoned professional with a commitment to excellence. Since the inception of PCTS, Jason has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth trajectory, constantly meeting the needs of their customers while actively seeking and earning new business partnerships. Jason brings a strategic mindset and a relentless work ethic to his role, ensuring that he is always available to support the needs of his customers, day or night.
Jason manages the company’s relationship with UCOR and has garnered an outstanding reputation earning Premier both the UCOR SDVO and HUBZone Small Business of the Year Awards. Jason’s dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to his customers make him a trusted partner and an integral part of the PCTS team.
Grounded in the belief that honesty is the best policy, Jason values transparency and integrity in all his interactions, fostering strong and lasting customer relationships. Originally from Knoxville, Jason’s love for the region stems from its people. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and relishing the company of friends and colleagues.
Nick Strasser
Outside Sales Manager
As the Outside Sales Manager at PCTS, Nick plays a crucial role in sourcing and procuring products for clients, maintaining the facility, and providing versatile support across various team roles. He is OSHA 10 and HACCP certified and has been recognized with multiple industry awards including Annual Achievers, the 100% Club, Supplier Rep of the Year, and Manufacturer Partner Rep of the Year. Nick’s educational experience includes a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration with a Minor in Business Administration from East Tennessee State University.
Before joining PCTS, Nick enjoyed a long and distinguished career at Grainger, starting in 1988 as a truck unloader while still in college. He quickly advanced to Customer Service Manager and later took on the role of Branch Relocation Manager, overseeing the construction of over 40 Grainger branches. As an Account Manager, he managed annual sales of approximately $6 million across various sectors. Nick’s extensive experience in the MRO environment equips him with the skills to tackle a wide range of scenarios, fostering win-win situations for both customers and the company. His dedication to treating clients with respect and thoroughly understanding their needs before providing solutions sets him apart. A native of Ohio, Nick now enjoys the vibrant community and favorable climate of East Tennessee, where he engages in CrossFit and Spartan DECA competitions in his spare time.
Kristi Conort
Operations Manager/Special Projects
Kristi Conort, Operations Manager/Special Projects, brings extensive experience and a commitment to excellence to her role. She oversees the company’s payables team and fosters strong connections with our partners and vendors to ensure billing accuracy and timely invoice processing. Known for her hands-on approach, Kristi also has a passion for streamlining systems and leading cross-functional initiatives.
Kristi’s career journey includes eight years at Walmart, and concurrently, during her college years, working for the U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Activity at Fort McPherson, Georgia. After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration focused on Human Resources from Georgia State University, Kristi spent an impressive 29 years at W. W. Grainger, Inc., where she started as a collector and rose through the ranks to become a Credit Portfolio Manager. In this role, she managed a diverse portfolio of customers across various sectors and built strong relationships with both customers and colleagues.
Driven by a desire for new challenges and experiences, Kristi was drawn to the opportunities at Premier. Her commitment to customer service, partnership development, and teamwork are evident in her approach to her work within her role. Kristi’s core beliefs revolve around the importance of punctuality, continuous learning, and doing one’s best every day. In her role, she finds fulfillment in the relationships she has developed with her team, customers, and vendors. Along with her dependability and positive attitude, Kristi is committed to giving her all in every endeavor, ensuring that customers receive exceptional service and support.
Originally from Georgia, Kristi relocated to Tennessee in 2019. An avid Atlanta Braves fan, Kristi enjoys everything baseball and is also an avid reader with hundreds of books on her to-be-read pile. Kristi is also well-traveled and has been to all 50 states, thanks to her father’s goal of visiting historical sites across the country during her upbringing.
Tina Nichols
Director of Accounting
Tina is the Director of Accounting at Premier, where she brings over eight years of experience in accounting and financial operations. She plays a key role in leading the company’s accounting functions, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring financial accuracy and efficiency across the organization.
Tina holds an MBA in Business Operations and Supply Chain Management from Southern New Hampshire University, and she is passionate about leveraging her background to streamline processes and drive continuous improvement.
At Premier, Tina combines strategic oversight with hands-on financial expertise to collaborate with all departments. Known for her steady leadership, problem-solving ability, and integrity, Tina is passionate about building efficient processes, mentoring her team, and establishing financial health and compliance at every level.
A proud TN native, Tina enjoys spending time with her husband and cats, exploring East Tennessee, and unwinding with a good show.
