Meet the Team
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Donald Pleasants
FOUNDER
Donald Pleasants, Founder & Chairman of the Board, will be moving into a retirement role. Donald has spent over 40 years building teams in our industry to take care of the men and women that take care of all of us in our time of emergency. Donald will still be involved on the business side and you all will still see him at conferences, as he’s not quite ready to completely hang up his hat. We are hopeful that Donald will take some time to relax and spend time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His move to retirement is well deserved!
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Wendy Pleasants
OWNER
Wendy has been a vital part of Southeastern Specialty Vehicles since 2005, offering invaluable expertise and support for key executive decisions. A retired nurse with a focus on emergency medicine, she has played a significant role in strengthening relationships between EMS and hospitals throughout her career. Wendy has been married to Donald Pleasants, Founder, since 2011, and they love traveling together and spending time with their five grandchildren. Her experience and dedication are tremendous assets to our team.
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Nikki Pleasants-Mullen
CEO - OWNER
As the daughter of the Founder, Donald Pleasants, Nikki has been valuable to SSV since the beginning serving as the CEO for Southeastern Specialty Vehicles since 2021. Preferring to remain behind the scenes, Nikki provides strategic guidance and support on key executive decisions. Her understated yet impactful leadership helps steer the company’s success while maintaining a calm and influential presence. In her time off, she enjoys spending time on her farm with her daughters, Laney & Emma, and her husband Mann.
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April Phelps
PRESIDENT - OWNER
April, a Henderson, NC native, has been with Southeastern Specialty Vehicles for 18 years. Starting in inventory, she transitioned to business operations in 2019 and was named Vice President of Business Operations in 2021. Married to her high school sweetheart, Justin, with two children, Michaela and Jay, April is a seasoned leader with deep knowledge of SSV’s daily operations. She’s committed to growing the company alongside VP Robert Daugherty, driving SSV to new heights in emergency vehicles.
(866) 640-2028 Ext. 3241 | Email
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Robert Daugherty
VICE PRESIDENT - OWNER
Robert is a volunteer fire chief at Scuffleton Rural Fire Association, located in Greene County, NC. The year of 2023 makes his 35th year volunteering with fire/EMS. He is a certified North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician, a certified North Carolina Law Enforcement Instructor as he spent 23 years in law enforcement in NC prior to getting into the ambulance business. He looks forward to expanding Southeastern Specialty Vehicles alongside President, April Phelps.
(866) 640-2028 Ext. 2221 | Email
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Amy Brake
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Amy oversees daily operations at SSV, ensuring a productive workplace and the consistent delivery of high-quality products and services. She focuses on improving efficiency and maintaining strong customer satisfaction.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys time with her husband, Reginald, and their daughter, Alisa.
(866) 640-2028 Ext. 2271 | Email
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Emily Harris
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Emily is committed to enhancing Southeastern Specialty Vehicles' marketing presence on social media. Her goals include sharing engaging updates, promotions, and contests to connect with our audience and keep you informed about the latest developments. Follow our social media channels to stay updated and participate in our exciting offerings!
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Dennis Tingen | EMS Division
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Dennis oversees our house accounts and strives to satisfy our existing and potential clients. Dennis’ goals for Southeastern Specialty Vehicles in the future is to see the expansion over the years to come and continue to work in our family/team atmosphere to provide the best service possible!
(919) 812-3049 | Email
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Neal Craig | EMS Division
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Neal has been a dedicated professional in South Carolina EMS since 1984, starting as an EMT in 1985 and becoming a Paramedic in 1987. He transitioned to ambulance sales in 1998 and has been committed to exceeding customer expectations ever since. Neal's passion for delivering exceptional service has made him an invaluable part of our team. He has been happily married to his wife, Pam, for 31 years, and they share their home with numerous beloved fur babies.
Territory: South Carolina and Western North Carolina
(864) 590-9817 | Email
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Alan Parnell | EMS Division
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Alan began his emergency services career in 1984 with Kenly Rescue, becoming a Paramedic in 1990. He spent over 30 years with Wilson County EMS, retiring as Assistant Director in 2024. After a brief break from 1999 to 2005 to focus on family, he continued his dedicated service. Alan and his wife of 31 years, Jennifer, have two adult children and two rescue dogs. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to community service.
Territory: Central & Eastern North Carolina
(252) 205-9413 | Email
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James Crawford | EMS Division
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
James Crawford serves as the Regional Sales Manager for Kentucky, bringing a strong commitment to customer service and a passion for providing high-quality emergency vehicle solutions. From his first interaction with Southeastern Specialty Vehicles, James recognized the company's family-oriented culture and the unwavering support of the team—an environment that aligns with his values and professional approach.
Territory: Kentucky
(859) 516-4617 | Email
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Tony Williams | EMS Division
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Tony Williams brings a passion for service and a deep appreciation for community to his role as Virginia Regional Sales Manager. With a strong commitment to supporting EMS teams across the state, Tony is dedicated to providing trusted, long-term solutions that help departments protect and serve their neighbors.
Territory: Virginia
(434) 603-1020 | Email
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Kent Cummings | Fire Division
DIRECTOR OF SALES
With over 39 years in the fire service and 36 years in apparatus sales, Kent Cummings brings unmatched experience to every build. A Captain in both City and County departments, he combines frontline insight with deep technical knowledge to help departments design safer, smarter fire and EMS vehicles. A certified instructor and trusted advisor, Kent is known for turning complex specs into real-world solutions that crews can count on.
(803) 840-5921 | Email
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David Lancaster | Fire Division
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
David Lancaster, a 1986 graduate of Eastern Wayne High School, has served with the New Hope Fire Department for over 40 years and is currently Assistant Fire Chief. He’s held various fire service roles across multiple counties and holds certifications as an NC EMT, Firefighter, Driver Operator, and Emergency Dispatcher. A member of Bethel Fellowship Church, David enjoys farming, fishing, and time with his children—Nick, Jeremy, Zach, and stepson Trey—and dogs, River, Waldo, and Nozzle.
Territories: North Carolina, South Carolina
(919) 920-6087 | Email
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David Loving | Fire Division
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
As Senior Sales Manager at Southeastern Specialty Vehicles, David brings deep industry experience and a sharp focus on client needs. Known for his commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, he provides strategic insight and personalized service on every project. Passionate about innovation, David plays a key role in driving SSV’s mission forward.
Territories: Southeastern North Carolina, Northeastern South Carolina
(804) 690-2942 | Email
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Earl Spangler
ENGINEER
Earl is our skilled engineer with an impressive 40-year career in engineering. With decades of experience, he expertly designs all of your specialty vehicles, ensuring each one meets the highest standards of quality and innovation. Earl's dedication and expertise are instrumental in delivering top-notch solutions tailored to your needs, making him an invaluable member of the Southeastern Specialty Vehicles team.
(252) 362-8096 | Email
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Calvin Craft
COMPLIANCE MANAGER
Calvin is a retired Law Enforcement Chief from the Pitt County A.B.C. Board with over 27 years of service, and he has more than 40 years of experience in the Volunteer Fire Service, including 20 years with the Farmville Volunteer Fire Department. He was instrumental in making SSV the first remount facility worldwide to achieve the Ford QVM compliance. Calvin is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, enhancing standards for both customers and employees.
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Chris VanHonk
SERVICE MANAGER
Chris is dedicated to servicing your vehicles and continues to assist with all your vehicle’s needs! With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to customer satisfaction, Chris ensures that every vehicle receives top-notch service and care. His passion for problem-solving and commitment to quality make him an invaluable asset to our team, helping to keep your vehicles running smoothly.
(919) 215-6696 | Email