02/17/2026
NFE Hits 35 Year Milestone!
If you follow or work with our company, you've likely heard us talk about the company's humble beginnings. In 1991, David Nichols found himself with a decade of truck equipment industry experience and no job to apply it to. Out of that void, Nichols Fleet Equipment, Inc. was started in February of '91 in a rented single-office trailer in Chattanooga, TN. The rest, as they say, is a 35-year history of family, hard work, amazing employees, strong partnerships, and countless priceless relationships.
There's not enough space on the internet to thank everyone who has contributed to making NFE what it has become today, but we value and thank you all for every handshake, cup of coffee, trade show dinner, truck sale, and parts call that contributed to it. So many people in this industry and well beyond have been integral parts of our story, and we are grateful for all of them.
As we sit here today in a new facility that has afforded us incredible new opportunities for growth, it's impossible not to reflect on where we were 35 years ago, where we are today, and we're going in the future. We're extremely proud of our history and equally excited about our future. David Sr. has lived and breathed this place since Day 1. Buzz joined the business in 2007 and Nick in 2011, learning every day and building on the foundation poured in 1991 when they were little boys. They've grown up alongside this place, and as we look ahead into the next chapter for our company, they will be stepping into new roles as they continue leading the company into the future.
Don't worry, other than maybe some longer trips with Vivienne, David Sr. isn't going anywhere quite yet — you'll still likely find him out in the shop under trucks and answering questions only he knows the answers to! But effective 2/1, Buzz Nichols has been appointed NFE President, Nick Nichols will serve as Vice President, and David will be Chairman of the Board.
This is an exciting time for the Nichols Family and for our company. We have much to look back upon proudly, and even more to look forward to. Thank you all for being a part of this journey. We are most grateful for your support for us and what we've built since '91!