As I drive around the State and talk to people, inevitably someone says, “I saw your trucks in the area”, or “You had guys working in my part of the State.” It still amazes even me, how sometimes we can have crews working in all four corners of the State along with our central Iowa operations.

    People also enjoy talking about their highways, and how they are built. What I really enjoy is how people mention that the roads we build seem to be better than many of the roads our competitors build. Maybe they are just being nice, but I feel there is probably some truth to this.

    Why is that? I don’t have all the answers, but I honestly believe it boils down to our people in the field who are experienced and really care about their work. Give yourself a pat on the back! Your equipment looks good because you take care of it. We are able to stay in business because we perform good work and we do it safely. We appreciate all your efforts.

    In July, I went to a planning and zoning meeting in Jasper County to change the zoning of our shop area south of Newton to allow for the construction of a warehouse. When I walked in, our neighbor to the north of us for twenty-five years, Carroll Edge, said he came to the meeting to talk on our behalf and let the people know we are good neighbors. He told me privately that he was so pleased with our guys; they mow the weeds and grass down and he never gets any paper or junk over on his property. He really appreciates that fact. Good going, Newton guys!

    I know that this happens at most of our sites. We appreciate the efforts. It speaks volumes for the type of people that work for this Company.

    Keep up the good work, guys!