RockTalk the Podcast

Ever wondered how to pull off a monumental celebration like Graniterock's 125-year anniversary? Join us as we invite Paul Cianciarulo, the leadership behind the 15 team member planning event, to share his insights on organizing an unforgettable night. From a strolling dinner amidst stunning marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to thrilling casino games and a unique movie screening of 125 the Movie, get an insider's look at the meticulous planning that ensures every detail is just right. Listen in as we promise you a peek into the smooth logistics of transportation and accommodations, crucial for making the evening seamless for all attendees. Dive into the nitty-gritty of prepping for this grand occasion which is on February 22, 2025, with valuable contributions from celebration team members, Jeff Williams and Chandra Palacios. Discover what awaits you at the check-in, where you'll be greeted with name tags, drink tickets, and a convenient coat check. With only ten weeks to go, anticipation is building, and we couldn't have done it without the dedication of our incredible team. Whether you're part of the Graniterock family or a valued community member, this episode serves as your ultimate guide to ensuring you enjoy every moment of this historic celebration.Hosted by Abbie GordonFor questions about this event, please contact us at 125team@graniterock.com

Unlock the secrets to effective recruitment and onboarding with Manny Garcia and Casey Messersmith, two seasoned HR professionals at Graniterock. Manny brings his extensive experience from the education sector, while Casey's diverse background in different industries fuels her passion for HR. Together, they reveal how their unique paths have shaped their approach to attracting top talent and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Learn how personal connections and diligent follow-ups at job fairs can make a significant difference, and why Graniterock's strong brand reputation is a massive advantage in the recruitment landscape.Discover the strategies behind Graniterock's year-round hiring efforts, particularly for craft positions like carpenters and laborers, through partnerships with local organizations and unions. Safety is not just a priority; it's a core value that influences the entire recruitment process. Manny and Casey delve into what they seek in candidates—motivation, teamwork, and safety awareness—and explain the team-based interview process tailored to each role. They also discuss how Graniterock's open door policy creates a welcoming environment for all potential candidates. Tune in for invaluable insights and expert advice on building a robust and safety-conscious workforce.

Hosted by Graniterock's accounts payable manager Abbie Gordon, we get the scoop on plans for the Company's 125-year birthday party taking place Feb. 22, 2025. Donita Granado from the materials sales team and HR's Manny Garcia join the show for a look into what to expect for our 125th celebration at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Donita sheds light on hotel rooms secured, including room blocks at the Marriott Monterey and Monterey Plaza Hotel. Plus, with shuttle services from other hotels, team members can arrive stress-free.Manny ramps up the excitement by revealing the fun elements in store, including photo booths, a 360 video booth with playful props and a roving photographer to capture the party's candid moments. Got questions? Email the celebration team at 125team@graniterock.com and stay tuned for our final podcast in December. A huge thanks to Donita and Manny for their willingness to jump on the microphone!

Curious about what it's like to work at an active quarry? Tune into this episode of Rock Talk! Join host Ciera Puente, a marketing intern at Graniterock and business major at San Diego State, as she chats with fellow interns Rayven Bedolla and Jose Meza Munoz about their unique roles and experiences. Rayven, an environmental services specialist and environmental science major at UH Manoa, dives into the world of environmental permits and inspections, while Jose, a construction management major at CSU East Bay, shares his hands-on work translating classroom knowledge into real-world engineering solutions. From daily routines to the challenges faced and invaluable lessons learned, this episode provides a glimpse into the future aspirations of three dedicated interns.Experience the thrill of working amidst colossal machinery and the supportive environment at Graniterock's quarry. Discover the practical aspects of concrete and road grinding projects, and how they significantly benefit local infrastructure, including ADA ramps. Plus, get a fun coffee tip from Casey on how to make a mocha-like drink with chocolate milk, and hear about our collective fascination with the impressive Cat 992 loader. We wrap up by expressing our gratitude and wishing all our guests a fantastic summer with hopes of seeing them return next year.

Being the new guy or gal at Graniterock isn't easy.When it comes to landing a job as a project engineer or project manager in the Construction Group, there is a lot of information and processes to master.Sometimes it would be nice to have a cheat sheet!Thanks to Construction Manager Matt Christie and Business Manager Angie Melnikoff there is a new PM/PE playbook that helps team members learn how everything works around here.This podcast explains how the playbook helps project engineers and project managers do their jobs and how you can get your hands on one.Plus, Angie shares how she started as a receptionist at a small construction company and grew to her current role as the Construction Group's business manager, while Matt takes us through his evolution from a summer intern from Chico State in 2007 to becoming one of Graniterock's construction managers in public works. Thanks for listening! 

