The Dirt - August

Building Better Communities

6 SAFETY MONTHLY COMMUNICATOR
11 PICNIC HIGHLIGHTS
18 WELLNESS AUGUST 2019

CONTENTS 10 Chaplain’s Corner 17 Asphalt
11 Project of the Month 18 Wellness
3 From the President 12 Pictures 19 Mechanics
4 Aggregates 14 Excavation 20 Trucking
5 Communications 15 Hillman Report 21 Cranes & Rigging
6 Safety 16 Concrete 22 Pickle Highlights
7 Picnic Highlights
8 Human Resources

HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAYS!

2499 JERRY MASSON 243 MICHELLE BROAD 2407 JEFFERY CALLEN
1348 RONALD EDGINGTON 2389 KELLY COX 2345 MARK DAVISON
2051 ROMAN SCHOECH 2017 RUSSELL MCGINLEY 1386 MICHAEL FLAUGHER
1480 SCOTT TROWBRIDGE 1457 JACOB RISTOW 1636 DANIEL LUECK
848 JOEL OLIVER 080 KENNETH GARVIN 1552 DAVID TALBOT
210 MICHAEL FISCHER 1406 JOSEPH LETZKUS 2167 MICHAEL BOSACK
2178 WILLIAM MOLLOHAN 2399 LUCAS BARRON 1670 ROBERT DORIE
2315 MICHAEL HIPKINS 2420 ERIC KERBY 2417 SETH HUGUELET
2243 JERRY JOHNSTON 1854 LEVI MCMULLEN 2501 BRIAN CLAUS
1975 TIMMY YAUCH 1192 BRITTANY WATSON 2208 SCOTT SCHOECH
078 DAVID ROBINSON 2388 BLAKE WINEMAN 1599 CRAIG THOMPSON
298 DANIEL LAUTNER 159 DAVID VISWAT 1979 RAY ALEXANDER
185 KIRT SMITH 1234 CATHY GIDDIS 2520 ANTHONY RODRIQUEZ

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE • Christmas Day: December 25, 2019 - Paid Day Off
• New Year’s Eve: December 31, 2019 - Unpaid Day Off
Emergency repair and snowplow crews will remain • New Year’s Day: January 1, 2020 - Unpaid Day Off
on-call during Holiday Schedule. • Good Friday: April 10, 2020 - Off At Noon
• Memorial Day: May 25, 2020 - Paid Day Off
• Labor Day: September 2, 2019 - Paid Day Off • Independence Day: July 3, 2020 - Paid Day Off
• Thanksgiving: November 28, 2019 - Paid Day Off • Company Picnic: July 25, 2020 - Unpaid Day Off, Schedule Permitting
• After Thanksgiving: November 29, 2019 - Unpaid Day Off
• Christmas Eve Day: December 24, 2019 - Unpaid Day Off

2

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Wow! What an better. Continue to give us eyes to see, and the
Elmer’s Family peace and understanding to know that your will
reunion! Did you and timing is perfect. Lord Jesus, I thank you
even notice we lost for saving me! Forgive me, and make me a new
power? I didn’t think person in you! Help me to live for you, Father,
so; the party went and give you the Glory!
on without skipping
a beat. God, I want you to be glorified through Elmer’s!
God, I KNOW… I KNOW that you’re able to do
I’m sorry if I didn’t things that I can’t even understand. I mean, look
get a chance to give at me, I’m not that smart to handle this, so you
everyone a hug; we MUST be present!!  God, don’t let our focus be
were over 1400 people. It’s an amazing event on the puny problems in our lives, but open our
and I always enjoy seeing those who take the eyes to your will and the unlimited possibility of
time to attend. For those who could not make it life with you! God, we know you always give us
this year, you were in our hearts as well. The day something better than we want, exceedingly and
was for all of you! Thanks to Dad and Theresa for abundantly above all that we can ask for or think!
hosting again and to all involved to pull this off Father, bless all those who work here. We ask for
(see Tonya’s list inside). The rain held off and we your continued safety and blessing and above all,
were blessed with a near-perfect, “Chamber of may we glorify you in all we do!! Amen.
Commerce” quality day again! Praise God for all
His continued support.  Thank you all for the great day to celebrate all of
His blessings with you and through you.
Father, you know there are many here with
challenges that are bigger than we can handle Until next month, stay safe!
alone! Yet we know your love is greater than
these! Father, we come before you to thank you Troy
for all the blessings you have given. Father, we
know you don’t give us what we want; instead
you give us so much more! And always for the

“Now to him who is able to do immeasureably more than all we
ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever!”

