RockBlog
Chico State’s concrete graduates have strong hold on job market
Posted by Shanna Crigger on Fri, July 10th, 2020, 6:47 pm
(Left to right: Tanner Olsen, Paige Silva, Aubrey Miller, Monica Marin, Casey Cowern, Johnny Lopez and Samera Khan)CHICO – Typical of college freshmen, Paige Silva couldn’t decide on a major.The Sacramento native spent her first year at Chico State flip flopping between graphic design and biochemistry.Back and forth she went until landing on neither.Paige, 22, shifted directions entirely after learning about Chico’sconcrete industry management programthat produces graduates who are prepared for just about any career in ... Read More
How one California university is shaping future of the concrete industry
Posted by Shanna Crigger on Wed, March 11th, 2020, 12:18 pm
CHICO – Like a project manager on a job site, Chico State Professor Mohammed Albahitti begins the carbon fiber reinforced concrete lab exercise with a pre-task plan that emphasizes safety.Before the students dash off to glue carbon fibers to concrete cylinders and beams, Mohammed warns of the power of epoxy.“This is ultra-high strength epoxy and can glue your hands shut. Do not joke around with epoxy,” he tells the group of men and women ages 18-22. ... Read More
Aggregate mining leader crushes records on safety, team work and tenure
Posted by Shanna Crigger on Tue, February 11th, 2020, 12:43 pm
HOLLISTER – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average U.S. worker stays with a company about four years before moving on.Bill Damm, who oversees Graniterock’s sand and gravel production in San Benito County, has crushed that statistic 10 times over and is still going strong.Entering his 41st year atGraniterock, Bill has the energy and drive to help bridge the gap between new people joining the company and experienced veterans such as himself who ... Read More
Aggregate loader operators have a special knack for customer service
Posted by Shanna Crigger on Thu, January 30th, 2020, 1:00 pm
AROMAS – Loader operatorsJesse PalmerinandRuben Cardonacould write the book on great customer service for truckers hauling construction materials.Together, they load more than 350 customer trucks each day within half a ton of the targeted weight, easily handling 13,000 tons daily.Jesse and Ruben are so accurate that inall of 2019, every truck was loaded within 98.5 percent of the specified target.They rarely, if ever, tap the box with their bucket.And if they do, you’re sure to hear ... Read More
Construction Rock Star shares how a good coach can change your life
Posted by Shanna Crigger on Wed, January 15th, 2020, 12:22 pm
SAN JOSE – As Rene Rascon will tell you, a good coach can change your life.Rene, operations manager forReed and Graham, never would have found himself playing for a Florida Marlins (now the Miami Marlins) minor league team if it weren’t for the baseball coach at Cabrillo College in Aptos.Rene, a star outfielder, was ready to hang up his glove after a lackluster senior year at Watsonville High School in 1992.Urged by his father to stick ... Read More
Construction executive shares common bond with migrant children
Posted by Shanna Crigger on Mon, December 23rd, 2019, 1:34 pm
WATSONVILLE – The son of Mexican immigrants who labored in the fields and canneries, Graniterock Executive Vice President Henry Ramirez is sincere when he tells Watsonville High School students, “I’m just like you.”He feels a connection with migrant children who grow up watching their parents work in agriculture, often serving as translator between English and Spanish to make life in America a little easier for their families.Henry made the most of his circumstances by embracing education ... Read More
Veteran's Day: What this construction foreman learned from time as Green Beret
Posted by Shanna Crigger on Fri, November 8th, 2019, 11:54 am
FREMONT – There was a moment on the grueling road to become a member of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces where Nick Garza almost caved, where the exercises designed to test pain, endurance and intelligence pushed him to the brink.It was the Army’s notorious overnight land navigation test near the end of the three-week assessment and selection course at Fort Bragg, N.C., which quickly weeds out soldiers who lack the fortitude of a Green Beret, the ... Read More
The sign of a solid mixer truck driver
Posted by Shanna Crigger on Tue, October 15th, 2019, 12:45 pm
SEASIDE – Risa Lock is more apt to remember your zodiac sign than your name.She likes to find out, within minutes of meeting, when a colleague or customer was born.Risa believes the answer explains everything.The long-serving Graniterock mixer truck driver and trainer – a reliable and grounded Taurus – gives credence to how alignment of sun, moon and planet at the moment of birth defines your personality.She knows her perspective is unique, but Risa's astrology beliefs ... Read More
Prodigal Son returns to industry and company he knows best
Posted by Shanna Crigger on Fri, September 20th, 2019, 11:55 am
SANTA CRUZ – Chances are good you have not had as many jobs as Jake Neu.Even if you’ve had a lot, Jake of Asphalt Surfacing Inc. has had more.The Oakley native has had 27, to be exact, all before turning 31.“I wanted to keep going and better myself with each position,” Jake said. “I learned something new at every job. I’ve had a lot of opportunity to work hands-on and become the lead person.”While the majority ... Read More
Graniterock construction team ready to move a mountain from Llagas Creek
Posted by Shanna Crigger on Thu, September 5th, 2019, 1:23 pm
A $68 million project to protect southern Santa Clara County residents and businesses from Llagas Creek flooding requires removing a mountain of dirt from the creek – 650,000 yards to be exact.Graniterock’s construction team kicked off the historic project – led byJim Mitchell, Noemy Madrigal, Bryan Jones, Ricky Smith, Cory KellyandBart Wilkinswith estimating byRandy Bonino– with a celebration Aug. 28 that included leaders from various local, state and federal agencies who helped make it a reality.After ... Read More
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