What if you could step into history while celebrating a monumental milestone? Join us as host Abby Gordon chats with committee members Jeff Williams, Chandra Palacios, and Casey Messersmith about Graniterock's 125th anniversary celebration at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. From the unique strolling dinner to the exciting casino games, dancing, and 360 camera experiences, Chandra dishes on all the event's highlights. Plus, don't miss the special 125th-anniversary movie screening and tips on the semi-formal attire expected for the evening. This episode promises a night to remember, blending fun activities with a touch of elegance.Our dedicated 15-member planning committee has been hard at work, and Casey shares insider details on the behind-the-scenes efforts, including regular bi-weekly meetings and coordinated logistics. We discuss convenient lodging options, with room blocks at nearby hotels and potential shuttle services to make your visit seamless. Whether you're excited about the historic venue or looking forward to reconnecting with team members, this episode covers everything you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable celebration. Bring your dancing shoes and a plus one – we can't wait to celebrate with you!

There were several questions we couldn't get to during the recent 2024 Leadership Conference town hall, so we saved them for the podcast.This episode is hosted by Keith Severson with Vice President and Chief People Officer Bill Miller and Human Resources Director Jamie Agnello fielding questions.There's something for every team member in this show!Show notes:Jacob Young Financial: jacob.young@jacobyoungfinancial.comGraniterock Ethics Hotline: 888-948-4472Jamie Agnello: jagnello@graniterock.comBill Miller:  bmiller@graniterock.comPeter Lemon: plemon@graniterock.com

In this episode, members of the Graniterock safety team – Vice President Paul Cianciarulo, Daisy Kwan and David Leffel give us a rundown on how the Company performed in 2023 when it comes to keeping team members safe at work. We talk briefly about their individual personal journeys into safety and how they've helped build a culture of safety at Graniterock. Our conversation focuses on the positive safety trends at Graniterock in 2023. We also discuss some of the hot-button safety topics at Graniterock: Safety helmets and telematics.  Despite initial resistance, these initiatives have improved overall safety and driving behavior at Graniterock.We welcome your feedback.Send us a note at rocktalk@graniterock.com.Thanks for listening! 

One of the ways Graniterock supports philanthropy is through the Graniterock Cares Committee. Graniterock Cares is a dedicated team overseeing the Company's philanthropic endeavors, managing the many donation requests that pour in – an average of one each day! From supporting local charities, schools, sports teams, Scouts and various community events, Graniterock Cares ensures that our giving spirit makes a meaningful impact.We invited Amy Nama, Keith Severson and Abbie Gordon to join the podcast to pull back the curtain on the inner workings of the Cares team. They talk about how donation requests get prioritized, managing budget constraints and the hard part...saying "no" to worthy causes. In all, Granniterock Cares has made 60 contributions in 2023. 

Graniterock's director of geology and sustainability Jon Erskine had the summer adventure most people never dream about, running 55 miles in South Africa!This conversation takes us near Cape Town for the Comrades Marathon with Jon, a dedicated long-distance runner outside of work.Get immersed in the rich history of the world's oldest ultramarathon that pays homage to South Africa's fallen World War I soldiers, and discover the challenges that come with it, such as running on dirt roads and digesting curry chicken mid-race. Further into the conversation, we uncover Nelson Mandela's influence on the Comrades Race. We'll paint a vibrant picture of the race's captivating energy, from the stirring South African National Anthem to the symbolic rooster crow signaling the start of the race. Hang on tight as we recount Jon's arduous travel from San Francisco to Cape Town, the buzzing energy at the race hotel. Extra leg room, of course, for the journey! You'll be intrigued by Jon's encounter with the local Cub Scouts at the medical tent after his triumphant, yet painful, journey to the finish line. Join us for an adventure that is sure to inspire, as we celebrate Jon's achievement and the powerful human spirit that pushes us beyond our limits.

Welcome to the journey of making math fun as we explore the impact of the Bruce W. Woolpert Algebra Academy since it started in 2010. Rose Ann Woolpert, Graniterock's family owner and Academy treasurer, shares the original mission of this unique program that has taught more than 1,100 students the joy of math over the past decade. Rose Ann is joined by Christy Sessions, who serves as the Academy's Executive Director.Christy and Rose Ann discuss the program's good work in providing students with the opportunity to take their math skills to the next level and make lasting connections with teachers and peers. We take you through the experiences shared by the high schoolers and college professors at the Academy. We learn about the Academy's field trips to Cal State Monterey Bay, and how the professors are introducing innovative elements to the program.  We discuss the Woolpert Family Scholarship, aimed at students majoring in math at CSUMB. Join us for this episode to understand how the Bruce W. Woolpert Algebra Academy is transforming the lives of students, making math not just accessible, but an exciting adventure.

