Sources: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Alexandria, Va.; CP staff
The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has named Robert Hackney, based at the Troy, Ohio plant of Ernst Concrete Inc., the 2023 Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery Professional Driver of the Year. A panel of industry judges selected him from a near-record number of nominees from across the country.
Judges acknowledged Hackney’s career achievements, outstanding safety record, professionalism, driving competency and customer service skills. Over his 28 years with Ernst Concrete, he has logged no at-fault or on-the-job accidents, dash-cam events or at-fault rejected loads. Hackney, who also drives a forklift, boom truck and front-end loader, is a certified NRMCA Concrete Delivery Professional and Smith System trained.
Judges also selected three Driver of the Year runners-up: 38-year veteran Bill Gerber of Silvi Concrete in Fairless Hills, Pa.; 37-year veteran Jason Giard of CS-MA, LLC dba Construction Service in Wilbraham, Mass.; and, 17-year veteran Dewayne Gootee of Dolese Bros. Co. in Moore, Okla. The Truck Mixer Manufacturers Bureau will present Hackney a $5,000 check and his three peers $1,000 checks at the NRMCA Convention, March 10-13 in Las Vegas. The Drivers of the Year will also be featured in the March issue of Concrete Products.