Tough Times Lead BoDean Down a Greener Path

by Lisa Cleaver
Created: May 2, 2012

This asphalt producer is building its business around sustainability

BoDean's Mark West operation is the first quarry in the world to fully operate under photo-voltaic solar power.
BoDean's Mark West operation is the first quarry in the world to fully operate under photo-voltaic solar power.
BoDean acquired its asphalt plant on Maxwell Drive in Santa Rosa in 2001.
BoDean acquired its asphalt plant on Maxwell Drive in Santa Rosa in 2001.
BoDean offers several types of mixes, including recycled mixes, to both large and small paving contractors.
BoDean offers several types of mixes, including recycled mixes, to both large and small paving contractors.
"BoDean has had to re-invent itself over the last six years," says Bill Williams, general manager. "This has been done by diversifying its products as well as creating products that meet a growing...
"BoDean has had to re-invent itself over the last six years," says Bill Williams, general manager. "This has been done by diversifying its products as well as creating products that meet a growing need in the environmental market segment."
Bill Williams, general manager with BoDean.
Bill Williams, general manager with BoDean.
Using recycled materials during the production process allows the company to simultaneously cut costs as well as reduce its carbon footprint.
Using recycled materials during the production process allows the company to simultaneously cut costs as well as reduce its carbon footprint.
WMA and recycled mixes are just a small part of the many "green" changes BoDean is undergoing facing an evolving marketplace.
WMA and recycled mixes are just a small part of the many "green" changes BoDean is undergoing facing an evolving marketplace.
BoDean's owners, Dean and Belinda Soiland, next to the quarry's solar grid.
BoDean's owners, Dean and Belinda Soiland, next to the quarry's solar grid.

“We are getting better, but we have more to do,” says Williams. “Sometimes going green means having to put up large capital funding with long-term savings not being realized right away. This can be a hard sell within a leadership team that is trying to cut back on costs. However, there are incentives out there (federal grants, utility rebates, etc.) that can help hedge against these upfront costs. These incentives can bring about ongoing savings earlier rather than later and can make it easier in ‘selling’ a green initiative to a weary leadership team.”

Williams credits the owners, Dean and Belinda Soiland, and their strong leadership as well as commitment to sustainability, for getting the company positioned well to meet the future.

“There is no substitute for leadership and visionary thinking,” he says. “If there is a will, there is a way.”