Ever wondered what it's like to be an intern at Graniterock? We've got two of the best to tell you all about it! Meet Jacquie Borges and Ryan Becker, two-time returning interns at Graniterock, who share their personal experiences working in soil distribution and construction management. As they lead us through a day in the life, memorable projects, and the support they've received from their colleagues, you'll get a real sense of the culture and camaraderie here at Graniterock.  Hear them discuss the mentors who've shaped their career paths, their plans for the future, and why they can't get enough of Graniterock. Jackie and Ryan aren't just all about work, though. They also clue us in on their personal passions, from Jackie's love for horse riding and marathon training to Ryan's enthusiasm for snowboarding and fishing. If you're considering an internship opportunity at Graniterock, you won't want to miss this!Here's a link to apply: Graniterock Construction and Construction Materials

July 27, 2023, marks Charlie 'Overtime' Corwell's final day at the Rock, a momentous occasion celebrated by his colleagues and friends.In this heartfelt episode, Charlie and Shanna share a candid conversation, reminiscing about his incredible 44-year career, during which he skillfully operated every piece of equipment owned by the company, amassing an astounding two million miles behind the wheel.His dedication and commitment have earned him the affectionate moniker 'Overtime,' a testament to his tireless work ethic and unwavering loyalty to the company.As the conversation draws to a close, emotions run high as Charlie prepares to bid farewell to the Rock and embark on a new chapter of his life.The legacy of his contributions and the impact of his unwavering dedication will forever be cherished by the company and everyone whose lives he touched during his illustrious career.

Doug Tolbert headed to retirement after a 46-year run at Graniterock.His last day was May 12, 2023.The Gilroy resident started his long career in 1977 at the Berryessa asphalt plant, which has been closed for many years.He's also served as a loader operator unloading rail cars at Berryessa and Capitol and has been responsible for the Company's recycling operations.Since 2015, Doug has served as project manager at the Aromas hot plant.In addition to these roles, Doug was asked by Bruce Woolpert in 1992 to restore the Company's 1942 steam locomotive, engine number 10, which was originally used to haul rock at the A.R. Wilson Quarry.Doug spent five years rebuilding the historic locomotive to running condition. The train is now housed at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.Doug has also spent his Graniterock career overseeing maintenance and decoration of the Company's antique vehicle fleet, which includes a 1950 Ford mixer truck, 1928 AA dump truck, 1948 International Harvester tanker and 1920s Austen motor grader.He has taken the vehicles to many community events and parades on weekends during his Graniterock tenure.“Doug was one of the kindest people you would ever meet.  He sincerely enjoyed coming to work every day to help make our operations more efficient and productive,” Stuart Mager said. “He willingly passed his vast knowledge of materials plants to other team members he worked with.  He had such a long history at Graniterock that he knew where all the bones were buried, so to speak.  If we ran into a challenge with the plant that we could not solve, Doug usually knew how to solve it and knew where we could find replacement parts somewhere at one of Graniterock's other sites, which kept plant downtime to a minimum.”Doug is passionate about fixing old cars and trucks and fishing.He plans to spend retirement between his homes in Shasta and Gilroy.Best wishes, Doug!

In this episode, we will be discussing the 2023 construction industry forecast in the Bay Area/Monterey/Santa Cruz market with Graniterock's business leaders. Our host Keith Severson kicks off the conversation by breaking the ice with a chat about the team's kids and sports.Moving on to the main topic, we have three industry experts joining us today. Stuart Mager, who heads the Road Material and Asphalt business, will be sharing his insights on the forecast for this sector. John Torres, who leads the construction division's private work, will be discussing the projections for his area of expertise. Finally, Mike McGrath, who oversees the Concrete Division, will be sharing his thoughts on how his division will fare in the coming year.We are thrilled to have such experienced professionals on the show who will provide us with valuable insights on the 2023 construction industry forecast in the Bay Area. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the conversation.

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Agnello and Casey Messersmith, two members of the Graniterock Human Resource department, to get an inside look at their recruiting program and to learn some tips for landing a job at Graniterock.Jamie and Casey share their experiences in HR and talk about the challenges and rewards of recruiting for a leading construction materials company. They also discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in their hiring process and share their strategies for attracting top talent to Graniterock.The conversation then turns to their recent trip to Reno, where they attended the ASC competition/job fair. They talk about the impressive skills they witnessed from the students and how they evaluate candidates at job fairs. They also offer tips for students and job seekers on how to make the most out of attending these types of events.Throughout the episode, Jamie and Casey share stories about their experiences in HR, including some of the most memorable interviews they've conducted and the challenges they've faced when recruiting for specific positions. They also give listeners an inside look at what it's like to work in HR at a leading construction materials company like Graniterock.Whether you're a student looking to break into the construction industry or a seasoned professional interested in HR, this episode offers valuable insights and advice from two experts in the field. Tune in to learn more about Graniterock's HR department and how they're building a talented and diverse team.

