Our Team
The Commercial Environments Executive team is a group of highly skilled and experienced professionals in the Commercial Furniture Industry. We pride ourselves on our knowledge and our commitment to bringing you the best customer service possible.
Missy Sims, President
Missy Sims is the Owner and President of Commercial Environments, Inc. She founded the company in 2000 after seeing the need for a more personalized, service-based commercial furniture company in East Tennessee and the greater Knoxville area. Missy oversees the full operations of the company and is very hands-on in managing client relationships, and works collaboratively with the company’s project managers and designers. Missy also spearheads new business development and setting the overall strategic vision for the company to ensure Commercial Environments, Inc. remains the premier furniture provider for corporations, healthcare facilities, financial institutions, and government entities among other types of businesses locally and regionally. Prior to starting her own business, Missy worked as a Sales Associate and Project Manager for 3 years at Braden’s in Knoxville, Tennessee where she managed all facets of client accounts as well as new client development. Missy holds an NCDIQ certification from The Council for Interior Design Qualification and is a Registered Interior Designer. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Missy is also a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, which is the only global network organization exclusively for entrepreneurs. Missy and her husband, Alan, have four children. She enjoys travelling, hiking, and all things outdoors, but her favorite activity is watching her children’s sporting events.
Alan Sims, Chief Financial Officer
Alan Sims has been in charge of the financial operations of Commercial Environments, Inc. for 17 years. He is responsible for the comprehensive financial strategy of the company as well as overseeing operational systems to ensure a smooth and seamless business workflow. Alan manages the daily financial activities including developing the annual company budget and sales goals, preparing financial statements, and reconciling monthly budgets to actual sales projections. In addition to his role as Chief Financial Officer, Alan has worked in almost every role within the company including sales, customer service and even furniture installation. These experiences have provided a broader knowledge of the business and its daily operations. Prior to working at Commercial Environments, Alan worked as a CPA for Pugh & Company, and was the controller for Taylor-White, LLC. Alan has a degree in Accounting from East Tennessee State University, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is also a member of the Tennessee Society of CPA’s. Alan is married to Commercial Environments, Inc. founder, Missy Sims, and together they have four children. Alan enjoys travelling, hunting, fishing,and hiking.
Jennifer Ridner, General Manager
Jennifer Ridner joined Commercial Environments, Inc. in 2005. Currently in her role as General Manager, she is responsible for process management and communication of all furniture orders. Jennifer is also in charge of managing the lifespan of all accounts including warranty replacement orders when needed. She oversees the company’s human resource activities, accounts receivables, and assists the company president in all company activities. Before rising to her role as General Manager, Jennifer worked as the company’s Office Manager for nine-years, and in Customer Service for three-years where she was involved with asset management and quality control. Prior to joining Commercial Environments Jennifer was the Office Manager at Parent-Child Services Group, Inc. where she managed the growth of the practice from a staff of 4 to 25 in two offices. She also handled the scheduling of all staff and therapists’ appointments and was responsible for medical billing, including the implementation of a new billing system. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Tusculum College. Jennifer enjoys watching her son play baseball and basketball, is active in her church, and enjoys working and playing outdoors.
Wes Carmichael, Operations Manager
Wes Carmichael joined Commercial Environments, Inc. in 2001 and currently serves as Operations Manager. He brings extensive knowledge of the office furniture industry. Wes oversees the management of the warehouse, leads the Commercial Environments’, Inc. installation crews, and ensures each job is completed as promised to our clients. His comprehension of commercial furniture is multi-faceted and includes scheduling, project coordination, logistics, and punch list completion. Wes graduated from Tusculum College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Wes is married with two daughters and is active in his community, volunteering as coach for both of his daughters’ basketball and softball teams. Wes also loves working and baling hay on his farm in Clinton where he has two dogs, two ponies, chickens and a, rabbit.
Nicole Oran, Account Executive
Nicole Oran began her career with Commercial Environments, Inc. in 2016 as an Account Executive where she is responsible for project management, selection and specification of commercial furniture, interior finish selection, and space planning. She also creates drawings and renderings in the company’s 2D/3D design program to help her clients visualize the space plan as well as create installation documents. When needed, Nicole provides interior design services, assisting in the selection of flooring, paint and wallcoverings, laminates and fixtures, and creates a finished design plan for submission to the architect and contractor. Prior to joining the Commercial Environments team, Nicole worked for Shae Design Studio where she consulted with clients on kitchen and bath remodels, new construction design, and whole-home interior design services. Nicole graduated Sum Laude from East Tennessee State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, was a member of the Dean’s List, and was awarded outstanding Interior Design Student. Nicole is married, and in her spare time enjoys video games, team sports, weightlifting, binge-watching Netflix, and DIY projects of all kinds.
Shanna Ricker, Account Executive
Shanna Ricker has been a Designer/Account Manager for Commercial Environments, Inc. since 2007. She is responsible for developing new business, project management, selection and specification of commercial furniture, interior finish selection, and space planning. Shanna is currently working on the development of a digital application for commercial furniture dealers that will assist in the visual approval process of space design and layout. The app will enable the search of hundreds of commercial furniture products, the sharing of those products for client consideration, and the ability to create online catalogs, keeping projects highly organized, and expediting the entire approval process. Shanna earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from East Tennessee State University. Shanna has a son and they love to travel whenever possible. She also enjoys walking on the beach, bike riding, swimming, and spending time with loved ones.
Sydney Spears Account Executive
Sydney Spears joined the Commercial Environments team as Account Executive in 2021. In addition to space planning, specification of furniture and finishes, and project management, Sydney also utilizes rendering software to create 2D and 3D drawings in order to aide clients with visualizing their spaces. Prior to joining Commercial Environments, Sydney gained experience with other furniture dealerships, and spent time with Bonitz, Inc., a commercial flooring distributer as a Design and Product Specialist. Throughout her different roles, Sydney has interacted with manufacturer’s reps, interior designers, and architects to create successful projects, ranging from furniture to flooring. Sydney was inspired to pursue design from a young age by her Papaw, who taught her how to draw her first set of floor plans. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. In her free time, Sydney enjoys spending time with her dogs, crafting, cooking, and exploring her deep love for all things Disney.