Our Executive Team

NaturChem prides itself on a family atmosphere. Above all, we know that our team members are our most important resource. Therefore, we work hard to promote security, safety, passion and integrity. Below are just a few of the team members that keep the NaturChem train rolling through vegetation free tracks.

Rom D. Kellis III and his wife Robin founded NaturChem in 1987 in Lexington, SC. Rom holds BS in General Horticulture Sciences from NC State and prior to NaturChem had a 10+ year career with the Dupont Company. Rom was selected to represent Dupont in the Auburn Silviculture Co-Op (along with scientists from Fortune 500 companies involved in forest production, representatives for government agencies, and researchers from other top universities). It was through this Co-Op that Rom received his post-graduate education in environmentally sound products that were created to solve real issues. He developed a bit of an obsession with figuring out how to create beauty from chaos beyond the forestry marketplace. This obsession is what led him and Robin to start their own company. Since leaving the corporate world at age 33, Rom’s desire to create beauty from chaos has resulted in NaturChem offices all across the country that employ hundreds of people who service thousands of customers by treating millions of acres. Rom and Robin have 8 children, 16 grandchildren, and 41 years of beautiful chaos to look back upon.

Wayne began working at NaturChem in 1994 as an Operations Manager at our Conyers location. Eventually Wayne was made general manager after developing myriad systems and processes to train and develop a better and safer work force. In 2004, Wayne became Regional Manager for the Southern Region. In 2008, he became Executive Director and became responsible for ensuring that fiscal operations, budgeting, marketing, human resource, technology, and programmatic strategies were effectively implemented. In 2014, Wayne accepted the role of President. He has since provided strategic leadership for the company. Wayne’s many years of service and expertise in all areas company-wide prove invaluable in helping to evaluate and advise on the impact of long range planning, introduction of new programs & strategies, and proactive regulatory compliance. Wayne and his wife of 42 years, Debbie, have 4 children and 13 grandchildren. Wayne spends much of his free time helping those in need through his multiple Mission Outreach trips to Honduras and his work within the community for Lexington Church of Christ.

Thomas Hughes is a 2006 graduate of The Citadel. He started his financial career as an auditor for Bauknight Pietras & Stormer. Thomas became the CFO for Tucker Oil dba Corner Pantry in 2013 before becoming the CFO or Ram Jack Southeast in 2014. Thomas joined our team in 2019. He and his wife Susie have 3 beautiful daughters that, for the most part, are well-behaved. The Hughes family enjoys their time together tailgating at football games, hiking, boating, and almost any outdoor sport.

As our first “employee”, Rom has developed over the years from a herbicide technician’s helper into our Senior Vice President focusing on constant improvement. Its a title he has earned through using, designing, building, maintaining, and purchasing NaturChem’s service equipment and tools. Its a title he lives intentionally through his daily acts working to instill NaturChem’s core values into each and every member of The NaturChem Family. Rom graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agronomy and Soils specializing in Turf Management. He is a member of EO Nashville (one of the largest Entrepreneurs’ Organizations in the world). He is a certified John Maxwell speaker, coach, and trainer. Rom and his wife Chelsea have five children (Rom V, Ryder, Sophia, Stellan, and Vivienne) and spunky golden doodle named LuLu.

Lance has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Southern Arkansas University. He came to NaturChem in 2003 from the Industrial Steel Manufacturing Industry. Lance revels in a rapid pace of work. His expertise, excellent sense of urgency, and focus on customer loyalty were essential to becoming one of NaturChem’s top salesmen early in his career. Lance has since grown into his role as Vice President of Operations with a keen focus on doing things right, doing them safe, and then doing them better (his personal catch phrase). Lance and his wife Kelli have been married for 23 years and have two children. The eldest, Trevor, just completed his first full season as a NaturChem technician while also maintaining a full college coarse load. Landrey is an honors student and state champion varsity cheerleader for Lexington High School who is currently preparing for college life in the near future. Lance and his family are members of Lexington Church of Christ and they love a sunny day on the lake capped off by Lance in front of the grill and Maybelle (their wire haired Griffon) patiently waiting for treats.

Nick Hook has been with NaturChem since 2008. His first major role was the General Manager of NaturChem’s ECO Group (our stormwater division). Nick graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Agricultural Mechanization and Business. Prior to joining our team, Nick served as NPDES Coordinator with CR Jackson Inc. in Columbia, South Carolina. Nick’s favorite part of working at NaturChem is the awesome team of co-workers and working within the versatility of a company in a fast-paced environment. When he’s not working, you can find Nick and his wife Chrissy at every Clemson home game along with their two children (Lilly and Bryce).

Rhett would be the first to tell you he was raised by his parents AND NaturChem. Along with receiving a master class level eduction in the vegetation management industry from his father, working at NaturChem as a young man is where Rhett first really understood the importance of having a strong work ethic. After high school, Rhett left NaturChem to clear his own path. He and his wife Bethany have owned and operated a successful landscaping company since shortly after being married. Running a business gave Rhett the freedom to experiment with and develop his own style in the areas of sales, management, finances, communication, customer relations, personal development and leadership. Rhett and Bethany quickly grew their business to employ over thirty people and maintain over 200 highly visible commercial properties. Ten years later, Rhett joined NaturChem once again in a business development role. In 2016, Rhett was made the Vice President of Sales at NaturChem. Rhett and Bethany have two daughters (Bella and Maya) and a son (Cruise).