In this episode, we speak with Galen Keen and James Higgs, the team leads at Graniterock,  about their recent implementation of a new phone system utilizing Microsoft Teams cloud-based software. They share the details of how this new system will work for the company, including how it will affect certain positions such as weighmasters and dispatchers. Galen and James explain how Microsoft Teams will allow Graniterock to streamline communication across their various locations, enabling employees to connect with each other and with customers more easily and efficiently. They describe the benefits of the cloud-based software, which includes a range of features like video and voice calls, instant messaging, and file sharing.The conversation also delves into the specific ways in which this new phone system will impact different roles within the company. For example, the team explains how weighmasters will be able to use Teams to communicate with truck drivers and schedule deliveries in real-time, improving efficiency and accuracy. Dispatchers will also benefit from the new system, as they can more easily coordinate with drivers and ensure that materials and services are delivered on schedule. Overall, Galen and James provide valuable insights into the ways in which technology is transforming the construction industry, and how companies like Graniterock are leveraging these tools to improve their operations and better serve their customers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and construction. Onsite training to follow.

Welcome to Rock Talk Shorts. This podcast offers a quick listen into the stories of Graniterock's people. Get ready to be inspired and entertained!One of Graniterock's lead laborers ready to retireAbraham Tirado, a Graniterock laborer of 25 years, will retire Feb. 17.Abraham has been a key team member on several high-profile Construction Division projects during his time at the Company.The Watsonville resident said some his favorite memories include working nights on Highway 17 in 2008 and 2012 because the work was challenging with complex traffic controls and long hours, but the camaraderie with his crew and field supervisors made the projects rewarding.Abraham credits his successful construction career to the great instruction and support he received from Graniterock leaders, including Todd Wilson, John Garcia, Ricky Smith, Marc Burrell and Gary Hartranft.The father of two and soccer coach for Pajaro Valley United plans to take a break for a couple of months before deciding what to do in retirement as he's only 45!“Graniterock is a very good Company as far as their focus on safety and how they treat you,” Abraham said. “The money was good and they treated me good. Next thing I know 25 years went by.” Thank you for tuning in to Rock Talk Shorts. Join us next time as we continue to celebrate the remarkable people and projects of Graniterock. Until then, keep on rockin'! 

We catch up with Chief Human Resources Officer Bill Miller on a wide range of team member issues, including questions team members wanted answered at the Feb. 2 Leadership Conference. While we ran out of time at the Leadership Conference to thoughtfully answer these questions, we invited Bill into the Graniterock podcast studio to give us the scoop.Hosted by Marketing Manager Keith Severson, topics discussed in this show include succession planning, recruiting new team members as the talent pool has never been shallower, the hiring process, Role Descriptions and Personal Effectiveness Reviews.Hear how Bill answers questions about feedback for managers from team members, the idea of four-day work weeks, sick time and vacation, leadership training, It's a great conversation that covers a lot of ground!

In this episode, we are excited to share some valuable insights from our 2023 Sales Summit. Joining us today are two of our top business leaders, Jeff Lindsey and Mike McGrath, who will be sharing some tips and tricks for successful customer sales calls.Throughout this episode, Jeff and Mike will be discussing some of the key strategies that have helped them build strong relationships with customers, close more sales, and grow their business. Whether you are a seasoned sales professional or just starting out in the industry, you won't want to miss this engaging and informative conversation.

How to save for buying a home!Financial planning town hall Feb. 22 Jacob will cover creative strategies for purchasing a home.First steps to buying a home:·  Budgeting tips·  Tax benefits to home ownership·  Benefits of a 401K when buying a homeTo schedule you appointment with Jacob Young Financial team, please reach out to christina.harper@jacobyoungfinancial.com

All things Building Materials and the team's three-year run of big successes are shared in this episode of RockTalk the Podcast.Mark Treanor, Daniel Garcia and Jeff Lindsay give us an overview of the division, including the number of branches, locations and employees. They also give a recap of the division's performance during 2020-2022, and delve into the changes in purchasing that have helped lead the team to strong sales and profits. Additionally, they will share their insights on industry trends and forecasting. They also discuss strategies and preparations of customers in anticipation of a potential recession, as well as emerging trends and developments within the industry. The team shares new products available, and provides updates on use of new technology within the division. They also touch on the strong impact social media is making on Building Materials' connections with contrators and customers. 

