Featured Member September 2023

Can you explain your role and the types of projects you are working on for County Materials Corporation?

My duties as Technical Resource Engineer range from Specification Review, training via lunch and learns, political advocacy (both local and national arenas), overseeing the marketing, bidding and production of box culverts and 3-sided bridge structures. I also attend national meetings such as ASTM and AASHTO committees. Some of the notable projects I’ve been involved with include: The Deep Rock Tunnel- supplying both underground carrier line pipe and vertical manhole shafts over 200′ deep. The bridge under 116^th Street for Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers. The Notre Dame Hydro-electric plant on the St. Joseph River in South Bend where we supplied over 140 sections of 16’ x 14’ box culvert for conveyance tunnels to the turbines. The City of Hobart 3^rd Street bridge replacement project which consisted of 4 barrels of a 36’ x 8’ ARCHCAST 3-sided bridge with brick facade which won a ACEC project achievement award.

Why did you join ASHE?

 I was first introduced to ASHE when I was working in Louisville, Kentucky in the mid 2000’s. Several of the engineers I worked with started the Derby City Chapter and I was invited to be charter member. With a starting group of 15, we grew the chapter to close to 100 members. Our group consisted of contractors, engineers, suppliers, and DOT. Several of our successful events included Day at the Track, Church Hill Downs, and The Project Achievement Awards. The Project Awards brought credence to our group and contractors loved showing off their successes. With so many group options in our industry, I feel this is the best value. If we can build on our recent successes and continue to show our value and connections, we will be successful. I want to be part of helping to build another strong organization.

Why are you so passionate about the industry and your company?

I’ve been in the road and drainage construction industry for over 48 years. The relationships I have made on the engineering, contracting and DOT level have made my journey worth living. To see projects from inception mode to completion is one of the most fulfilling feelings one can have outside of marriage and seeing your children mature into strong loving individuals with their own families. Our industry provides so much to the public which goes unnoticed but knowing I had part in this is important to me.  As for County Materials, we are entering our 78^th year as a family held US company. We continue to grow as a company throughout the country and with the 4^th generation in wings. County Materials strives to be the preferred and best partner to engineering and construction industry.

What are a few things you do as hobbies/outside of work for fun?

 I enjoy working in the yard, traveling with my wife, playing guitar, Colt’s football and grandchildren. I attempt playing golf.