A panel of judges assembled by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Operations, Environmental, and Safety Committee named the 2007 Driver of
A panel of judges assembled by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Operations, Environmental, and Safety Committee named the 2007 Driver of the Year and four finalists. Selections were based on multiple criteria, including competence and service skills; number of years without an on- or off-site accident; and, customer and colleague testimonials. Driver of the Year Howard Scott Cosar, a veteran of Asheville, N.C.-based Southern Concrete Materials, and finalists will be honored at this month’s NRMCA Annual Convention in Las Vegas. As cosponsor in the Driver of the Year Awards program Û now in its 12th year Û Concrete Products joins NRMCA and the OES Committee in congratulating these valued professionals.
DRIVER OF THE YEAR
HOWARD SCOTT COSAR
SOUTHERN CONCRETE MATERIALS
SCM GATEWAY DIVISION
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
In the vicinity of SCM’s Murphy plant, Howard Scott Cosar may well be a household name among construction professionals. According to SCM Lead Field Representative Donald Burchette, Contractors all ask for Scott by name, as he is a safe and reliable driver under all road conditions and types of pressure, performing the job to exacting safety and delivery standards.
That reputation is backed by 25 years of driving service without a vehicle accident, an on-the-job accident, or a rejected load. In addition to hauling an average 7,600 yd. per year, Cosar provides training for new drivers as senior Driver-Instructor in the SCM Gateway Division. Moreover, receiving the company Black Jacket and Black Hat for lifetime accident-free miles, as well as Five Star Driver rank Û the highest SCM honor bestowed on a driver Û plus the NRMA 2007 Driver of the Year award portends an even higher profile for this seasoned professional.
FINALIST
KEN BLAIR
CONCRETE COMPANY OF SPRINGFIELD
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
ÎConscientiousÌ and ÎcourteousÌ are the words commonly used to describe Ken Blair, a Conco driver of 23 years without a single on-the-job accident or rejected load. His tireless dedication to service extends beyond handling the toughest of daily challenges with professionalism, safety, and efficiency, according to Conco Director of Operations John Holiman. Concrete evidence lies also in Blair’s NRMCA 2007 National Mixer Driver Championship first-place standing.
Delivering an average of 7,500 yd. per year, Blair exhibits a friendly demeanor in addition to top-notch driving skills. Brian Tidwell, owner of Springfield’s Tidwell Concrete, Inc., asserts, When he first pulls up to the job, my whole crew will say, ÎAlright, we’ve got Kenny.Ì Adds Blevins Foundation Co., Inc. President Rick Blevins, If an occasion should arise that a job site requires a particularly difficult maneuver, we specifically have requested Kenny, even if it meant delaying the job to have him there.
FINALIST
HAROLD HUBBARD
REDI-MIX CONCRETE, LP
A U.S. DONCRETE COMPANY
EULESS, TEXAS
The enthusiasm and good cheer with which Harold Hubbard performs his duties are contagious among both coworkers and customers. Sharing his 12_ years of driving experience at Redi-Mix, he never fails to take time to lend a hand to fellow operators who need assistance at the batch plant or job site. Hubbard’s natural leadership shows also in the pride he takes in maintaining an immaculate truck and professional personal appearance. Furthermore, he is a productive team member who delivered more than 8,500 yards in 2007, culminating a 38-year driving career free of any vehicle accident.
FINALIST
STEVE LARSON
CEMSTONE PRODUCTS
COMPANY/CEMSTONE READY MIX, INC.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
While tirelessly accommodating customer demands, Steve Larson rarely advocates on his own behalf. Cemstone Products Vice President-Metro Operations John Dickey elaborates, A few years ago, Steve had some knee trouble and worked through what looked like tremendous pain without complaint. Recognizing that he was struggling with manual gears, I assigned him to an automatic transmission. His wife called me a few weeks later to thank me, explaining that Steve loved what he did and the change made a huge difference in his performance, which was so important to him.
That professionalism is reflected in an impressive record spanning nearly two decades. Larson has consistently ranked among the top 10 in yardage delivered every year, placing in the top five at least five times. Delivering an average of 7,500 yd. per year, he has maintained a spotless record Û no rejected loads, accidents, or customer complaints. In addition, his impeccable performance was extended to volunteer efforts on an Extreme Home Makeover project in which Cemstone participated.
FINALIST
DEE ROSENLOF
WESTROC
PLEASANT GROVE, UTAH
After driving 28 years without even a traffic citation, Dee Rosenlof remains a ready and congenial operator for whatever need arises. Whether it’s early morning, late at night, or weekends, says Westroc-Central Utah Manager Larry Pay, we can count on Dee. And, when we have needed a batchman or dispatcher, he has filled in and done an excellent job. That willingness to meet any demand was emphasized also by Lynn Daley of L.G. Daley Construction: I especially appreciate Dee’s hustle to have his truck ready and the concrete mixed to proper consistency, then asking for the supervisor’s approval. He goes above and beyond the duties required as a ready-mixed truck driver.