Introduction:Welcome to the podcast where we explore the innovative work being done in the tech industry. In today's episode, we're excited to have James Higgs and Ramero Garcia, security leaders in the IT department at Graniterock, join us to discuss the efforts they've made to keep their employees safe at work and at home.Segment 1: Introduction to Graniterock and the IT departmentGraniterock is a leading construction and building materials company with a focus on sustainability and innovation.The IT department plays a crucial role in supporting the various business operations and ensuring the smooth functioning of technology systems.James and Ramero discuss their roles at Graniterock and the challenges and opportunities they face in their work.Segment 2: Protecting employees at workGraniterock has implemented several measures to keep their employees safe at work during the COVID-19 pandemic.These measures include providing personal protective equipment, implementing social distancing guidelines, and regularly sanitizing workspaces.James and Ramero discuss the challenges of implementing these measures and the importance of prioritizing employee safety.Segment 3: Protecting employees at homeIn addition to keeping employees safe at work, the IT department has also taken steps to ensure the security and well-being of employees while they work from home.These measures include providing virtual training sessions, setting up secure remote access to company systems, and offering technical support to employees as needed.James and Ramero discuss the importance of supporting employees while they work remotely and the challenges of maintaining security in a remote work environment.Conclusion:We'd like to thank James and Ramero for joining us today and sharing their insights on the work the IT department at Graniterock is doing to keep their employees safe at work and at home. Their dedication to employee safety is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability. We hope you've enjoyed this episode and stay tuned for more exciting discussions with industry leaders in the tech field.

Starting Jan. 1, Peter Lemon will take the helm as CEO at Graniterock.Tom Squeri has held the CEO role since 2012, leading the company through some of its best performing years. The two join the podcast again for a great conversation that takes us inside the leadership transition and some of the things on Peter's mind as he takes this new position. Peter started his Graniterock career as a summer intern in 1998. After three summer internships and a B.S. in civil engineering from UC Davis, Peter was hired by the Construction Division as an estimator/project engineer. Go Aggies!His path at Graniterock kept moving forward, including time as the Construction Division's private works area manager.In 2012, he was asked to manage the A. R. Wilson Quarry until earlier this year Peter was named Vice President of Logistics. Listen in as Peter shares his passion for Graniterock and how the Boy Scouts have helped shape his leadership skills.Plus, Tom offers Peter some words of advice.Enjoy!

Graniterock Cares!On average, the Company receives one request every day - money or resources - from a community group or nonprofit.While we love to support all of the good work happening in our communities, we have to pick and choose where we spend our resources.The Graniterock Cares committee meets once a month to review community requests and decide how to best support the various needs.Members of Graniterock Cares include Keith Severson, Don Barrett, Karl Philipovitch, Stephanie Kniffin and Amy Nama.Enjoy this show as they give us a behind the scenes look at what goes into community donations at Graniterock!

Longtime team member Abbie Gordon and her daughter Julianne Silva join us to chat about their journeys to Graniterock.Abbie talks about her work as an accounts payable manager and Julianne shares a little about what it's like to work at the Wilson Quarry'.Bonus story on how to make "Filhos" (Portuguese Doughnuts)INGREDIENTSUNITS: US6 cups  flour3(1 ounce) packages yeast1⁄2cup  sugar8 eggs, beaten room temperature 2 cups  milk, warmed 1⁄4lb  butter, melted (1 stick butter)1⁄2teaspoon  saltDIRECTIONSMix all ingredients together with hands for 5 minutes until dough is smooth.Let rise 1 hour.Pull off various size pieces and fry in hot oil.Drain on towels and sprinkle with sugar.

Graniterock craft workers pay close attention when Jorge Sanchez, who worked many years as a lead laborer, shares details of the water valve replacement project in 2018 that went horribly wrong and nearly killed him when a steel pipe struck him in the head while working  for another construction company.Jorge joins the podcast along with Construction Division safety manager Randall Jacobsen for a conversation that brings home the importance of strong communications for working in a high risk industry. As safety engineer, Jorge leads orientation training for new craft members joining Graniterock. He uses his experience to give back to others and drive home the principles of SafeStart and Safety Before All Else.The conversation is wide-ranging, focused on keeping Graniterock People working and going home each night.Stay to the end when we hear about Randall's former career as a restaurant owner in Santa Cruz!

Monitor. Measure. Manage.Measuring concrete slump with a metal cone is officially old-fashioned. Ready mix concrete producers can now shave off priceless minutes from the process of measuring and testing concrete on site. Instead, they can constantly measure and adjust the slump, and monitor the water content of concrete as it travels from the plant to the job site.In this Episode, the team from Verifi help us understand how this management tool is helping with sustainability and the bottom line.

