A Conversation with Toby Ellis on A Good Pour
Some people serve in a way that most folks never see. They’re out in the cold before the sun comes up. They’re walking ditches, studying roadbeds, fixing what’s broken, and keeping our communities moving without expecting applause.
That’s what makes my conversation with Toby Ellis so meaningful.
Toby is Sumner County’s Road Superintendent, and he’s one of the kindest, most steady leaders you’ll ever meet. His work may not be flashy, but it shapes everyday life in ways we rarely think about.
And he brings heart to every mile of it.
The Work No One Notices—Until Something Breaks
When Toby took office in 2022, Sumner County’s roads were behind on maintenance. Not because people didn’t care, but because funding didn’t match the growing need. Add in several winters of ice and snow, plus fast-paced development, and the roads simply couldn’t keep up.
But Toby didn’t step in to complain.
He stepped in to work.
His team maintains 800 miles of county roads with just over 50 crew members. That alone is impressive. But since taking the job, they’ve already paved nearly 150 miles—significantly more than previous terms—and they’ve done it with intention.
Toby doesn’t believe in shortcuts.
If the team is paving a road, they don’t just cover up what’s broken. They fix it from the bottom up—new culverts, undercutting weak spots, repairing ditches, and rebuilding what needs to be rebuilt so a road lasts longer and keeps drivers safe.
This is good work at its finest: steady, thoughtful, and focused on the long-term health of our community.
Kindness Is Part of the Job
One of the reasons people love Toby is simple: he treats people well.
From day one, he made it clear to his staff that the citizens of Sumner County aren’t a burden—they’re the reason the work exists at all. And when people call about issues, Toby doesn’t roll his eyes or push it aside. He listens. He explains. He shows up.
He gets thank-you cards now.
People stop him just to say the team was polite. They notice the difference.
As he said, “We’re a service to Sumner County.”
And you can feel that in how he leads.
Weather, Growth, and the Real Challenges
If you’ve lived here long, you know Tennessee weather can undo a road overnight. Flooding has become more common, and Toby shared that since he took office, we’ve had multiple storms that required clearing debris from all 551 bridges in the county.
And every time the team starts to catch up, another storm hits.
That’s why you’ll sometimes see delays in paving—it’s not because the work isn’t being done. It’s because emergencies come first.
Growth also plays a role. More development means more truck traffic, which breaks roads down faster. Toby works with companies, gives warnings when needed, and even stops construction when roads are being damaged.
He’s firm when he needs to be, and fair all the time.
A Leader with a Servant’s Heart
Beyond the technical side of roads, Toby leads with compassion.
He checks on people.
He explains decisions when citizens have questions.
He teaches students about litter so kids can hold their parents accountable from the back seat.
He never forgets that the highway department is here to keep folks safe, and he makes sure his team sees the work the same way.
And outside the job, he’s enjoying a new role—Paw, proud grandfather. Just hearing him talk about his grandbaby could soften the toughest heart. The joy in his voice says everything.
What Good Work Means to Toby
When I asked Toby what “good work” means to him, he didn’t overthink it.
He said it plainly: “Doing it right.”
No quick fixes.
No shortcuts.
No band-aids.
If the county is spending taxpayer money, the citizens deserve work that lasts.
That mindset has shaped everything he does—from widening roads to improving safety to clearing debris after storms. His passion runs deep, and it shows.
How You Can Help
Toby left us with one request: be a partner.
- See a dangerous spot on a county road? Call it in.
- Notice litter? Report it.
- Be patient when storms slow down paving schedules.
- And please—secure your loads when hauling things. A tarp goes a long way.
The highway department isn’t bothered by your calls. They depend on them.
Grateful for Leaders Like Toby
I’ve known Toby for years, and watching him step into this role has been such a joy. He’s made for this—both the work and the service behind it. And our county is better because he leads with humility, kindness, and a deep commitment to doing things the right way.
So here’s to the miles already improved, the work still ahead, and the people who take care of the places we often overlook.
We see you, Toby.
And we’re grateful.