The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) Mixer Truck Driver of the Year award program recognizes outstanding performers in a highly demanding profession. As the public face of the producer, mixer truck drivers require not only technical expertise to handle a perishable product amid variable conditions, but also a “can-do” attitude to withstand the pressures of operating heavy machinery — sometimes in the most congested traffic — and coordinating the many tasks required for a successful pour. In the eighth year of the Driver of the Year Awards, NRMCA and co-sponsor Concrete Products again salute those individuals who have that rare combination of qualities to excel in the toughest of jobs.

As 2003 Driver of the Year, Henry (Tall Hank) Huizinga (photo at far left) of Mokena, Ill.-based Ozinga Illinois RMC, Inc. will receive a $5,000 check from the Truck Mixer Manufacturers Bureau, an NRMCA affiliate, at the group's annual convention in Orlando this month. Huizinga and three finalists — (second from left to right) Thurman Holloman, Kenneth J. Beyer and Hubert Drummond, Jr. — were selected from among entries solicited by the Recruiting, Hiring and Training Task Group of NRMCA's Operations, Environment and Safety Committee. Each nomination included such information as the type of equipment operated, years on the job, and years without an accident on- or off-site, as well as recommendations submitted by customers the driver has served.

HENRY “TALL HANK” HUIZINGA

Ozinga Illinois RMC, Inc.
Mokena, Illinois

Winner

By all reports, Henry Huizinga has earned his moniker for more reasons than height alone. Over 40 years, driving such equipment as a three-axle 6 × 6 mixer, four-axle 6 × 6 booster-mixer, five-axle tractor-trailer semi-mixer, and currently, a five-axle 6 × 6 front-discharge mixer, he has maintained a clean driving record through rain, snow, and ice, on-road and off-road. Further, Huizinga consistently outperforms other drivers in yards per hour, loads per day, and round-trip times. Holding the #1 spot for “call out to work” among fellow drivers for 10-plus years, he reportedly is always on time and ready for the first load of the day. In that capacity, he advises the plant operator on slump, helping to get the plant dialed in for the day's production.

Behind the wheel, notes Ozinga Sales Representative Paul Winkle, Sr., “Hank can do things with that truck you probably couldn't do with your car … On many jobs, I have asked contractors if they could take a trailer mixer, and they all said, No — except if you send Hank. He is not only an excellent driver; he knows the product he is hauling, and can tell the slump of an order just by listening to the barrel and sensing the way it's turning.”

Ozinga Illinois' maintenance staff also appreciates Huizinga's conscientious and skillful performance. Although used more than any other truck on the fleet, his mixer requires less-than-average upkeep and repairs. “Brakes, chutes, tires, fenders, and most other components last longer on Hank's trucks,” affirms Ozinga President Richard DeBoer. “And, his drum never requires chipping. Hank is a true professional who has contributed to the company's success over the last 40 years.”

THURMAN “MR. T” HOLLOMAN

Central Concrete Supermix, Inc.
Miami, Florida

Finalist

When Thurman Holloman, a.k.a. Mr. T, began working for his current employer over 14 years ago, he already had 43 years of heavy-truck driving experience and a perfect safety record — no vehicle accident, on- or off-site. Since that time, driving a 6 × 4 rear-discharge mixer, he has maintained a flawless record, while serving with “enthusiasm, loyalty, dependability, and most of all, as a team player,” notes Jose Cancio, president and CEO of Central Concrete Supermix. Practicing good safety habits has brought Holloman repeated recognition, including four City of Miami Beach Safe Driver Awards, 18 National Safety Council Safe Driver Awards, and the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Courtesy Award, plus C.C. Supermix Driver of the Year. Further, Mr. T's example has influenced many of his co-workers to follow suit. As Cancio emphasizes, Holloman makes it easier for others to do the right thing: “For someone in his ‘golden years,’ he possesses good humor, showing his kindness even by passing out candy to everyone he encounters throughout the day.”

KENNETH J. BEYER

Aggregate Industries
West Central Region, Inc.
Golden, Colorado

Finalist

For a mixer truck driver like Kenneth Beyer, impressive figures — such as 32 years without a single rejected load and the greatest number of loads hauled out of the Golden plant in both 2002 and 2003 — are only part of the story. Numerous customer testimonials describe his professionalism and skill in the field. Observes G. M. Kiefer, owner of Fort Collins, Colo.-based Kiefer Concrete Inc., “Ken came to Colorado from Nebraska with experience in hauling livestock to and from auction markets, ranches and feedlots. He can safely place a truck anywhere you need it, usually on the first try. His truck and mixer are always in good working order, and he knows what he can and cannot do with them.”

In addition to assisting with problems regarding jobsite access and pouring procedures, he never hesitates when asked “to lend a hand finishing concrete when we are in a jam,” reports David Marrou of Marrou Concrete, Inc., Fort Collins. Adds Kiefer, “It has been over 30 years since Ken delivered his first load of concrete to one of our job sites, and we look forward to many more.”

HUBERT (JOE) DRUMMOND, JR.

Crider & Shockey, Inc.
Winchester, Virginia

Finalist

When time means money, Hubert Drummond is the man for the job. According to Crider & Shockey Area Manager Charles Cain, in the 34 years that Drummond has worked for the company, “We have no record of his ever being late for work. In fact, he usually arrives 10-15 minutes early each morning.” Presently semi-retired, concrete industry veteran Charley Snydor notes that “of all the drivers who hauled to me over 35-plus years in the business, Joe was one of my favorites. He always got to the job site on time, unloaded in a quick and efficient way and got back with the next load as soon as possible.”

As further evidence of Drummond's unflagging dedication and skill, Coy Holt and Curtis Kinder of Ozark Concrete Corp. in Strasburg, Va., note: “We can ask Joe and a handful of other drivers to bring us concrete on a Saturday or early in the morning, like around 3:00 a.m. And, he can put a concrete truck where 90 percent of most people can't drive a four-wheel-drive pickup.” In sum, punctuality plus expert performance equals a winning combination.