More and more project owners want their buildings and infrastructure to align with their environmental values.So that means they want construction materials made with sustainable, low-carbon ingredients.On its face, traditional concrete with Portland cement is not the earth-friendliest material around as cement is very energy-intensive to produce, but much work and innovation have gone into changing that.We brought in some of the Graniterock concrete team to talk about low-carbon mix designs and the evolution of sustainable building. Marketing Director Keith Severson hosts this show.Guests:Mike McGrath (Concrete Business Manager)Zack Booth (Concrete Sales Manager)Max Morgan (Concrete Sales Representative)What we are chatting about?LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) Cement replacement (Fly Ash, Slag, Pozzolan)Locally sourced aggregates (A.R. Wilson Quarry)Pervious concrete (Beyond the mix, Recharging the underground aquifer)Verifi (Quality control on mixers, making Graniterock more consistent)

Video cameras inside Company-owned vehicles?No, it's not Big Brother, we promise.Paul Cianciarulo, Matt Reade, John Wilshere and Anthony Lewis joined the podcast for a great discussion, sharing how Telematics is going to work and the timeline for rollout to all parts of the Company.Telematics technology is used to help tackle a wide array of important tasks that help keep fleets running smoothly and safely.The system contains data to indicate areas for improvement, from increasing fuel efficiency and pinpointing vehicle locations, to reducing collisions and saving lives.It is quickly becoming an industry standard with many construction companies already using the technology.With 400 vehicles in the fleet, including transportation, mixer trucks and construction pickups, Graniterock is jumping on board.A small group of team members is currently testing two systems (Samsara & Lytx) to experience the technology and determine which will best benefit the Company. This technology is designed to help Graniterock team members be safer drivers and protect a team member's side of the story when involved in an incident. Installation is set to begin in January 2023.More details will be shared at September's Zero in on Safety meetings.

We are happy to introduce Graniterock's new Vice President and CFO Dan Lindsey.Dan joined the Company February 2022, after five years at Flatiron Construction as Vice President of finance and corporate controller.He was based at Flatiron's corporate headquarters near Denver, Colo.Dan is a CPA and has 12 years of experience in the construction industry and nine years in public accounting.He earned a degree in finance from Florida State University, an accounting degree from University of Central Florida and an MBA at University of Florida.Dan is also a serious long-distance triathlete and competes in Ironman 70.3 races, also known as the half Ironman.  He also competes in off-road triathlons and raced the 2019 Xterra world championships in Maui.Dan replaced long-time Vice President and CFO Steve Snodgrass, who retired April 1 after 28 years at Graniterock. Dan and his wife Angela have two grown children Kinley and Kyle.

This is the third and final Tech Talk webinars provided by Graniterock in April of 2022. The annual in-depth event continues Graniterock's efforts to educate agencies, specifiers, architects and contractors with the latest information to help develop and broaden the industries understanding of available high quality product, best practices and value engineering.Brandon Milar, Director of Technical Services for the California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA). - Brandon shares with the audience the importance of pavement sustainability and how we can better manage our efforts to protect our dwindling aggregate sources.

Graniterock is known for producing high quality construction materials for contractors throughout Northern California. Every shipment of aggregate, concrete and asphalt, and every project with cold in-place recycling, is backed by careful analysis and data that ensures specifications are met for each job. Graniterock has five testing laboratories across the San Francisco Bay Area that serve a vital role in the company's quality control.In this Episode, Graniterock's Research and Technical Service leaders share what the RTS department is all about, including the many services and capabilities the team has to offer.00;00 Intro00;11 - Greg Wilkinson, RTS Aggregates Manager03;59 - Katha Redmon, RTS Director of Concrete Products08;45 - Kevin McNeil, RTS Hot Mix Asphalt Manager12;36 - Anthony Silva, RTS Quality Manager/Pavement Recycling Group17;48 - Toni Carroll, RTS Director of Quality

Danial Fonda, Norther California Territory Manager at Pacific Clay Products Inc. takes us through the entire line of products including best practices and design for this great building material.Pacific Clay material can be purchased from any of the Graniterock Building Material Branches.www.graniterock.com831-768-2100

This is the second of three Tech Talk webinars provided by Graniterock in April of 2022. The annual in-depth event continues Graniterock's efforts to educate agencies, specifiers, architects and contractors with the latest information to help develop and broaden the industries understanding of available high quality product, best practices and value engineering.Katha  Redmon  is  the  Director  of  Concrete  Products  for  Graniterockand  has  been  with  the company  for  10yearsmanaging  the  concrete  laboratory  team.    Shehas  a Bachelor  of  Science degree  from  the  University  of  California,Irvine  andhas  been  in  the  concrete  industry  for  over thirtyyears.Katha  holds  multiple  ACI  and  NRMCA  certifications  and  enjoys  interacting  with concrete contractors  and  specifierson  a  regular  basis.   Sheis  a voting  member  on  six  (6)  ASTMcommittees,a pastChairpersonandcurrent memberof the California Construction and Industrial Materials  Association  (CalCIMA)Technical  Committee  andcurrently  serves  as  an  activemember   of   the Caltrans Pavement   &   Materials   Partnering Committee(PMPC)Concrete Materials and Quality Assurance Sub-Task Group.  Max Morgan, Concrete Sales Representative, is a CSU Chico Alum with a B.S. from the college of engineering (Concrete Industry Management Program) with a minor in business. Interning with Graniterock for four years before coming on full time back in 2016. His current role includes customer sales support and other initiatives like concrete reclamation to help make Graniterock better. Max is excited to help Graniterock keep up with technologies related to the concrete industry.