Ephesians 3:20

3

AGGREGATES

Concrete Crushing
Traverse City Yard

Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU. Ellsworth pit piling up the 22-A George keeps selling  and
You are all amazing! heading to the M-72 pit. Speaking of Ellsworth, we have a new
office team member there. Her name is Paula Stevens. Stop in
What a great day for a party; and welcome her to the team.
probably the BEST one yet. There
were a lot of new faces and families Joel is screening at Todd’s Welding Service trying to get ahead
this year. We truly appreciate all of of Tad and building a winter sand stockpile. Ryan is screening
you who came early and stayed late trying to keep up with Lafarge demands. Ben is screening in
to make the picnic such a success. the yard and filling up the fill sand pile and making room to
What a crew with lots and lots of kids dump by the weld shop. Scott has been screening topsoil at
running around with ice cream and chocolate on their shirts. M-72 and will be headed up to the Daniels pit to screen up
We love seeing that! Do we need to include laundry detergent some more sand.
in the SWAG bags next year?
  M-72 is running hard to try and keep up with demand. Thank
The summer party is for all of you and your families who you, guys and Wanda, for working long hours to keep the team
have been working hard, enduring the heat, the rain, and in material. Hulbert is trying to wash and crush as much as
the pressure to get it all done and to say, THANK YOU. Just possible to keep up with asphalt. We seem to be struggling
a simple thank you for all you do.We do appreciate you all with the 34 CS and manufactured sand needs but we will keep
working long hours and going that extra mile to make Team trying because that’s what we do, right? Right!
Elmer’s what it is today.
We have a new loader operator at Petoskey yard. His name is
It was fantastic to see all of you who made the picnic. It Charlie Daniels. We don’t know if he plays the fiddle and sings
was neat to see some proud moms and dads as well as the but make sure to stop in and say hello when in the area. Levi
youngsters. Hopefully your children or grandchildren had as and crew are back running with the Hazmag and hopefully
much fun as I did. Remember, you have to be present to win headed to Tri-City soon. Really, Doug and Jason, we are going
the raffle!!!!! to be there……where have I heard that before? 
Bill and crew have been getting the bugs out of the Lippmann
Now onto August…the Northwestern Michigan Fair, also II plant and, with any luck, it will run a full week soon (fingers
known as your last shot at Gibby’s Fries for the year, the last crossed).
weeks before heading back to college, and only 145 days until
Christmas.  I hope you all had a fun time at the picnic and know how much
we care about you.
Tim, Mark, and crew are at Lafarge helping out with some
bauxite material that needs to be sized while keeping up with Remember, today is a great day to have a great day!
demand at the quarry. Tad and crew are finishing up at the
Grandpa Todd
4

COMMUNICATIONS

What a great picnic! A lot of Thank you, Team! I’m humbled every time I see it!
firsts this year. First time almost That’s what the picnic is all about. Saying thank you to
1400 crew, sweethearts, kids, each and every one of you for making things happen.
and grandkids of our work For getting up early, dealing with the hot, cold, rainy,
family came together at the farm unpredictable weather, and making sure things are built
representing almost 400 of our right the first time. It’s for the family that is proud to say I
team. First time we ever had rain love someone who works at Team Elmer’s and to thank
at the farm the day of the event them for their support. It’s for each and every one of you
since moving to Broad Farms. to show you how much we appreciate all you do. We may
(Big THANKS to Butch and not say it every day with the pressure of our construction
Theresa for hosting us again this schedule - so we hope you are able to feel it on picnic day.
year!) What a beautiful venue! First time we misplaced Thank you for being you. We see you and we appreciate
800 plates (Kudos to Kendra for running to Sam’s club. you.
We found them, by the way.) First time we ever lost power Until next month, be the change you want to see in the
during the picnic. (A tree limb fell on a service line just world.
before noon; a left-over from the storm that moved through
the night before.) We ate a little more ice cream a little Tonya
bit faster and kids migrated to other activities. Someone
commented what better people to have the power go 5
out than a resourceful group like Team Elmer’s. Grab a
generator and keep going. I agree! Amazing teamwork!
The face painters and caricaturists were busy! We had lots
of fun and have lots of suggestions for next year. If you
have one, please let us know what you would like to see.

What did I see? Well, lots of teamwork that’s for sure.
Setting up for 1400 people is a lot of work and it wouldn’t
have gotten done without help from many, many people.
Dispatch giving us extra hands to get parking set on Friday
to crew members driving over equipment to look at in the
equipment line up. It was a group effort to be ready for
Saturday!

