About | Challenge Testing - Field Testing, Sediment Sampling, Non-destructive Testing

About Challenge

Our History

The Challenge roots reach to a family engineering business founded in 1953. Back then, materials testing, inspection and field sampling provided a critical need for our engineering and construction clients…with a very different look. Our crews could be found in the rivers and bayous of South Alabama on custom-improvised floating platforms and drill rigs. Technology and capabilities have changed, but commitment to quality remains the same. We’re proud to have been part of the growth of the Gulf Coast more than 60 years, supporting a wide variety of signature private and public projects and development.

Today, we’ve grown to a portfolio of projects and partners world-wide. Field testing, sediment sampling and non-destructive testing has taken us from Taiwan to Tallahassee, FL and Guam to Gulfport, MS. We work in a variety of heavy industry groups including energy generation, shipbuilding, aerospace, marine, refining, and infrastructure. Governmental and private concerns represent commercial port and Corps of Engineers projects including Haiti to Puerto Rico; Dutch Harbor, Alaska; Miami; Taiwan; Guam, Gibraltar, Spain; Port of Trinidad; Freeport, Grand Bahama and more.

Our hallmark is professional service and innovative problem-solving. Most clients represent relationships built over decades, appreciative of our eye to the timeline and their bottom line. We’re motivated to prove our name with every job. Your challenge? Let’s go.

Our Team

Toby Watson
President / CEO

With a Bachelor of Arts degree and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Richmond, Toby Watson brings a career in the military, construction, and entrepreneurship to the Challenge team. Watson served the US Army/Corps of Engineers as an Engineer Platoon Leader and Task Force Engineer in two deployments to Iraq. He earned two Bronze Stars and was named the US Army’s top Engineer Platoon Leader in 2007. The New Mexico native is a University of Richmond graduate, with privately-owned business endeavors in both the US and Brazil. Toby is deeply involved in all aspects of Challenge Testing, which operates across three locations. He is an integral part of overseeing the strategic direction of the company and the daily operations of the NDT and drilling divisions. Toby enjoys spending time with his family and coaching basketball and soccer.

Ashley Smith
CFO – Mobile, AL

Ashley is an experienced financial executive with a strong background in strategic business planning and financial management, analysis and reporting. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and has previously worked in public accounting as a CPA, leading audits for both private and nonprofit sectors, including government entities, colleges and universities, and foundations. In her free time, Ashley enjoys time with family, traveling, playing pickle ball and tennis, and running.

Chip Stetchmann
Business Development Manager – Mobile, AL

As the Business Development Manager of Challenge Testing, Chip’s main goal is to grow the business and ensure customer satisfaction. His seven years of diverse NDT experience, combined with roles as Division Manager and Operations Manager, prepare him well to meet and exceed client expectations. His extensive background in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) across multiple industries like oil & gas, marine, pipeline construction, fabrication, chemical, and pulp and paper highlights his deep expertise.

John Cooch
Drilling Manager – Mobile, AL

John is a results-driven Geotechnical Drilling Manager with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of South Alabama. He specializes in geotechnical engineering, project management, and construction materials testing, with expertise in drilling operations and technical reporting.

Terry Hibdon
Drilling Manager – Mobile, AL

Terry is a results-driven Geotechnical Drilling Manager with 20 years of experience, including 4 years in management. He specializes in geotechnical engineering, project management, and construction materials testing. His expertise includes deep rock core, air drilling, auger STP/Shelby tube, mud rotary drilling, and environmental projects, including well installations.

Thomas Benefield
NDT Manager – Mobile, AL

Thomas is a highly skilled and experienced professional with extensive ability in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) across various industries, including oil & gas, marine, pipeline construction, fabrication, chemical, and pulp and paper. In his role as Manager, Radiation Safety Officer, and Senior Level II Technician at Challenge Testing, his primary responsibilities include overseeing crew operations, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and delivering exceptional customer satisfaction.

Dette Lee
Environmental Manager – Tuscaloosa, AL

Dette has 35 years of experience in the geotechnical, drilling, and environmental service industries. She has proven leadership in managing teams, overseeing operations, and providing technical expertise across diverse environmental and geotechnical projects. With a strong background in business ownership and department management, Dette has a deep commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability.

Bebe Oyelakin
Safety Officer – Mobile, AL

As the Safety Officer at Challenge Testing Inc, Bebe is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the implementation of safety protocols and regulatory compliance across all operations. He leads initiatives to maintain a safe working environment, conduct risk assessments, and deliver safety training to employees to adhere to safety guideline complied. Bebe works to minimize hazards, protect the wellbeing of the team, and promote a continuous culture of safety within the company.