Hot Mix May 2005

News for the pavement industry.

Jet-Black offers program for veterans

Jet-Black, a pavement maintenance business franchised since 1992, has joined the VetFran program to help military veterans start a business.

According to Andy Hoiland, CEO and co-founder of Jet-Black, veterans of the armed forces can receive a 25% discount off of the standard Jet-Black franchise fee.

"Veterans understand the importance of being part of a cohesive team, as well as the importance of following guidelines and the value of ongoing support—all values that bare important to franchise ownership," Hoiland said.

Veterans must receive an honorable discharge and must meet other franchise requirements.

Paladin acquires Sweepster

Paladin, a manufacturer of construction equipment attachments based in Cedar Rapids, IA, has acquired Sweepster LLC, which manufactures and distributes Sweepster and FFC light construction equipment attachments.

The acquisition is Paladin's fifth since October 2003, according to Bill Van Sant, chairman and CEO.

Both Sweepster and FFC will become part of Paladin's Light Construction Group, joining Bradco, The Major, and McMillan lines.

Van Sant said Paladin is combining inside and outside sales personnel from Sweepster, FFC, and the Light Construction Group to market all five brands.

Clowers named ASMA president

Cliff Clowers, VSS Emultech, a division of Valley Slurry Seal, is president of the Asphalt Sealcoat Manufacturers Assoc. (ASMA).

A 7-year ASMA member, Clowers has been in the industry for more than 15 years. He recently joined VSS Emultech, producer of Black Diamond-Plus sealcoating material.

Other board members are Leo Elliot, VSS Emultech, vice president; Ron Williams, Advantage Sealing Systems, treasurer; and Dana Baltzer, Hanson Aggregates, secretary.

ASMA, which last year opened its membership to contractors, is surveying members to determine the future direction of the association. Results of the survey are expected by fall.

Humphrey leads new Pinnacle Group

Contractor consultant Brad Humphrey leads a new consulting firm, Pinnacle Development Group (PDG), following the departure of long-time partner Jeff Stokes.

Humphrey and Stokes co-founded Pinnacle Performance Group 17 years ago to provide management consulting to contractors. They dissolved the company earlier this year when Stokes moved back to the contracting side of the industry.

"We've closed a chapter and Pinnacle Development Group is the start of a new chapter," said Humphrey, who will continue writing "Tailgate Talk" for Pavement, while consulting and speaking on topics including strategic planning, employee management, and marketing support. Stokes and Humphrey will continue as speakers at National Pavement Expo and National Pavement Expo West.

Contact Pinnacle Development Group at 913-963-6459 or [email protected]

Industry appointments

Udo H. Boersch is president of U.S. operations of the Ammann Group...At Shindaiwa, Tualatin, OR, Jay Larsen is marketing manager, North America, and Laura Sorrentino-Howard is marketing manager, international.

District managers at Stone Construction Equipment, Honeoye, NY, are Kevin Ballwin (IL, KS, MO, part of IN), Rodney McFadden (GA, part of FL), Chris Olsen (AZ, CA, NV, HI), Bob Webb (AL, AR, LA, MS, TN).

John Carrick Jr., McAsphalt Industries Ltd., is president of Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association...Stephen Damp, Miller Paving Co., is president of the Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association...Nigel Kerrison, Emoleum, is president of International Slurry Surfacing Association.

NPE West sets 2005 dates

The 2005 National Pavement Expo West will be held Thursday, Nov. 17 through Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Nov. 17 will be devoted to the seminar program while the exhibit floor will be open on Nov. 18 and 19.

For more information about NPE West visit www.nationalpavementexpo.com.

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