Thank you Butch & Theresa Broad, Dave Robinson and
the Rickety Ranchers, TC West Titans Hockey, Girl Scouts
Troop 4813, WLJN, Ebels General Store - for the delicious
food, Gabe’s Country Market - for the steaks, Pete Rosa,
Bill Rosa, Harold Clark, Elliott Clark, Karen Rosa, Barry
Lowe, Lori Cederquist, Tammy Corwin, Abbie Clark,
Michelle Broad, Kathy Gabourie, Kim Clark, Jean Broad,
Toni Hendrix, McKenzie Mac, Kendra Benak, Julia Pickett,
Justin Gaston, Josh Schaub, Mark Demoulpied, Rick
Licking, Mark Basch, Kyle Moir, Rod Keillor, Kent Megill,
Venice Hidalgo, Randy Brown, Sonny Czerniak, George
Broad, Bob Underwood, Rus Corwin, Brian Wildfong,
Aurora Walsh, Sam Addington, Adam Jakee, Elizabeth
Domres, Eric Kerby, Brian Cardwell, Ryan VanderWeele,
Mitzi Cook, Austin Holley, Trey Gilbert, Ben Trowbridge
and all those that made the event a huge success! Barry
Lowe, who couldn’t attend that day, stopped in to deliver
us corn and make sure we were ready to go for the day.

SAFETY

Call Safety Hotline On Accidents/Injuries ===> 231-735-8660

Hello, everyone. It was great to see and talk with so many being in too much of a hurry include accidents involving

of you at this year’s picnic! Thank you to Tonya and those yourself and co-workers and mistakes which can result in

who had a part in helping to throw such a fun party! I hope unhappy customers and the need to redo a task you thought

everyone had a safe and injury-free day, especially all the was already done which wastes even more time. Rushing

cooks working around the hot grills cooking up that delicious can also have long-term consequences. These include

food. serious injury and long-term pain, costly medical bills, the

It’s hard to believe that August is already here. If you look at possibility of a disabling injury which would put you out of

all the projects we’ve completed, however, you might think work, and the associated loss of income from being out of

it’s December given how much work we’ve done. There are work.

still plenty of projects to work on, too, and I’ll bet the project Your attitude can also get you into trouble. Don’t fall into the

managers aren’t done yet. As the days begin to get shorter trap of dismissive thoughts like, “I don’t have time to go get

there will seem to be less time to do all you need to do. This and put on the appropriate PPE…I’ve done it before without

can cause a sense of urgency to permeate throughout the it and didn’t get hurt.” “I’ve run other equipment just like

jobsite and create a rush mentality. this…I don’t need to read the operator’s manual or ask for

Rushing is a characteristic of human nature – it’s natural to help on this new equipment.” “I shouldn’t rush, but if I do I

want to get a job done as quickly as possible. Getting a task can get home sooner.”

done in a hurry gives you the ability to start your next task Think about the consequences of hurrying. Know that

sooner and, in some cases, may allow more time to do other rushing can result in serious injury to you and your co-

things that may be more enjoyable (fishing?, swimming? workers. Always take the time to put on appropriate PPE,

spending time with the family?). Many of us may have also use the right tools for the job, and follow safety instructions.

grown up being told that it’s important to accomplish as Dress properly for the job, even if it takes a few extra

much as we can in as short of time as possible. But what minutes to walk to the job trailer to get the face shield, a pair

we often are NOT told is that rushing can result in accidents, of gloves, or whatever PPE you need. Identify hazardous

errors, and more time spent in the long run. We need to do situations in advance. If you’re rushing through a task, your

our jobs CORRECTLY and SAFELY! mind is focused on getting it done, not on anticipating what

Rushing to get our jobs done quickly can result in injury may happen next.

to ourselves and those around us who depend on us as a WORKING CAREFULLY AND DELIBERATELY GIVES

member of the team. Statistics from one insurance company YOU TIME TO THINK ABOUT POTENTIAL HAZARDS

show that, 92 percent of the time, the reason accidents occur AND TO PLAN YOUR ACTIONS!!

is because workers aren’t doing their tasks properly because Until next time, be productive, stay safe, and don’t forget to

they’re in a rush. Being in a rush makes it unlikely you will WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!!!! J& iCma,triBnautch,
perform your task as you should. The consequences of
Tom,
6 Eric,

PICNIC HIGHLIGHTS

7

HUMAN RESOURCES

Daily Schedules Online
Don’t forget to check your daily schedules for the Traverse City
Trucking, Dirt, Asphalt, and Crane divisions online!
Go to www.teamelmers.com/schedule
The next day’s schedule is visible the night before.

