Our Team

The Best Team Of Friendly Professionals On The Planet.
Not That We’re Biased.

Ryan Payne

Owner/President

Ryan began his construction career in 1997 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Missouri State University. Early in his career, he worked for several large commercial and residential construction companies across the country, gaining valuable experience managing projects of all sizes and complexities. Eventually, he returned to Columbia, bringing that knowledge and expertise back to the community he calls home.

Ryan joined Swift in 2008 and quickly became an integral part of the company’s growth and success. In 2019, he purchased the company from longtime owner Terry as he prepared for retirement. Today, Ryan oversees Swift’s commercial division while balancing the many responsibilities that come with owning and operating a growing construction company.

While Ryan is proud of the projects Swift completes, he is even more proud of the people behind them. He believes the company’s greatest asset is its team and considers the Swift family to be an extension of his own. His leadership is built on trust, accountability, and a commitment to creating opportunities for those around him to succeed.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his two daughters, four grandchildren, three beagles, and three cats—who collectively make sure life at home is never quiet, clean, or boring. When he finds free time, you might catch him crawling over rocks in his Jeep, testing both gravity and his insurance deductible on a mountain bike, or playing drums and guitar. Despite mountain biking’s repeated attempts to humble him, Ryan keeps getting back on the bike, proving that determination—and maybe a questionable sense of self-preservation—runs deep.

Braden Bence

Operations Manager

Braden brings a lifelong passion for building and remodeling to his role as Operations Manager at Swift. He got his start in the industry at just 16 years old, designing kitchens and helping homeowners bring their visions to life. Over the years, he has worked alongside countless builders and remodelers, gaining extensive experience in kitchens and bathrooms, cabinetry, plumbing, appliances, flooring, and all aspects of residential remodeling.

As Operations Manager, Braden oversees Swift’s residential remodeling division while also managing day-to-day operations, marketing initiatives, and a wide range of company functions. His hands-on industry knowledge and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences help ensure every project is completed with quality, efficiency, and attention to detail.

Outside of work, Braden enjoys spending time with his wife and son and rarely misses one of his son’s games. Whether they’re at the ball field, practicing a new sport, exploring the outdoors, or working on projects together, he values every opportunity to teach life lessons, build confidence, and create lasting memories—while occasionally reminding his son that Dad still knows a thing or two.

When he finds time for himself, you’ll likely find him on a mountain bike making questionable decisions at high speeds, sending jumps that look much smaller from the takeoff, and convincing himself that the sketchiest line is somehow the fastest. He also enjoys spending time on the golf course, where he occasionally hits a shot that reminds everyone he can play—followed immediately by three that remind him why golf is hard. Despite years of evidence to the contrary, he remains convinced that his best round is just one tee time away.

Arianna Payne

Commercial Project Manager

Arianna joined the Swift team in 2018, bringing with her a lifetime of experience in the construction industry. She got her start at just 16 years old working alongside her father and grew up traveling from state to state as her family followed construction opportunities across the country. Those early experiences helped shape her passion for the industry and laid the foundation for a career built on leadership, problem-solving, and strong client relationships.

For the past 13 years, Arianna has successfully led construction and remodeling projects, helping homeowners navigate every step of the process. She is a nationally certified Project Manager through NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and is known for her attention to detail, communication, and dedication to delivering exceptional results.

Outside of work, Arianna’s world revolves around her son. She proudly considers herself his biggest fan, and he’s undoubtedly hers. Together they spend their free time biking, hiking, and making memories outdoors whenever possible. She also has a talent for unintentionally collecting animals and currently shares her home with four cats, one dog, one fish, one scorpion, and a pink-toed tarantula—none of which were part of a carefully thought-out plan. When she’s not caring for her growing zoo, Arianna enjoys scratch cooking, baking, and attending music festivals with her fiancé. Between family, pets, and adventures, there’s never a dull moment in her world.

Carl Blickhan

Residential Project Manager

Carl has been part of the Swift team since 2020, but his experience in the construction industry goes back much further. Having started as a teenager working with his father, he has spent years developing a wide range of skills across nearly every aspect of residential and commercial construction. His background includes operating heavy machinery, trim carpentry, roofing, gutters, and countless other trades, giving him a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to deliver quality craftsmanship on every project.

Known for his versatility, strong work ethic, and problem-solving abilities, Carl brings valuable experience and attention to detail to every job he takes on. His broad knowledge of the construction process helps ensure projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

Outside of work, Carl enjoys rock climbing, where he willingly spends his free time hanging from cliffs and trusting ropes more than most people trust Wi-Fi. He’s also an avid chess player who enjoys thinking several moves ahead—unless he’s distracted by a good video game. When he’s not climbing, gaming, or plotting his next checkmate, you’ll likely find him in the garden. Whether he’s growing plants or solving problems on a jobsite, Carl has a knack for making things thrive.

Jeff Ward “Sarge”

Sales Manager

Sarge joined the Swift team in 2023, bringing with him more than three decades of sales and customer service experience. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, he served during Desert Storm and completed his military career in 1991 with the rank of Sergeant—a title that has stuck with him ever since.

Following his military service, Sarge built a successful career in sales, spending many years in automotive financing before helping families navigate complex situations through the timeshare exit industry. Since 1991, his focus has always been the same: understanding people’s needs, solving problems, and helping them make informed decisions.

At Swift, Sarge believes his role goes far beyond sales. He takes pride in helping homeowners find the right solutions, products, and investments for their homes, ensuring each project is tailored to their goals, budget, and long-term needs.

Outside of work, Sarge enjoys spending time with his wife and their three dogs—one of whom is widely suspected of actually being a human in a dog suit. When he’s not at home, you’ll likely find him behind the wheel of his Jeep, crawling over rocks, navigating technical trails, and searching for terrain most people would actively avoid. He enjoys the challenge of finding the perfect line, testing both the Jeep’s capabilities and his own patience, and proving that a vehicle can, in fact, climb things it probably shouldn’t. When he’s not out on the trail, he’s usually in the garage working on his 1972 Chevelle. After years of progress, setbacks, new plans, and “just one more thing to fix,” he’s convinced it’ll be finished someday—and his friends are starting to believe him.

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