Meet the people
behind PLEX.

Kevin McEwan is the CEO and Co-Founder of PLEX Industries, where he leads the company's strategic vision and growth initiatives across rail maintenance and construction, transloading, railcar storage, and industrial rail services. With more than 20 years of experience in the rail industry, Kevin has built a reputation for developing customer-focused solutions, driving business growth, and fostering strong partnerships throughout the transportation and logistics sectors.

Prior to co-founding PLEX Industries, Kevin served as Vice President of Marketing & Sales for P&L Transportation, where he was responsible for all aspects of commercial strategy, customer relationships, business development, and economic growth. During his tenure, he held numerous leadership positions including Manager of Revenue Analysis, Project Manager, Director of Marketing, and Vice President, helping position the company for sustained growth and long-term customer success.

Kevin is an active leader in both the rail and economic development communities. He currently serves as President of The Coal Institute and Chair of the Board for Greater Paducah Economic Development (GPED). He also serves on the Paducah Industrial Development Authority Board and previously served as Chair of the CSX Short Line Advisory Committee, where he collaborated with short line railroads and CSX leadership to improve service, strengthen partnerships, and grow freight opportunities across the national rail network.

Kevin earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business and Computer Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Murray State University.

Kevin resides in Paducah, Kentucky, with his wife, Mallory, their son, Cameron, and daughter, Mercer. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family on the golf course and at the lake.

Brian Nichol is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of PLEX Industries, LLC, where he oversees all operational aspects of the company, including rail maintenance and construction, transportation services, transloading operations, railcar storage, and strategic business development. With more than 20 years of experience in the railroad industry, Brian is recognized as a respected leader with extensive expertise in railroad operations, network management, labor relations, safety, and customer service.

Prior to co-founding PLEX Industries, Brian served as Vice President of Transportation for P&L Transportation Companies, where he was responsible for system-wide transportation operations, dispatching, customer service, network performance, and operational planning across the company's railroads. Throughout his career with P&L Transportation, Brian held numerous leadership positions of increasing responsibility, including Conductor, Engineer, Assistant Trainmaster, Trainmaster, Senior Trainmaster, General Manager of the Appalachian & Ohio Railroad, Assistant Transportation Superintendent, Director of Network Operations, and Assistant Vice President of Network Operations. During his tenure, he led major operational initiatives, implemented company-wide efficiencies, managed railroad dispatch and customer service integration, and played a key role in labor relations and transportation strategy.

Brian began his railroad career in 2006 as a Trainman during the startup of the Evansville Western Railway, where he helped build the railroad from its inception into an award-winning operation recognized with multiple CSX Short Line Development Awards. He later served as General Manager of the Appalachian & Ohio Railroad in Buckhannon, West Virginia, where he successfully aligned operations, finance, and labor practices with P&L Transportation's operational standards. He also led the operational startup of the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center in Winter Haven, Florida, helping ensure its successful launch and long-term operational success.

Before entering the railroad industry, Brian proudly served his country in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. After enlisting in 2004 and graduating at the top of his class with distinction, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 844th Engineer Battalion. Brian continued serving in the U.S. Army Reserve while beginning his railroad career and was honorably discharged in 2010. His military background instilled the leadership, discipline, and commitment to safety that continue to define his professional career.

At PLEX Industries, Brian is focused on building a premier rail services company that delivers innovative, safe, and reliable solutions across rail maintenance, construction, transloading, railcar storage, and industrial rail services. His leadership philosophy emphasizes operational excellence, accountability, teamwork, and exceptional customer service while fostering long-term partnerships throughout the rail and industrial sectors.

Brian completed coursework at Wabash College and Purdue University and remains active in his community through volunteer work with Upward Sports and Lone Oak First Baptist Church in Paducah, Kentucky, where he and his wife are raising their five children.