 |
Standing in front of the USMA mixer are (from left) Greg Exarchakis, Eastern Concrete Materials sales manager; Bill Sandbrook, U.S. Concrete CEO; Louis Petrillo, Eastern Concrete Materials VP of Operations; and, Edward Rieper, mixer operator. |
Like many producers across the industry, U.S. Concrete Inc. has enjoyed 2014 market conditions supporting a fleet upgrade. A 2015 Mack GU713-mounted 11-yd. Housby mixer assigned to the Elmwood Park, N.J.-based Eastern Concrete Materials division stands out above the deliveries as it honors the alma mater of U.S. Concrete CEO William J. (Bill) Sandbrook—the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
To help promote a New York market presence expanded by acquisition, Eastern Concrete recently partnered with Army Athletics. One of the avenues used to highlight the collaboration is advertising tied to Army football, underscored by the U.S. Military Academy-themed mixer, whose cab and drum color and graphics mirror the team helmet.
Understanding of the importance of the Eastern Concrete and West Point relationship, as well as its own respect and appreciation for the Military Academy, Paterson, N.J-based Quality Collision and Painting was able to turn around what would typically be a 12-week paint job in three weeks. Beyond the football helmet motif, special nods to the Army and West Point included in the USMA truck design are the “Duty, Honor, Country” motto, plus a famous quote by General George C. Marshall, chief of staff for the U.S. Army during World War II: “ I want an officer for a secrete and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.”
The truck also has a special tribute to 1979 West Point graduate Sandbrook, whose name and class are printed on the side of the truck, along with the “Top of the Line 79” class motto. The USMA truck is also fittingly numbered 79. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Management, Sandbrook spent 13 years in the U.S. Army. His service included a four-year tour in Germany in cavalry and engineering units; three years as an associate professor in the West Point Department of Mathematics; and, two years as the Army Program representative to Raytheon Co. While teaching at West Point, Sandbrook also served as a social aide to President Ronald Reagan and earned his Professional Engineer’s License (PE) in Industrial Engineering.
Eastern Concrete and sister U.S. Concrete companies take a lot of pride in their veterans, boasting team members who served throughout the armed forces branches. Army football games have become a rallying spot for Eastern Concrete customers and employees alike to come together for unofficial company gatherings—even more cause for the producer to promote its market expansion by expressing support of an organization management and staff hold in high regard.