About Us - CEI Services

Building Safer, Stronger & Smarter Communities for 19 Years

Reliable construction and land management services across 8+ states and 90+ cities.

Who We Are

CEI Services is a fully integrated facilities maintenance company, originally founded as Cleaning Experts, Inc. in 2007 in Anniston, Alabama. Led by CEO Kanada Simmons, the company evolved from a family-built janitorial foundation into a complete “one-stop shop” for interior & exterior building services—including plumbing, construction, concrete, painting, & more.

In 2016, CEI earned DBE certification and began serving State and Federal sectors, including ALDOT. Over the years, we’ve partnered with notable clients such as Kronospan, Homeland Security, Jacksonville State University, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Road & Rail, and Bridgewater.

Renamed CEI Services in 2019, the company continues to grow, driven by innovation, quality, and a commitment to comprehensive solutions for every facility need.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Kanada began working for his family’s business, Simmons & Simmons Janitorial, when he was just 6 years old. Even as a young child, he learned the importance of hard work and perseverance. He was taught to sow the seeds of effort, nurture them, and eventually reap the rewards. By the time he turned 15, Kanada was already leading crews in stripping and waxing, and he oversaw various projects. In 2007, he established CEI Services (initially known as Cleaning Experts, Inc.), where he applied the entrepreneurial skills he had acquired throughout his life. His business is fueled by the deep passion he holds in his heart, evident in the looks of his eyes. Kanada serves as the driving force behind the success of CEI, embodying the motto of the renowned Nelson Mandela, “I never lose. I either win or learn.” This belief has become one of his many positive outlooks on life and business. Kanada has been recognized with numerous awards and certificates in both the community and business realms. Among them, the Coca-Cola Award for his significant contributions of time and money to the Munford Athletic Program holds a special place in his heart.

Originally from Clay County, Alabama, Kanada is a devoted family man who deeply values and respects family bonds, placing them above all else. He is happily married and has three sons. During his free time, he finds enjoyment in the world of motorcycling, both as a spectator and a participant. He also takes pleasure in supporting Auburn football and serving as a mentor to young men.

Mercedes is a purpose-driven professional with over 25 years of experience across multiple sectors. She brings a wealth of corporate expertise to her leadership and service-oriented approach. With a strong foundation in client relations, global sales, strategic planning, and process improvement, Mercedes excels in driving business growth and optimizing organizational efficiency. A commitment to excellence has marked her career, honed over decades in the corporate world, where she developed a keen understanding of industry dynamics and best practices.

Mercedes’ leadership style is grounded in mentorship. She believes that “iron sharpens iron,” and she is passionate about empowering others to recognize and execute their own purpose. Her ability to guide teams and individuals toward achieving their full potential has made her a trusted business leader. She finds fulfillment in sharing her knowledge and fostering an environment of collaboration, knowing that success is best achieved when built together.

Quinton “Q” Harrell is a serial entrepreneur, community advocate, and founder of Heritage United Builders, a project brokerage and workforce platform dedicated to supporting subcontractors and promoting economic empowerment. A visionary leader with over 24 years of experience in retail, construction, real estate, hospitality, and procurement, Quinton has built a diverse career focused on wealth-building opportunities for underserved communities. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, he has worked with or collaborated with pillar institutions like the Community Investment Collaborative, Building Goodness Foundation, Charlottesville Community Area Foundation, Martin Horn Construction, Piedmont Housing Alliance, and the University of Virginia, providing project management services or thought leadership in guiding policies to improve procurement opportunities for the local community.

A self-proclaimed eco-system architect, Quinton is passionate about business development and relationship-building and uses his experiences to inspire, connect, and uplift others. The next exciting challenge is joining the family business at CEI Services to expand opportunities into the Mid-Atlantic region. Quinton’s commitment to lifelong learning, family, and financial literacy has been a cornerstone of his success. He is a self-described “humble student of life,” always seeking to gain perspective and connect with others. Quinton enjoys traveling, reading, golfing, and following sports in his spare time, particularly Virginia and Alabama football and basketball.