In this Episode, we invite Christopher Cotton from Building Point Pacific and Tree Beer from Trimble Connect Construction to share all about how managing the construction site has changed with the use of Augmented and Mixed Reality technology.Hear about how the use of HoloLens with Trimble has changed everything, giving the project team the ability to see into the future and troubleshoot job site issues before they happen.This is an exciting time to be in the Construction Industry!For more info on Trimble, please visit https://www.trimble.com/en/To see the video, visit.     https://youtu.be/MYuFHHb6FA4

In this episode, we chat with members of Santa Cruz Land Trust, Caltrans and Santa Cruz County Supervisor Bruce McPherson.00:09 Sarah Newark, Executive Director Land Trust of Santa Cruz00:54 Kevin Drabinski, Public Information Officer, Caltrans District 502:24 Aaron Johnston, Graniterock Vice President of Quality & Environmental Services03:10 Bruce McPherson, 5th District Supervisor, Santa Cruz CountyCalifornia's first wildlife crossing began construction on Highway 17 at Laurel Curve in March – a public-private partnership between the Land Trust, Caltrans, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and Graniterock as the contractor.Pioneering Wildlife Protection TogetherThe Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, CaltransGraniterock, and the Santa Cruz County RegionalTransportation Commission are making the wildlifecrossing a reality. The unique partnership demonstratedby these four agencies has created a new model forconservation and wildlife protection projects in Califomia.Why build an undercrossinginstead of an overcrossing!The stretch of highway at Laurel Curve isbuilt over a large natural drainage, creatingthe ideal place to install a large box culvertbeneath the highway. The roadway willbecome a bridge, with the area underneathbecoming the wildlife crossing. Theundercrossing is wider and therefore morewelcoming for wildlife than a tunnelWhat animals are wehoping will use thiscrossing?Deer bobcats. foxes and mountainlions have all been caught on cameratrying to cross Laurel Curve - ordying in the process. Research by theSanta Cruz Puma Project's biologist,Chris Wilmers, shows both extensiveuse of the area by mountain lions  inrecent years. Wilmers called the LaurelCurve area "the best opportunity formaintaining puma connectivity acrossHighway 17 in Santa Cruz County"Who helped?Over ten years in the making - the Land Trust took the first BIG step toward building awildlife crossing under Highway 17 in 2014, with the protection of a 10-acre property atLaurel Curve. Seven years on, the LTSCC has now protected additional 700 acres aroundLaurel Curve, creating the wildlife pathway needed for the linkage's success.

This is the first of three Tech Talk webinars provided by Graniterock in April of 2022. The annual in-depth event continues Graniterock's efforts to educate agencies, specifiers, architects and contractors with the latest information to help develop and broaden the industries understanding of available high quality product, best practices and value engineering.Brandon Milar, Director of Technical Services for the California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA). - Brandon shares with the audience the importance of pavement sustainability and how we can better manage our efforts to protect our dwindling aggregate sources.Abel Covarrubias, Mine Planning Engineer at Graniterock's A.R. Wilson Quarry. - Abel provides insight on Graniterock's investment for the new Premium Sand Plant in order to build custom blends of high quality materials, providing the end user with the exact specified fine aggregates needs.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode as Julie Giannotta, Bill Miller and Nicole Laurence join the podcast to talk about their new positions on Graniterock's executive team.Julie, a team member since 1999, serves as Chief Accounting Officer.Bill joined the Company's HR Department in 2015 and was recently named Chief Human Resources Officer.Nicole, the Chief Information Officer, started her Graniterock career in 2017.This conversation was a great rundown on their individual backgrounds as well as what's happening in their respective departments - accounting, IT and human resources.Best of all, Julie, Bill and Nicole answer the question "What's your favorite core value at Graniterock?"We promise to get the other new EC members on the podcast soon.Peter Lemon and Paul Cianciarulo, that's you! 

Did you know Graniterock uses 3 million gallons of fuel each day?Relying on that much diesel and gas to run our business, how do we survive the sky high prices we're seeing at the pump?In this episode, Graniterock Vice Presidents Rich Sacher and Peter Lemon discuss the impact record-setting oil and gas prices are having on business and how the Company has responded with implementing fuel surcharges for trucking and construction materials orders. We also talked with CalCIMA CEO Robert Dugan about how the rising energy costs are impacting all aspects of California's construction materials market. 

In this Episode we hear sisters, Linda and Ricki, share their stories about a family rich in Graniterock's history. Tales of climbing behind the wheel of their Dad's big rig and being taught the ropes of old school down-shifting! Ricki shares her story of driving onto a rail car and slowly dropping ballast along the tracks from above. Linda shares her story on the importance of a good team! 

