About Us
Our Story
At Nunnelly and Associates, Inc. (NAI), we specialize in helping building owners understand and improve how their facilities really perform. Our work centers on commissioning, consulting, and solving complex HVAC challenges that impact comfort, energy use, and reliability. We provide services ranging from new construction commissioning and design reviews to diagnosing existing building issues, uncovering hidden inefficiencies, and resolving difficult humidity problems. With decades of hands-on experience, we deliver clear, practical solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
NAI was founded in 2000 by Mark Nunnelly, who built the firm on the principles of integrity, technical excellence, and client-focused service. After more than 40 years in the HVAC and engineering industry, Mark passed ownership of the company in 2025 to Daniel Paulk and Jake Smith, two long-time team members who carry forward the same vision. Together, they are committed to maintaining NAI’s reputation for quality while guiding the company into its next chapter.
Over the years, NAI has become known as the humidity control experts. With a deep understanding of psychrometrics (the science of air and moisture) we’ve helped clients resolve some of the most challenging indoor environment issues, protecting both buildings and the people inside them.
Leadership
Daniel Paulk
Co-Owner,
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Paulk is a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Auburn University, a registered professional engineer, and is also certified as a commissioning authority (CxA) through the AABC Commissioning Group. He has been involved in the construction, engineering, and HVAC industry since 2009. He joined the Nunnelly and Associates, INC (NAI) team in 2012 before purchasing ownership of the company and assuming the role of Chief Executive Offcer (CEO) in 2025.
Jake Smith
Co-Owner,
Chief Operating Officer
Jake Smith is a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Tennessee Technological University, a registered professional engineer, and is also certified as a commissioning authority (CxA) through the AABC Commissioning Group and a certified energy manager (CEM) through the Association of Energy Engineers. He has been involved in the construction, engineering, and HVAC industry since 2013. He joined the NAI team in 2016 before purchasing ownership and assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2025.
Mark Nunnelly
Founder
Mark Nunnelly is a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Auburn University, a registered professional engineer, and is also certified as a commissioning authority (CxA) through the AABC Commissioning Group. He has been involved in the construction, engineering, and HVAC industry since 1982. Mark started NAI in 2000 and was the sole owner before selling ownership of the company to Daniel and Jake in 2025.