Kelli Mullins serves as the Director of Operations and Program Management at CEI Services, Inc., where she oversees multi-contract performance, team coordination, and project deliverables. With more than 20 years of experience in project management, logistics, and distribution, Kelli brings a proven record of driving operational efficiency and ensuring the successful execution of complex programs. Her leadership and strategic oversight support CEI’s mission to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that meet client needs and exceed performance expectations.

Tonya Smitherman is the Director of Contract Management for CEI Service Inc. where she oversees contract compliance, documentation, and subcontractor flow-downs to ensure efficient and compliant project execution.

She currently serves as President of the Birmingham Realtist Association, NAREB Region VI Coordinator, and She is an Associate Broker with eXp Realty, Certified Alabama Real Estate Instructor, and Managing Partner of BATS & Associates RE Team and School of Real Estate. With over 12 years in real estate development experience in development, acquisitions, project management, and investment analysis and 20 years in financial investment banking, Tonya is passionate about revitalizing communities, empowering investors, and promoting education through her motto: “Each One, Teach One.”

Caitlin Cobb serves as Finance and Office Manager at CEI Services, overseeing financial operations and administrative systems across the organization. She manages accounts payable and receivable, payroll coordination, vendor onboarding, compliance documentation, and financial reporting support, ensuring accuracy and operational efficiency.

Originally from White Plains, Alabama, Caitlin developed a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility early on. Her experience in office management and leadership roles has equipped her with the structure and attention to detail necessary to support a growing, multi-division company.

Caitlin works closely with executive leadership to maintain financial stability, strengthen internal processes, and support continued growth. Her organization, reliability, and commitment to excellence help ensure CEI Services operates with precision and integrity.

Darrius Hawkins, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, is a dedicated professional in the field of facility maintenance. With a strong focus on leadership development and business management, Darrius possesses specialized expertise in these areas. Currently, he holds the position of Project Manager at CEI Services while also serving as the Chief Executive Officer of D. D. H. Services, LLC. Darrius is a true powerhouse within the workplace, known for his infectious positive attitude and unwavering energy, that inspires and motivates others to strive for success.

Beyond his professional commitments, Darrius has an outgoing personality. He is an avid golfer who likes to spend his free time on the fairways. Additionally, he cherishes moments spent with loved ones, whether it’s catching up with friends or sharing a delightful meal with family. Darrius embraces a well-rounded lifestyle that encompasses both professional fulfillment and personal pursuits.

Kanada Simmons Jr. is a Junior Project Manager who brings energy, discipline, and a strong desire to learn to the CEI Services team. A recent graduate of Oxford High School, Kanada represents the next generation of leadership and is already gaining hands-on experience supporting real-world projects in the facilities operations and maintenance space.

In his role, Kanada assists with day-to-day project coordination, scheduling, documentation, and communication between field teams and leadership. He supports site operations, helps track progress and deliverables, and works alongside experienced project managers to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to CEI’s standards.

Kanada is known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to step in wherever needed. As he continues to grow professionally, he is focused on building a solid foundation in project management, operations, and client service. CEI Services is proud to invest in his development as part of our commitment to growing talent from within and preparing future leaders in our industry.

Dre Simmons serves as a Junior Project Manager with CEI Services, bringing hands-on project management experience and a strong operational foundation developed through his service in the U.S. military. Having grown up in the facility maintenance and construction services industry working alongside his father, Dre has been exposed to jobsite operations, trade coordination, and field execution from a young age. He supports CEI’s facility maintenance and project-based operations through site coordination, subcontractor oversight, scheduling, scope tracking, and quality control, ensuring work is performed in alignment with safety standards, contract requirements, and client expectations while driving efficient and reliable project delivery.

Karter Simmons Assistant to the CEO | Machine Operator | Field Technician

Karter Simmons serves as Assistant to the CEO, supporting both leadership and field operations. As the youngest son of CEO Kanada Simmons, Karter has grown up around the business and has developed hands-on experience at an early age.

He assists with operating equipment, supports outside field work, and helps the team execute projects efficiently. Karter brings focus, confidence, and a strong willingness to work in every assignment. He also brings energy, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude to every project, representing the next generation of leadership and teamwork.