Cindy Karker - front-left Career Opportunities
231-943-5544 | [email protected]
Job openings are online - encourage those interested to apply
Jennifer Flick - back-left today! It’s fast and easy to apply to multiple openings at once.
231-943-5533 | [email protected]
Visit www.teamelmers.com/careers.
Kelsey Baker - front-right
231-943-5577 | [email protected]

Nicole Lesperance - back-right
231-943-3110 | [email protected]

We Are Continuing To Progress  Prescription Drug Cost And How You Can Save Money
We are constantly trying to find ways to better serve our employees Did you know Meijer and Wal-Mart offer prescription drug savings
and take advantage of the latest technology. From moving away from with or without prescription drug coverage? It’s true.
paper pay stubs, online benefit enrollment, 401k participation, and our
application process, to name a few. Meijer offers free antibiotics, pre-natal vitamins, and diabetes
You can currently access the following web based services: Metformin regardless of insurance or co-pay.

www.bcbsm.com
View your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) almost immediately.
See what bills are submitted and in the process of payment. Wal-Mart (Sam’s Club too) offers a $4 prescription drug program
for a 30 day supply. Home delivery for certain prescription drugs.
www.44n.com
Check your HRA and FSA claims balances, and find an in- And
network provider for all your group health benefits. RX benefits costs continue to soar. Generic is a way to minimize
your out of pocket cost. Additional drugs have been placed on
www.44navigator.com the non-preferred (has a generic twin equivalent) drug list and
Update you dependents, change your personal information, could cost you 100% of the drug cost.
view/change your life insurance beneficiary, and your benefit
coverages. Read and acknowledge required policies. After Hours Clinic vs. Emergency Room
After Hours Clinic WINS.
www.onsitewellnessllc.com If you chose to visit the Emergency Room you can expect to
See your progress on meeting your wellness criteria for the pay a minimum of $250 plus any additional co-insurances and
upcoming plan year, complete your health questionnaire and sign deductibles associated with the visit if the visit is considered a
up for your assessment appointment (January 2017). non-emergency illness. After Hours Clinics require an office visit
co-pay of $30.00
https://oaretirement.com
View your 401k balances, contributions (employee and Traverse City Options Other Location Options
employer), fund performance, and change your investment % and
fund allocations. Munson Urgent Care 231-935-8686 Contact your Doctor

8 BaySide Docs 231-933-9150 Hospital for Urgent Care

Walk-In Clinic 231-929-1234 After Hours Clinic

You have a valuable resource available through Team Elmer’s,
absolutely free.

Team Elmer’s now has resources available to empower you to become more financially secure through
our Financial Wellness program, and receive 2 points toward your Wellness criteria if you complete a free
Financial Wellness program determined by your Financial Advisor.

Paul Schmude, Mike Meeuwsen, and Luke Costello are Financial Advisors with Morgan Stanley.  They
are the new advisors for Team Elmer’s 401(k) Plan and an added resource to plan participants for their
financial planning and wellness needs. 

They are available to meet with you to advise on investments, asset allocation as well as provide
investment strategies to align with your short- and long-term financial goals. 

Financial Wellness Program:
1.    401(k) Review – Account Balance, contribution amount, investment allocation
2.    Review overall Financial Wellness – Discuss outside investments, income, debts, life insurance, Will & Trust
considerations, beneficiary designations, short term and long term financial goals
3.      Investment Education – Investment basics, navigating the 401(k) website, Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps to Financial
freedom, etc.
4.     Provide Action Steps and Recommendations
5.     Follow up as needed - Financial Planning and more in depth consultations available if needed on an individual basis

Financial Wellness Checklist: To schedule a meeting please contact:

Please bring information pertaining to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Paul Schmude
or be prepared to discuss the following 300 E Front Street, Suite 300
1.       Financial statements/information for accounts other Traverse City, MI  49684
than the Team Elmer’s 401(k) 231-932-7220 (direct)
2.       Sources of Income and approximate values 800-530-9979 (toll free)
3.       Debts/Liability information 231-941-5820 (fax)
4.       Life Insurance Email: [email protected]
5.       Home – Rent/Own, Value, Mortgage Interest Rate
6.       Will or Trust – yes or no
7.       Any other Important Considerations
8. Financial Goals or Hopes for Future

WELCOME NEW HIRES!

