We take pride in honoring our veteran employees as part of our commitment to showing appreciation for their service. Today, we are excited to spotlight Julie Mackey, a veteran and lab manager at our Marietta, Ohio, plant.
At Asphalt Materials, Inc. our commitment to innovation is at the heart of our process improvements and safety initiatives across all our facilities. A prime example of this is our mill automation and operator-free loading systems.
We are excited to feature Darin Wendt, who has dedicated thirteen years as a logistics manager!
Before working at Asphalt Materials, Darin worked as a fleet manager for a large feed mill servicing areas in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. His job as a fleet manager provided him with many transferable skills that he now applies in his current position.
Darin currently works at our Portage, Wisconsin, location at H.G. Meigs, LLC. He enjoys seeing AMI products being implemented in projects, from distributor crews spraying emulsion with chip seal or drivers hauling product to customers.
Darin oversees a team of truck drivers and mechanics at both our Portage and Abbotsford, Wisconsin, locations. He also leads the staffing and execution of our Meigs Advantage & Transport operations. It is important to him and his team that they get the loads of products delivered promptly and safely.
“Darin brings a lot to the table in our Wisconsin market when it comes to our logistics program,” said AMI Director of Logistics Tyler Trent. “He is always willing to hop in a truck himself to help deliver our business in times of need. I am happy to have Darin as part of our logistics team and proud of the impact he delivers in our Wisconsin market.”
Darin works closely with Plant Manager Garrett Barquist at the Eau Claire location and Plant Manager Brent Faber at the Abbotsford location. Together they help mitigate any potential problems and ensure there are enough resources available for customer orders.
At the Portage plant, Darin works closely with Business Delivery Manager Rachel Yates and Plant Operator Jerry Griffin.
“Rachel has a great relationship with many of our customers and can receive information on upcoming jobs that may require additional trucking while Jerry has been with Meigs for over 42 years and has an amazing ability to adjust on the fly,” said Darin. “With one phone call our dispatch board can change dramatically, and Jerry can sort everything out calmly and methodically. We have a great team at Meigs, from our awesome mechanics to our dedicated drivers everyone is willing to step up to the plate when it’s their turn.”
“Darin is a quiet but powerful force behind our logistics in Wisconsin, and his knowledge and experience make him a clear standout on the team,” said Heritage Construction + Materials Compliance Manager Samantha Komperda. “What I have enjoyed most about working with him is his straightforward approach to sharing knowledge and his dedication to boldly advocating for the group he leads. Because of his hands-on experience in transportation and logistics, he is uniquely situated to make sense of the issues the logistics team faces and continues to share his experience in a way that drives the entire team forward.”
Over the years, Darin learned that adapting to changing circumstances and responding quickly are great skills. He has also learned never to underestimate experience and to learn from the people who are doing the work. What drives Darin most in his career is his family, his wife Kelly and son Brock.
Darin Wendt’s dedication and expertise have significantly impacted our logistics team. We look forward to seeing his future accomplishments and the continued success he will bring to the organization. Thank you, Darin, for your outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication!
Each year, Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI) hosts a Kick-Off meeting in the spring. This gives all our employees the opportunity to share their wins from the past year and discuss their plans for the year ahead.
During this three-day meeting, AMI distributes Core Value Awards to several employees who have showcased our company values through their work. These values include keeping your eyes open for opportunity, betting on people, tackling the big problems, building long-term relationships and mutual trust, doing the right thing always, and creating enduring value. Joins us in congratulating this year’s Core Value Award recipients: Rebecca Rivers-Duncan, Bucky Brooks, Nick Martinelle, and Dan Robinson!
At HC+M, we know that our work in the communities we serve expands beyond construction projects. We build relationships within our Heritage family and give back to organizations who serve our community and our very own team members. We are proud to share how Milestone Contractors, Asphalt Materials, Inc. and US Aggregates came together to support Reins of Life in Michigan City, Indiana.
Steve Rooney, sales representative at Bituminous Materials & Supply (BMS), received the 2023 Member of the Year Award through the Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa (APAI).
Todd Hillard, senior purchasing manager at AMI, is part of the seventh EPIC (Experiential Participatory Image-Driven Connective) leadership program class through the Asphalt Institute (AI). The program is designed to foster future leaders within AI and develop AI members for further industry leadership. Hillard’s class began the program in June and will end at the Asphalt Institute’s spring meeting in April 2024.
September 18-21 | Indianapolis, Indiana
This year, Asphalt Materials Inc. and Heritage Research group attended the National Pavement Preservation Conference (NPPC) hosted by the National Center for Pavement Preservation (NCPP). Sessions were held to further knowledge, development, and research regarding the preservation of pavement. The poor condition of our roads results in $130 billion dollars added to vehicle repairs and operating costs per year (Alabama DOT). To avoid such situations, we must establish an effective preservation program and protect infrastructure investment.
On day one, we heard from several presenters that traveled near and far to share their advice, best practices and research. Below we highlight some of the speakers and key topics they discussed.
