My wife and I were fortunate enough to be included in a trip to Africa with some friends.  We traveled to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia over a three-week period.  To those of you who stayed and completed work, Thanks!  Lots got done while I was gone.  Seems as though we did get an awful lot of rain for one of the weeks that screwed up many of our project manager’s schedules.  We hope to be back on track soon.
 

Big news of the last quarter would be the sudden decision by John Manatt to retire.  I was as surprised as anyone with the developments that took place.  I am pleased that we could accommodate his requests and work out a solution that fits all of our needs.

Since the time that John has retired we have been able to hire Adam Manatt to begin working with us in Brooklyn and providing leadership for our Ready Mix Concrete division.  Adam will also serve as our in house general council, giving us his best legal advice on many of the issues we have facing us daily.

My son, Joe, has also decided that living in Iowa and working for this company suits him much better than living in sunny Southern California where he worked for a developer in downtown San Diego.  Joe is working under Donn Eide in the Newton Asphalt Division.  He started with the company June 1^st.

I am so pleased and gratified that these talented young people are staying in Iowa, and coming back to Iowa, to work for this company.  They bring with them skills that, I promise you, will take this company to new heights.  I look forward to working with them.

     Above-  Joe Manatt

     Below— Adam Manatt

Continue the good work we have been doing.  We’re having a good summer.  We could stand to reduce our accidents.  Everyone needs to get focused to complete our construction season without injuries. I know we can do it.