Clark, Mitchell E. Laborer Asphalt Rongey, Paul M. Laborer Asphalt

VanderKlugt, Matthew C. Traffic Regulator Root, Dale S. RediMix Driver Ludington

Trowbridge, Benjamin S. Equipment Operator Pits Daniels, Charles J. Equipment Operator Yard Petoskey

Schoech, Anthony P. Service Technician Green, Joshua R. Equipment Operator Dirt Traverse City

Rodriquez, Anthony S. Laborer Asphalt Stevens, Christopher L. RediMix Driver Beaverton

Nevarez, Jordon J. Assistant Controller Hradek, Wesley R. Mechanic Traverse City

Stevens, Paula D. Office Coordinator Ellsworth Miller, Robert B. Project Manager Dirt Division Petoskey

Johnson, Jon E. Equipment Operator Pit Bell, Dakota Laborer Dirt Petoskey

Tomkins, Jason R. Truck Driver Hillman Doss, Glen Laborer Dirt Traverse City

Patton, Justice R. Laborer Asphalt Sabo, Dalton Laborer Asphalt

Graboski, Mark A. Division Manager Equip. Maintenance Landon, Alex Laborer Dirt Traverse City

9

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

“Children are Greetings! years ago. I have been blessed to be
a gift from It was good to see many of you at the the father of three children and the
the Lord.” picnic. The food was amazing. It was grandfather of four. It has also been
great to see so many happy people my privilege to work with many children
Psalm 127:3 gathered together in one place. Thanks and their families as a marriage and
to everyone who made the picnic family therapist and school counselor.
possible. My experiences have given me an
opportunity to observe some things that
Here we are into August. This is one of can be helpful to raising well-adjusted
my favorite months because I married kids.
my beautiful bride on August 27, 1983.
It doesn’t seem possible that we have Two of the most important things you
been married for 36 years. She is a can do as a parent is to learn to properly
patient woman and I am a blessed man. regulate your anxiety and anger.
Let me tell you about a few things that
are coming up. Saturday, August 24th, Anxiety, if left unchecked, can be
is the Financial Peace refresher at the transferred onto our children. This may
Traverse City location. It will last from result in making them too dependent on
9am-3pm. The primary purpose of the us because we attempt to control them
refresher is to give people who have out of fear. We may unintentionally keep
completed the Financial Peace class them from reaching their full potential by
an opportunity to review their progress shielding them from the risk of failure.
since completing the class. It is also a Through fear, we may also teach them
great opportunity to recommit to living to control others. Kids who struggle with
out the principals taught in the class. anxiety also run a higher risk of abusing
For anyone interested in participating in drugs and alcohol.
the upcoming January class, this is in
opportunity to get a better understanding It is also essential that we effectively
of what will be covered in the class. If manage our anger with our children. The
you are planning on attending, please Bible reminds us that we shouldn’t come
contact me ASAP. down too hard on our children because
it will crush their spirits. The last thing
Our next women’s study will be starting we want to do is to crush our children’s
on Wednesday, September 18th. We will spirits. We want to encourage them. We
be working our way through the book, also want to have a close relationship
“Let it Go” by Karen Ehman. The focus with them. Anger keeps our kids from
will be on learning how to stop trying being close to us. The best way to teach
to control our lives and allow God to your kids to manage their anger is to
take over. The class will be meeting at manage your own anger.
noon in the Broadroom at the Traverse
City location. If you are interested in Have a wonderful August. Talk to you
attending, please contact me so I can next month.
get the books ordered.
Tom
August is not only my anniversary
month, it is also the month that my
first child was born a mere thirty-five

10

M-33 PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Shawn Barrie
Mio | MI

The project is 8 miles long. The crew has completed 1.5 Zakary Smith
miles of crush and shape. They have also completed
a 1/2 a mile of mill and fill. The job consists of 10,000
yards of earth excavation, 8,000 yards of embankment,
800 feet of grade correction and in that area, the
asphalt was 18 inches thick that they pulverized. The
crew is looking at a mid-October completion date.

Wyatt Barrie

Jeremy Burr
M-33

11

WHAT WE’RE UP TO ‘ROUND THE STATE

Jacob Baynton Greg Needham
Hay Lake Hay Lake

Center Road
Kingsley, MI

Gregory Town Mitchell Clark
Manistee, MI Kingsley, MI

Oscoda Plant

Tyler Kinnie Chris Littlebear-Spark Dennis Moore
Centre St. Centre Street Cochlin St. | TC

Mark Vosters
Hay Lake

EXCAVATION

Manistee Landfill

We survived the 4th of July, the I am still getting a few requests for additional labor help
National Cherry Festival, the on crews. We are still looking and hiring in an effort to fill
biggest ever company picnic. Now those needs. If you know anyone that is dependable and
onto the Northwestern Michigan hardworking looking for a job, pass the name on.
Fair! Todd says if you haven’t
gotten your Gibby’s Fries fix yet, We are finished or finishing up soon on the TC Sidewalk
there is still a chance you can Preservation project and the TC 2019 Street program,
check it off your summertime must- Immaculate Conception School, a sea wall on Green Lake,
have list. and a large H pile project in Bay Harbor.

