2026 40 Under 40: Derrick J. Estell

Toth and Associates Inc.

BY: Geoff Pickle, Digital Editorgpickle@sbj.net

Posted online April 3, 2026 | 1:52 pm

Your first job? Bagging feed and seed on a small family farm.
What about your job would shock people? The movement of folks’ phones is used to help determine how traffic flows. Yes, it’s tracking you!
What did you learn the hard way? I tore my bicep in a longest-drive (golf) competition. I am not as nimble as I once was.
Favorite TV show? “Reba.” My grandmother used to watch it.

Derrick J. Estell is a highly engaged civil engineer whose work is shaping the future of the Springfield area.

The 31-year-old project manager at Toth and Associates Inc. gives an example of a project he worked on: the over $100 million Hawkins Mill, which he says tested the city’s Forward SGF comprehensive plan and its revised city code.

“It was a challenging task – and while still in design, the success story of the rezoning has proven to be a beacon of light for the development community in Springfield, paving the way for future applications of Forward SGF and the new city code,” says Estell.

Estell’s civic work includes Better Block SGF and multiple professional organizations, and he has served as a Planning & Zoning commissioner for the city of Willard.