Who We Are

ENHANCING THE LIVES OF OUR EMPLOYEES AND THE COMMUNITIES WE BUILD AND SERVE

Our Mission

To build life changing infrastructure.

Our Purpose

To enhance the lives of our employees and the communities we serve.

Our Vision

To set the benchmark by being best-in-class in leadership, innovation, efficiency, and safety.

Our Story

It Began With a Single Tractor

In 1956, with one tractor and a pickup truck, James King Sr. and Frank Stokes from DeKalb County, Georgia embarked on a journey to what would become DeKalb Pipeline Company. Seeking more from life than just working for a paycheck, their strong work ethic and innovation led them to make a difference in their field of work.

Incorporated in 1960, DeKalb Pipeline Company built much of the infrastructure throughout DeKalb County and Atlanta Georgia. After a few years of operation, they embraced the concept of using precast concrete (in lieu of traditional brick) for manhole construction. This became revolutionary for Metro Atlanta.

The two decided to begin a second company, Southeast Precast. After building the business from scratch, they decided to sell that company in 1970. This led to James King buying out Frank Stokes’ share of the company, making him the sole owner of DeKalb Pipeline.

  • As Atlanta began its ascension into a growing southern metropolis in the 1970s and early 1980s, difficult economic conditions tempered its pace. As a result, DeKalb Pipeline decided to shift its focus to residential work. The company partnered with premier real estate developer and Atlanta icon Tom Cousins on many subdivision projects throughout the city.

    The mid-1980s saw not only economic conditions improve, but also increased growth as housing subdivision projects accelerated. In late 1985, the reins of the company were handed to James King Jr. and DeKalb Pipeline became a second-generation company.

  • Atlanta’s growth continued in the 1990s and early 2000s at an accelerated pace. Subdivisions were morphing into small cities.

    Subdivision projects, many of which lasted 10-12 years and consisted of 2000-3000 homes, became DeKalb Pipeline’s bread and butter. The company became adept and nimble at delivering full development projects with its partners, delivering results on time and on budget.

  • 2008 and 2009 brought "The Great Recession," which led to a housing industry slowdown. But many times, out of adversity comes opportunity. DeKalb Pipeline shifted focus again, this time on water transfer — not only in the municipal market, but also in the oil fields of the Marcellus-Utica Shale play in Ohio and West Virginia. This water transfer work took DeKalb Pipeline to gold mines in South Carolina, which opened the door for mining work all across the Southeast.

  • Today, DeKalb Pipeline has returned to its roots in Metro Atlanta and is focused once again on large, complex site work projects. Still a second-generation company, its foundation of hard work and ethical practices have not changed. DeKalb Pipeline takes pride in delivering value to its clients, enhancing its employees' lives, and changing Atlanta communities for the better.

Our Team

The team at DeKalb Pipeline Company offers a combined 160 years of industry experience. There has rarely been a challenge we haven’t faced, a problem we haven’t solved, or a task we weren’t able to handle. With a primary focus on the safety and well being of our employees, it’s no wonder we have one of the longest-tenured leadership teams in the business.

  • James King Jr.

    President / CEO

  • Caleb Phillips

    Equipment

  • Sarah Thompson

    Accounting

  • Lane Rutledge

    Lane Rutledge

    Shop Foreman / Fleet Management

  • Jason Heyman

    Project Manager / Estimator

  • Jeff Kitchens

    Jeff Kitchens

    Senior Project Manager

  • David Parsons

    General Field Superintendent

Rodney Cantrell

Rodney Cantrell has been a part of the Dekalb Pipeline family for almost 6 years. He heard about the position from his school in the work base learning program. Rodney works out in the field on all the equipment. “I have watched Rodney come in as a shop laborer, and grow into a fine young mechanic. The growth and ownership he has demonstrated over the past 5-6 years is a testament to his work ethic. Rodney is truly an asset to our company.” -James King

Employee Spotlight

  • “My name is Rodney Cantrell. I am married to Samantha Cantrell . We have a dog named Charlie.”

  • “I will be at Dekalb Pipeline six years in August.”

  • “My position at Dekalb Pipeline is a Field Service Technician.”

  • “The work environment is really good. Everyone is very helpful and they treat their employees with a lot of respect.”

  • “My best memory at Dekalb Pipeline is the Christmas parties we have every year because we fellowship and celebrate Christmas together.”

  • “The biggest challenge I have ever faced is learning how to work on all the equipment and everything about it.”

  • “The thing I love the most is it’s like having a second family.”

  • “Dekalb Pipeline has impacted my life by teaching me to be a better mechanic that helps me make a living and provide for my family.”