Jesse James
Account Manager
An accomplished Account Manager at PCTS, Jesse James holds a Master of Science in Teacher Education from the University of Tennessee and has held positions as an Environmental Specialist at Knox County Health Department and a Wireless Consultant at U.S. Cellular. At U.S. Cellular, Jesse developed exceptional sales, communication, and customer service skills, which he seamlessly applies to his current role. His tenure at Knox County Health Department instilled in him a commitment to compliance, regulation adherence, and attention to detail, all crucial for his success at PCTS. Known for his excellent customer service and problem-solving skills, Jesse thrives in PCTS’s fast-paced environment. His core beliefs include a strong work ethic, honesty, integrity, initiative, reliability, and dedication, which shape his professional approach.
Originally from Knoxville, Jesse enjoys the region’s natural beauty, particularly the lakes and mountains. In his spare time, he enjoys family time on the lake, golfing, attending University of Tennessee sporting events, and going to concerts. Additionally, Jesse volunteers coaching baseball and basketball for Knox Youth Sports, demonstrating his commitment to community service and engagement.
Blake Kidwell
Account Manager
Blake Kidwell is an Account Manager at PCTS, specializing in handling procurement and delivery processes for Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Blake joined PCTS in 2018 with a solid background in customer service and order management from his previous role at Print One, Inc., Blake excels in preparing and issuing quotes, processing orders, and managing vendor interactions using SAP ARIBA. He is committed to providing exceptional support, ensuring timely deliveries, and building strong relationships with both current and future customers. Blake’s personable nature, product knowledge, and dedication to customer satisfaction make him a valuable asset to the PCTS team. Blake’s professional philosophy centers on honesty and dependability. He always puts customers’ needs first and delivers 110% effort.
A native of Clinton, TN, Blake loves East Tennessee and graduated as a vol for life from The University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Education. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, often visiting Norris Lake or Dollywood, and supporting the Tennessee Volunteers in various sports. Blake wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else, finding great joy and fulfillment in his community and surroundings.
Megan Henley
Account Manager
Megan Henley is an Account Manager at Premier, who enhances the team with her innovative mindset. She is a recent graduate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with a Collateral in Human Resource Management. During her time at UTK, Megan demonstrated exceptional communication and interpersonal skills honed through various leadership roles and internships, making her a natural fit for Premier.
Passionate about delivering results and bringing fresh ideas to the table, Megan leverages her education and experience to work with colleagues to drive innovation and growth. Her strong work ethic, adaptability, and collaborative sprit make her a valuable addition to the team. Known for her strong communication skills, Megan takes pride in being a reliable point of contact for the customers she serves. Her approach has always been proactive and always rooted in a genuine commitment to client success.
The Premier team has allowed her to be a part of a connected culture with supportive leadership and an overall shared commitment to going above and beyond for customers. It is rewarding for her to work alongside people who care deeply about what they do and bring integrity to every project.
As a native of Oak Ridge, TN, Megan has always had a deep love for her home state. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones (+ her dogs), trying new restaurants, and cheering on the Volunteers.
Kevin McKeethan
Account Manager
Kevin is an Account Manager at Premier, where he brings the same passion, leadership, and dedication that defined his nearly two-decade career in football coaching. A native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Kevin earned his B.A. in Mathematics from Maryville College in 2007 and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Foundations of Leadership, Sport & Recreation Management from Kent State University in 2010.
Before transitioning into the business world, Kevin spent 19 years coaching football, including 17 at the collegiate level. Over the course of his coaching career, he held key leadership roles such as Recruiting Coordinator, Offensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, and Passing Game Coordinator. He coached at several respected programs including Kent State, New Mexico State, the University of Tennessee, Carson-Newman, Eastern Kentucky, and Oak Ridge High School.
Known for his attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities, Kevin takes pride in building strong partnerships, understanding client goals, and providing solutions-focused support that drives long-term value.
Outside of work, Kevin is passionate about fitness, enjoys all things sports-related, and is an active member of his church community where he loves to attend and serve.
Bradley Durand
Account Manager
As an Account Manager at Premier, Bradley brings a strong background in commercial construction and client relations. Prior to joining Premier, he spent six years as a Project Manager at Vision General Contractors, overseeing commercial projects for a variety of retail clients. Through that experience, he developed key skills in estimating, customer service, time management, and effective communication.
Bradley began his college career as a student-athlete at Western Carolina University before earning his degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee.
Bradley is known for his professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to manage complex accounts with clarity and care. He thrives in fast-paced environments, values strong collaboration, and is always looking for ways to add value through thoughtful solutions and consistent service.
A proud Tennessee native, Bradley enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, cheering on the Vols, and hitting the golf course with his buddies in his free time.
Get Started Today
Let us be your reliable partner in achieving your project goals. Reach out now to get started with Premier.