I heard on the radio this morning that we are in mid- We have started work on Center Road and Lund Road,
summer and, looking at the calendar, it is mid-season as 5-Mile and 3-Mile crush and shape projects, the McBain
well. How are things going? Is calm contagious? Are we Agricultural School, an addition for Cherry Republic, a park
pacing ourselves for the marathon and not running a sprint? in Kewadin, and the first phase of the TC Sidewalk Infill
It feels calmers to me. We fought past the wet spring, Project.
sudden downpours of rain, and are plugging away and
getting a ton of work done with a minimum of surprises. Still Work continues on some of our larger sites including Windy
fighting the weather to some degree but working through Hills on Herkner Road, 12th Street, Traditions, and 8th Street.
it and being safe. Thanks to all of you for your efforts at
spreading calm! Until next month, keep calm, BE SAFE, STAY HYDRATED,
and dig on.
The mid-summer temperatures are here as well with
numerous days pushing or exceeding the 90 degree mark. Max
I know everyone gets up at 5am to watch Troy’s weekly
update and was reminded to stay hydrated but it never hurts
to hear it again. IT IS HOT! Make sure you are drinking
enough water or Gatorade and staying hydrated. Energy
drinks do NOT keep you hydrated and, in fact, have the
opposite effect. Heat exhaustion is a real possibility and
happens more than you think.

14

HILLMAN REPORT

Jeremy Burr
M-33

Can you believe all of this rain?? It just won’t Petoskey Update:
stop! I think we have re-graded the same The power is finally hooked up and we have
ditches on M-33 ten times now!! Pretty sure we lights throughout!! Drywall, painting, and tile
have had more rain days this year than the last is all done. We are basically down to trim and
five years combined. Just think how much snow finishes at this point. Next month’s update
we would be getting if it was around 20 degrees. should be an “All-Moved-In” status….hopefully.
Until next month, work hard, be safe and have
“The will to We have lots of new projects starting up now fun!
succeed is including a FEMA project in Harbor Springs,
important, but Camp Petosega near Indian River, Wilson Street Mike
what’s more in Alpena, a lift station at the Alpena Airbase,
Phase 2 of the Alpena Airport Terminal, and a 15
new taxiway at the Alpena Airbase starting soon.

Trucking has just been crazy busy this year with
no mid-summer lull in sight. Every time Dave
thinks he’s getting caught up the phone will
ring again…and again…and again! Thank you,
drivers, for the long hours and patience!

important is the Thank you to our Safety Department for working
will to prepare.” with Lafarge and getting us back in check with
Avetta and the ability to work on-site again for
---Bobby special projects; just in time for their Primary
Knight Crusher to go down. Thank you, Tim, Mark, and
crew for dropping what you were doing, moving
over, setting up and crushing in record time.
We are crushing shot rock down to 7” minus at
the rate of 700-tons per hour to keep up with
Lafarge’s needs. Way to go, TEAM!

CONCRETE plant blew an airline and the plant compressor started spewing
oil. Brad and Gerald worked late Friday night to travel to get a
We’re getting through parade season portable air compressor, pinch off the bad airline, put the new
and now fair season will be starting compressor inline and make sure the plant could work the next
across the state. Thank you to all day. I appreciate the dedication to make sure we could take
of the employees who have been care of our customers the next day. Thank you! I only hear
involved in local parades with Elmer’s some of these stories, so thanks to all who help keep things
equipment such as the Mt. Pleasant running!
crew and Gerald in Petoskey. Elmer’s
lives and breathes community Opportunity of the Month: Smile.
involvement because being part of Yup, that sounds silly but we do a lot of tense tasks throughout
where we live is what makes us great. the day. From backing up on a tight job, keeping a grumpy
customer happy, pouring near a newly painted house, we need
I say this every year but, if we can keep cooking through to take time to relax and be confident in what we do. Stress
August, the fall will take care of itself. building up throughout the day leads to more mistakes, so
The July weather has been better and we have a consistent smile. Smiling and having a positive attitude is contagious.
daily work load. I think August will keep rolling because June Smiling and helping that grumpy customer makes it harder for
was so wet and we can really put a nice year together. I can’t them to be grumpy. I know it works with Big Dan and for some
even say the “ber” months yet (Septem”ber”, Octo”ber”, winter- reason he is constantly smiling and laughing at me . Let’s
brrrrr). I am not ready for fall. have fun in what we do and pass on that smile. It will make a
difference in someone else’s day.
I wanted to give a special thank you to Brad Williams and
Gerald Sydow for repair work on the Petoskey plant. Jason Safety is the first thing with everything.
Reece (the plant manager) was out of town for the weekend
and we had a Saturday pour. Friday afternoon the Petoskey Jason