Mike Smith: Commissioner of Indiana (INDOT)
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has owned and maintained more than 5,700 bridges and has nearly 30,000 roadway lane miles. INDOT has created a long term, fully funded plan to improve Indiana’s roadways and bridges that consists of fixing what they currently have, finishing what they have started, planning for the future, and impacting the surrounding cities, towns and counties.
Mike shared that at the highest level it is important to invest in our infrastructure, keep roads in good condition longer, use taxpayer dollars wisely and be environmentally sensitive. Looking ahead, INDOT plans to focus on the quality of the pavement life including preservation techniques, economic development, resiliency, and sustainability.
George Connor: Deputy Director, Operations (Alabama DOT)
George Connor discussed the preservation challenge and how important it is that we create longer lasting pavements. It is a challenging undertaking because the road system has 4.2 million centerline miles. The nation’s infrastructure is valued at $8.3 trillion, and in 2019 federal state governments spent $3.6 billion on highways.
Pavement preservation is important because of the people and communities it impacts. Roadway networks connect about 7.9 million business establishments with customers, suppliers and workers. In 2018, roadway networks served about 327 million residents and 80 million international visitors. Transportation infrastructure has a major economic impact, so we must work together to share pavement preservation techniques that are working well.
On day two of the conference, several of our own were able to speak about advancements in asphalt emulsions, workforce development strategies, and cold recycled pavements.
Dan Swiertz: Asphalt Materials Inc. | Lab Manager
Latest Advancements in Emulsions
The use of asphalt emulsions is ubiquitous throughout the lifecycle of an asphalt pavement. From new construction to recycling and reclamation, emulsions are formulated to deliver performance across a range of climatic regions and construction variables. New and innovative advancements in emulsion technology have created valuable opportunities for contractors and road owners alike. This presentation examined several advancements including penetrating emulsion and micro surfacing that offer unique opportunities to extend the pavement lifecycle.
Kierstin Janik: Heritage Construction + Materials | Chief Talent Officer
Workforce Development Strategies
As construction companies face lower workforce participation and an ageing workforce. The U.S. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law projects potentially creating 3.2 million new jobs across the non-residential construction value chain, and 300,000-600,000 new construction workers are needed to fill the gap with projected peak needs around 2027-2028. As a result, companies must develop holistic strategies to engage potential new employees and increase workforce development.
Kierstin discussed some approaches HC+M has taken recently including highlighting its employer brand through social media and emphasizing the industry’s meaningful work, safety, support and good wages. She also shared more about HC+M’s talent acquisition strategy that prioritizes investing in the future though programs with middle schools, high schools and universities.
Megan Yount: Heritage Research Group | Pvmt. Mat Engineering Manager
Characterizing Cold Recycled Pavements from Field-Sampled Cores
Replicating field-placed Cold In-place Recycled (CIR) and Cold Central Plant Recycled (CCPR) pavements with lab-produced mixtures may not accurately capture field conditions during construction, exact material proportions, or compaction effort. These factors often influence the resulting mixture properties, causing uncertainty that lab-produced mixtures reflect that of the in-situ pavement mixture. Examples from two State DOT projects were reviewed, followed by a discussion of results from tests including Dynamic Modulus, Marshall Stability, and Indirect Tensile Strength Testing.
On day three, conference attendees visited the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where they could see INDOT evaluation equipment and research posters, static displays, and field demonstrations. Several contractors showcased their equipment including a diamond grinder, greens broom scrubber, pavement evaluation van and more.
The live demonstrations listed below followed the static displays.
| Treatment | Contractor |
| Hot in Place Recycling | Gallagher Asphalt |
| Rapid Set Concrete Patch | CTS/Rapid Set |
| Concrete Patch Materials | FPT Infrastructure |
| RMV Robotic Crack Sealer | RMV/Sealmaster Robotic Crack Sealer |
| Treatment | Contractor |
| Mastic and Crack Seal | CRAFCO |
| Pavement Retexturing | Skidabrader |
| Maltene Based Rejuvenator | Pavement Technology Inc. |
| Microsurface | Pavement Solutions |
| Scrub Seal | Pavement Maintenance Systems/Etnyre |
Asphalt Materials Inc. and Heritage Research Group had an amazing time attending NPPC and learning pavement preservation best practices from agencies and industry thought leaders. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and for sharing your ideas about how to take care of our infrastructure!
Registration is now open for the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA)’s 2024-2025 LEAP program. LEAP is a 12-month immersive program aimed at developing members of the asphalt emulsion industry and is intended for AEMA Members looking to increase their knowledge of the asphalt emulsion industry. The program includes general education requirements through the University of Arkansas, various jobsite and facility tours, and a report at the AEMA Annual Meeting upon program graduation.
At AMI we are driven to be the best team in asphalt, and we use each day to grow and reinforce our reputation for exceeding expectations. Our greatest asset is our hardworking team who works together to make a real difference in the world. The asphalt industry may be a fit for you if you strive to build things that matter and enjoy learning and problem-solving as a team. Trade jobs offer great career potential and provide good pay and stability. The asphalt industry needs skilled workers interested in opportunities to grow.
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