CFO Steve Snodgrass tells the story of answering a "CFO wanted ad" for Graniterock in the Wall Street Journal in 1995.While he would be hired to serve as controller in 1995, Steve eventually made his way to CFO in 2005.He also served as Graniterock's chief information officer for many years.Now as Steve is set to retire on April 1, the avid runner and budding politician looks back on a career that had its share of ups and downs, including taking the Company through the Great Recession. Thanks Steve, and best of luck in your Monterey County supervisor race in the June 7 primary! 

Here's a review of Graniterock's successes and challenges in 2021 as we continued navigating the ups and downs of a global pandemic.This podcast is taken from a video shown at the Company's Leadership Conference on Feb. 3, including interviews with Rich Sacher, Henry Ramirez, Rodney Jenny, Mike McGrath, Jeff Lindsey, Stuart Mager, Peter Lemon, Don Barrett and John Torres.To all the team members who helped Graniterock rise above the headwinds of inflation, supply chain delays and other setbacks in 2021 to ensure our industry leadership holds strong, thank YOU!

We have Graniterock owner Rose Ann Woolpert on the podcast on this special date of 2/22/22 to talk a little about Graniterock's 122-year history and our state contractor's license No. 22.There's a story here that involves dried coconut and weevils that you probably haven't heard before, but plays big role in our history.

John Torres has the classic story of someone who started their Graniterock career as a college intern, worked hard and moved up the ranks.John moved from Chico State graduate to Graniterock intern, to project manager and estimator to eventually San Francisco Bay Area Private Area Manager for the Construction Division.He joins the podcast to share some of his background and what's in store for the private construction market in 2022!

Here is the CCS team - Keith Severson, Shanna Crigger, Robert Ellenwood and Janae Thomas.A fun conversation where they pull back the curtain on Graniterock communications, community and sales support.This is the team that works to keep team members connected through strong Company communications and often works outside Graniterock to build our reputation in the community.Plus, they're here to help you better serve your customer, whether that's through industry-related educational events or handing out Graniterock hats.You'll get the skinny on what goes into Graniterock's great video productions, why community is so important to the Company and the work that goes into keeping loyal customers.

Mike Baker made his first in-person visit to Graniterock since early 2020, and we were able to snag him to join the podcast.Mike, with his southern accent strong as ever, talks with Shanna Crigger on how the Working Together leadership training fits with Graniterock's culture and why this leadership model works on job sites and Company branches.If you haven't attended a Working Together weekend training, this episode will give you a good baseline of what to expect when we can return to training together in person.It truly sets the "context and purpose" for the importance of strong leadership.Mike also shares some of his classic Working Together stories from his years as an executive in the world of aluminum manufacturing in Kentucky.Welcome back, Mike! We hope to see you soon for a Working Together refresher.

In this episode, it's sister time! Stephanie Kniffin, Jennifer Alvarez and Jessica Snow chat with host Robert Ellenwood about family and their careers at Graniterock. They all started their careers, learning the Company and the industry, on the receptionist desk at the corporate office and worked their way up.Stephanie, with 17 years at the Company, serves as Graniterock's wellness services and workers comp administrator.Jessica, a photographer on the side, has held several positions, including her current role as contract administrator with the Construction Division's custom team.Jessica has been with the Company for 13 years.Jennifer, 11 years at Graniterock, is on the Accounting Department's accounts receivable deposit desk.A great example of how a fantastic company can recruit three rising stars from the same family!Also, as a bonus, they talk about celebrating the holidays as a big family, and share some of what's on their holiday menus!

In this episode, Reiner, Hans and Juergen talk about their journey in construction and how all three brothers ended up at Graniterock. The brothers also talk about their most challenging projects and the ones they really enjoyed. Listen to the end for a surprise twist on a Thanksgiving meal!

In this episode, Mike shares with us how technology has vastly improved the Concrete Division efficiency and helps set up Graniterock as an industry leader in customer service.The conversation includes:TelematicsGPSBCMI/Material NowEnvironmental Product Declaration Generator (EPD = nutrition label for concrete)Tableau - Real-time analytics and dataVerify Real-Time Batch - Product Quality Control (GCP)Company input helps Technology PartnersFuture technology will bridge the material resource gapWe end this episode with a fun chat about Mike's football career at UC Berkeley and the upcoming Big Game - Stanford v. Cal!Who does Mike think will win this year?

Aaron Johnston, VP of Safety, Quality and Environment, only has on his environmental hat for this conversation on the role of habitat and endangered species stewardship in aggregate mining.He talks about Graniterock's commitment to protecting and nurturing the endangered red-legged frog among other topics.You'll also hear Aaron's personal story on how he came to Graniterock more than 25 years ago and convinced the late Bruce Woolpert he needed a dedicated environmental expert on the team.