Alanson Footings | Petoskey, MI

16

ASPHALT

Center Road

Happy August, Team!  remaining to be paved; another successful paving season
with our partners at the City.
August is just plain hard to say  
let alone believe it exists on the Our beloved Sonny Eley has decided to hang up his
calendar already. Why does estimating sheets here at Team Elmer’s and enjoy some
July go so much faster than retirement living.  His last day is Friday, August 2nd , so
February? LOL. Speaking of please call him and say goodbye. He will be missed
July, it sure was great to see around here, not only by his fellow coworkers but by
everyone and their families at a substantial list of loyal customers. Sonny built and
this year’s picnic.  What a great maintained some wonderful customer relationships; that’s
day to get out and have some fun with 1,400 of your for sure. It has been a pleasure working with Sonny over
closest friends! these years. His positive attitude, funny stories, and vast
knowledge of paving has been a wonderful gift to the
We are a still turning out the tons here in Traverse City. company. 
Even with all the rain we continued to have we have
surpassed the 200k ton mark.  Great job to all crews, Please make welcome Brittany Watson! Brittany started
plant personnel, dispatch, and project managers for
keeping us organized and moving down the road.  It is with us this spring working with the guys in the field,
crazy to drive around this community right now and see
how much work this company has built.  Center Road getting to know our crews and learning all of our ways of
is nearing the final stages of its 5-mile long complete
reconstruct. The team managed to pull off some huge paving.  Please welcome her as she continues to help us
days paving here with 5,250-tons in one day on the base
course and top course was pulled end-to-end avoiding a keep up with the huge demand we are experiencing right
cold joint. Way to go, team! 
now. She’s doing great!
We kicked off our US-131 project and things are
progressing well there, too. With 3k-ton days, we are still  
on schedule to be done within the three week schedule
MDOT has allotted.  The Traverse City Pavement Workload is still growing daily and, at this point, we have
Preservation project is almost complete with one street
started to tell people we can’t make any promises we’ll

be able to get their projects done this year.  I’m not sure

I ever remember having to start these conversations as

early in the season as this but I’m afraid we are that full

already. 

 

Thanks again for all the efforts team. Until next month,

stay safe. Brian

17

WELLNESS

Dash Eating Plan

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. In other
words, it helps lower your blood pressure. Only about 54% of people who
have high blood pressure, have their condition under control. Whether or not
you have high blood pressure or are taking medications, the DASH plan is one
you might want to try out.
WHY THE DASH PLAN?
The DASH Eating Plan is a flexible and balanced eating plan that helps create a
heart-healthy eating style for life. It encourages less sodium and more nutrient
rich foods containing potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The DASH eating
plan also closely mirrors the dietary recommendations to prevent
osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
The DASH eating plan is simple. It involves eating foods including whole
grains, fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat dairy, seafood, poultry, beans,
seeds, and nuts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
It should be noted that this is not a short-term diet to help you lose weight; the
DASH eating plan is intended to help people lower their blood pressure
through heart-healthy and nutrient-dense meals.

Questions? Ask Jackie.

616-309-2778
[email protected]

18

Hello, all! MECHANICS
This is my first article for The
Dirt. As many of you know, August already...wow!
Jason Hentschel left to pursue The summer is flying by and the
a different career and I am shops are staying busy keeping
replacing him in the parts and everything running and on the
service division of the mechanic road. I would like to personally
shop. thank all the shop mechanics
and mobile mechanics state wide
I am excited to begin this new journey and look forward for all their hard work, dedication
to the challenges ahead of me in my new position. Thank and long hours they have put in
you to everyone for your patience and understanding as I this summer. Without you guys, this would not be possible.
continue to learn and get up to speed.
Not too many changes this month in the TC location, just
I was working 3rd shift in the service department for some doing our best to keep up with services, breakdowns and
time and my position on 3rd shift has been filled by Anthony huge amounts of A/C work! As always, please call me with
Schoech. If you happen to run in to this fella, please give any repairs needed.
him a warm welcome to the Elmer’s TEAM.
If you ever need anything, please give me or Dominic a
As we continue our busy season, the service team has call.
been very busy keeping up with all of the requests that
come in daily. Please remember to check your service Until next time, keep it running.
stickers and call me with anything service related and we
will get it taken care of. Eric

I look forward to meeting and working with you all.

