As all of you know, John Manatt retired at the end of June and I want to take a moment to speak of one thing in particular that I have taken from John’s leadership.

One of the very first books that John handed to me when I came to the Ready-Mix Division wasn’t about concrete; it was titled “Satisfaction Guaranteed”.  Our division must be totally focused on Customer Service.  Yes, quality concrete is very important too, but without customers it doesn’t matter what the quality is.  Indeed, we do have some fairly demanding customers at times, but we take GREAT pride in delivering just as much customer service in each truck that goes out the gate, as we do concrete in each load.  That first year I remember coming back into the office after being out on jobs and telling John about each job I had visited.  It never seemed to matter to him when I spoke about the details on those projects like, which plant had been busy that day, or how many yards had been delivered, or how efficient I thought we had ran the project that particular day.  The last thing he would ask me after I had told him all those important details, were three words I will never forget. “Were They Happy?” Meaning the customer.  All the other things were secondary to what he wanted to know.  That will stick with me in my philosophy forever!  Thanks John, for everything you have taught me about Manatt’s ready-mix business, and everyone wishes you well in your retirement!!