The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) has named Steve Johnson of Martin Marietta the Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery Professional Driver of the Year for 2016. A panel of industry judges selected Johnson as the top driver from a group of outstanding applicants from all across the United States. Johnson, whose home plant is located in Fort Collins, Colo., was honored for his career achievements, outstanding safety record, professionalism, driving competency and customer service skills. He has worked for Martin Marietta and its predecessors for an impressive 45 years. Along with numerous accolades, Johnson unbelievably has never had an accident or rejected load and has averaged more than 8,000 cubic yards delivered over the past three years.
“Steve has reached these milestones due to his commitment, pride, dedication to his employer and peers, and desire to be the best he can be,” wrote Martin Marietta salesmen Ken Nelson when nominating Johnson for the Driver of the Year Award. “He is truly the epitome of a ready mixed concrete driver.”
Along with the winner, two runner-ups were also selected by the judges. The first is 30-year veteran mixer driver Paul Chipman of Jack B. Parson Companies, Salt Lake City, Utah. Regional President Bob Rowberry wrote, “In all the years Paul has driven, he has been accident free. Paul has been a trainer for most of the drivers in the Salt Lake valley. Paul goes out of his way to help new drivers become better and our customers love him as well. The best part about Paul is his positive attitude which radiates through his team and influences everyone that he comes in contact with.”
Also honored as a runner-up was 22-year veteran mixer driver David Mangold of CEMEX, Cocoa, Fla. David has averaged an amazing 10,000 cubic yards delivered the past three years. CEMEX customer Kellie Bardo of JR Pumping Inc. wrote, “I first heard of Dave some 20-plus years ago from my father who was a manager for Rinker Materials. My father was a stickler for rules and would use David as an example of what a great employee looked and acted like. David Mangold is a great driver, but even a better person.”
The 2016 judges also selected an Honorable Mention finisher, Joshua Stewart of CalPortland Company, Tucson, Ariz. This 15-year veteran driver recently was credited for his life-saving actions by the American Heart Association. Writes Transportation Manager Gary Dykman, “In November, a customer at a jobsite was controlling a chute when he collapsed. Josh was nearby waiting to unload and rushed over and performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Hospital doctors told the victim’s family he may not have survived if not for the quick actions of the mixer driver.”
As the winner of the 2016 award, Johnson will receive a $5,000 check from the Truck Mixer Manufacturers Bureau. As runner-ups, Chipman and Mangold will each receive a check for $1,000. Stewart in the Honorable Mention category will receive a check for $500. The 2016 Driver of the Year winners will be honored at NRMCA’s Annual Convention during the Awards Breakfast Ceremony on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in San Diego.