Dominic

19

TRUCKING

Get a Lead of This Always use extra caution in school zones. Use caution
when you see kids out by the roadside that are walking to
I would like to thank the Broad or waiting for the school bus. School bus drivers are to turn
family for putting on another their yellow top lights on or red top lights on 400 feet before
fantastic company picnic. Thanks stopping. This is a just a warning to other vehicles on the
to all the behind-the-scenes roads that they are stopping and to be prepared to come to
people who make it happen; a stop behind the bus and also oncoming vehicles to stop
Tonya and her entire Marketing before getting to the stopped bus. It is not a warning to
department, Lori Cederquist for speed up to get past the bus!
knowing every detail of the picnic, Tammy Corwin, Sonny Remember to have patience. Do not get in a rush or
Czerniak and team, Rick Licking, Mitzi Cook and Austin become flustered with slower traffic. Do the right thing, think
Holley for lots of loading up and unloading…it’s quite a safety, and set the example with courteous driving.
team effort. Thank You to everyone who made it a special
event, including all the team members and their families Jim
who showed up to have good time!
Curt Gibson
Just 5 more months to go and another construction season
will be in the books. Let’s make sure we finish 2019 right
to make it another great year. July ran hot and cold in
the Trucking division. A lot of sudden trucking emergency
needs seemed to pop-up and the dispatchers did a great
job of finding a way to get it done and keep everyone
happy.

August is going to be an interesting month with some
big projects coming to an end and new ones starting. I
am afraid there is going to be some over-lap and we will
be scrambling once again to cover the trucking needs
internally and to outside customers. I like to look at it as the
challenge of a perfect storm brewing just waiting to hit.
The east side has slowed down but they know it is only
a matter of time and Lafarge and the counties will be
increasing loads. From looking at August orders for Chip
Seal Stone and with the US-131 north-bound mill & fill
asphalt project this month, the west side is going to need
some help from the east side trucks. Pack an extra lunch
box or maybe even pack an overnight bag because there
will be some long days in August coming.

Here’s an early reminder to everyone as we approach the
end of August and early September. Yup, you got it. Kids
are returning to school, which means there will be school
buses picking up students in the mornings and dropping
them off in the afternoons. Added to the mix are students
and parents driving their own personal vehicles, so count
on some young, inexperienced drivers on the road and
parents with small children in the back seats to contend
with.

20

CRANES & RIGGING

Crooked Tree Arts

Wow! The Elmer’s company Archangel Church in Acme.  We set the 45,000# dome on
picnic never disappoints.  Thank the building as well as the bell tower.  This job took a lot of
you, Troy, Todd, and Tonya for extra rigging to get the job done safely and effectively.
celebrating us.  It makes me
proud to work for a great company Fun Crane Facts:
and people who care and The 2000 Grove ATS540 is a 40-ton crane.  This crane has
appreciate their employees. 115’ of main boom and is capable of lifting 20,000# at a 30’
radius.  This crane is used for lifting trusses, rooftop units,
The 185-ton crane loaded a sheds, hot tubs, and boats among many other things.
50,000# propane tank onto our trailer.  We hauled this
14’,6” tall, 11’,5” wide, 90’ long load from Mio to Lambda The 2015 International 7400 is a 26-ton boom truck.  This
Energy in Kalkaska.  The tank itself was 66’ long so we boom truck has 103’ of boom and can lift 9,100# at a 30’
added a two axle pin onto the back of a four axle trailer. radius.  This crane is used primarily for setting trusses,
rooftop units, and unloading pontoons at Grand Bay
We worked for Clean Harbors loading, hauling and Marine. 
unloading tanks from World Truck and Auto Body in
Traverse City to Clean Harbors Environmental in Kalkaska.  I want to recognize the flexibility of everyone in our division. 
We used a crane to load the oversized tanks.  At the same We appreciate your ability to perform other duties within the
time, there was another crane in Kalkaska loading out company as needed.
tanks onto third-party road trucks which allowed us to get
two jobs done at the same time without much down time Conduct is the best proof of character.
while the tanks were in route from Traverse.
Kent
The 185 ton Liebherr also went to the new Gabriel the
21

PICKLE HIGHLIGHTS

GIVE ‘EM
THE PICKLE

1 SERVICE

Make serving others
your #1 priority.

You’re in a noble profession.
Be proud of what you do and

where you work.

2 ATTITUDE

Choose your attitude.
How you think about customers

is how you will treat them.
Remember your mental
“I Like Yous!”

3 CONSISTENCY

Customers return because they
like what happened last time.

Stick to your high
service standards.

4 TEAMWORK

Go out of your way
to make each other look good.

Everything you do ends up
in front of the customer.

22

PICKLE HIGHLIGHTS

23

AN EOE/AA EMPLOYER PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
3600 Rennie School Road
Traverse City, MI 49685 PAID
TRAVERSE CITY, MI

PERMIT #568

CHECK OUT 8ST. T-SHIRTS

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