Quality Without Compromise
Earning one of NAPA’s Quality in Construction Awards (QIC) is a tell-tale sign that an asphalt paving project is high quality.
That is because all QIC projects must clear benchmarks in gradation, asphalt binder content, air voids, and density as determined by independent engineers.
Of those QIC projects, the highest rated ten projects under 50,000 tons each year are recognized with the Larry H. Lemon Award, named for former NAPA Board Chairman Larry Lemon of Oklahoma City-based Haskell Lemon Construction. Lemon served for 18 years on the NAPA Awards Committee and was integral in creating the impartial QIC rating system.
Learn more about some of the award-winning projects through the words of the crew members that paved them:
SCOTTY’S CONTRACTING: CREW MEMBER Q&A
HOW DO YOU AND YOUR FELLOW CREW MEMBERS FEEL ABOUT HAVING ONE OF YOUR PROJECTS RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP PAVING PROJECTS IN THE COUNTRY?
Asphalt Paving Foreman Kevin Pierce (Three years with Scotty’s) “The crew and I were shocked at hearing that we had received such an award. It was hard to believe something that we had done being such a young crew had received such a prestigious award. We treated the road as any that we come to, and just gave it our best we had each day.”
WHEN THERE WERE CHALLENGES ON THE JOB SITE, HOW DID YOU AND YOUR COWORKERS RESPOND TO CONTINUE TO MEET CLIENT EXPECTATIONS AND REMAIN ON SCHEDULE?
We did overcome several challenges as we completed each day on the project. One problem that sticks out to me was the extra length we had tried reaching each day due to the project having several bridges. We strived to work with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and to eliminate as many end of the day joints as possible. We worked some lengthy days to reach the next bridge and to be able to complete each section. The KYTC was always supportive working with us to ensure we used the material that was provided for the roadway.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE ASPHALT PAVEMENT INDUSTRY?
SR 136 (LIVERMORE ROAD) IN OHIO COUNTY, KENTUCKY
After crossing over from 15 years of KYTC construction inspection, I enjoy being able to use my knowledge of how things are supposed to be done, according to spec, and putting them into best paving practices now. Every day is a new day and sometimes even a new area. Every day presents its new challenges, whether it be a simple equipment breakdown, having to jump in and help flag, rake, shovel and being around the crew and giving each day your best. It’s the challenge that each day brings that keeps you striving to do your best. Something as simple as a parent coming out and thanking you for your work, so that their children can now roller skate down the street, or someone coming out and thanking us so that their spouse confined to a wheelchair can now come out to the wood shop and see the creations are the joys you get to experience.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN ASPHALT?
If you like being outdoors and enjoy putting in a hard day’s work, then this may be a career for you. You don’t have to know it all to start blacktopping. You just must be able to come in, do your best, and care about your job. I have some great people on my crew that started and never knew about blacktop, now I am proud to work hand in hand with them.
CWR CONTRACTING: CREW MEMBER Q&A
HOW DO YOU AND YOUR FELLOW CREW MEMBERS FEEL ABOUT HAVING ONE OF YOUR PROJECTS RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP PAVING PROJECTS IN THE COUNTRY?
SE 73RD AVE. IN MARION COUNTY, FLA.
Asphalt Foreman Kevin Collinsworth (Two years with CWR) We are extremely honored and excited to have our hard work recognized and look forward to having more of our work recognized in the future.
Superintendent Craig Solomon (Eight years with CWR) Great. It’s good for the guys to know that their hard work pays off. Recognition of the work they do goes a long way.
Foreman Stanley McKinsey (20 years with CWR) That’s an amazing accomplishment, and a team that took pride in their job performance.
WHEN THERE WERE CHALLENGES ON THE JOB SITE, HOW DID YOU AND YOUR COWORKERS RESPOND TO CONTINUE TO MEET CLIENT EXPECTATIONS AND REMAIN ON SCHEDULE?
Craig Solomon The best way to address a challenge is to identify its solution before it happens. When unforeseen challenges would arise, a meeting on site would take place between the customer’s representative, all supervision on site, and myself. Once a solution is discussed and agreed upon, the information is relayed to the crew.
Stanley McKinsey We knew what needed to be done so we come together as a team and got it done because it has our name on it as well as CWR’s.
Kevin Collinsworth We work together as a team and try to came together and use everyone’s knowledge and all the experience everyone can contribute as a whole to get the job done to the best of our abilities.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE ASPHALT PAVEMENT INDUSTRY?
Kevin Collinsworth I like the challenges that it brings day to day and seeing the end result of the job, it is very rewarding.
Craig Solomon #1 The smell of the asphalt. #2 Comparing roads we’ve paved vs. other contractors’ roads.
Stanley McKinsey The challenges and learning and becoming part of a good organization. Growing the people and loving what we do.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN ASPHALT?
Kevin Collinsworth It is a lot of hard work but if you’re willing to put in the work it can be rewarding.
Craig Solomon Focus on building your awareness before anything else. Always be aware of the public, they’re the most unpredictable.
Stanley McKinsey You got to want it and it’s got to be something you want to do. Find what you’re good at and stay with it.
Read more coverage of the Larry H. Lemon Awards in the Fall 2024 issue of NAPA Quarterly.
SUNFLOWER STATE SUCCESS
It’s been a banner year for the Shears Division of APAC-Kansas Inc., A CRH Co.
The Hutchinson-based company earned two Larry H. Lemon awards for its highway projects in Clark and Meade counties on top of receiving the Sheldon G. Hayes Award for its work on Interstate 70.
“We go out every day and try to do really great work,” said Western Kansas Branch Manager Tom Stivers.
Read more coverage of APAC-Kansas and its award-winning approach to asphalt paving from the Spring 2024 issue of NAPA Quarterly.
