The Dirt - Summer

THEDIRT
Summer 2021

Feature Article

Kids Creek Culvert
Pg. 16

Employee
Spotlight:

Pg. 24

Building Better Communities

IN THIS
ISSUE

SUMMER 2021

3 From the President 12 Hillman 22 Asphalt
4 Aggregates 13 Crane & Rigging 23 Excavation
5 Communications 14 Concrete 24 Employee Spotlight
6 Pictures 16 Featured Story 26 Trucking
8 Chaplain’s Corner 18 Pickle Highlights 27 Safety
9 Safety 20 Health & Wellness 28 Pictures
10 Mechanics 21 Human Resources 30 Scholarships

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE • Christmas Day (observed): December 24, 2021 - Paid Day Off
• New Year’s Eve: December 31, 2021 - Unpaid Day Off
Emergency repair and snowplow crews will remain on-call • New Year’s Day: January 1, 2022 - Unpaid Day Off
• Independence Day (observed): July 5, 2021 - Paid Day Off • Good Friday: April 15, 2022 - Off At Noon
• Company Picnic: Canceled • Memorial Day: May 31, 2021 - Paid Day Off
• Labor Day: September 6, 2021 - Paid Day Off
• Thanksgiving: November 25, 2021 - Paid Day Off
• After Thanksgiving: November 26, 2021 - Unpaid Day Off

2

FROM THE PRESIDENT

HOW WILL YOU FILL YOUR BUCKET?

Hey, Gang! stop signs, speeding, speeding in our own construction zone
Summer was ushered in with the even. This is just a reminder for the few we hear about that we
observance of Memorial Day; a time ALL need to continue to work at a safe pace! Summertime traffic
to reflect on a wide range of emotions has exploded lately, please keep that in mind. We induce the
as we honor those who gave all in stress on ourselves when driving; I know I do for sure. Keep
service to our country and fought to rubbing those ears and relax... Thanks to all of you who keep it
make this country what it is. We will safe on a daily basis.
always remember them and how they
defended our freedom. With all the distractions in the world, I know I have a hard time
A highlight of the weekend for the Broad family was the addition
of Bo and Miles!  Yep, twin grandbabies for me! God help us prioritizing, especially time with God. Have “Do you put
alright!  Absolutely amazing! you ever heard the physics problem about God first in
the “rocks in the bucket” and how it
Blessings Abound relates to time? Take your 5-gallon bucket
The weather is finally being cooperative so we can settle into a and fill it with 10A stone (since we are in
steady rhythm of work. The year is filling up and we have a lot to
get done this year. Thanks to everyone doing a great job getting the aggregate business, right?). Is it full? your Life?”
so much done every day…remember to focus on the good! We Now take some 31A and shake it into the
are working on lots of little adjustments yet, but things overall are
going great! I’m being proactive and even trying a few new tricks bucket until it’s full. Is it full? Now take
to help me stay on track with NO changes to the schedule. 
some 2NS and shake it in the bucket until it’s full. Is it full? Now

take a hose and fill it with water until full. Is it full?? Now grab an

8” rock out of the pile and try to put it in the full bucket. How do

you do that without spilling anything on the ground?

Elmer’s Quality Now think of all the 10A, 31A, 2NS, and water as our daily
With so much going on, make sure to keep the quality up. activities including life’s distractions. Think of the big rock as
Quality is not a buzz word, but an action! I’m asking you to God. As all of the daily tasks come at us we say, “I can handle
continue to put your name on your work. Work as though for all that…I can add more…the bucket’s not full, just a little more.”
the Lord. You are the final check. Please continue the “Elmer’s Then we add technology so we can take on MORE stone and
quality” you have worked so hard to instill into the name over the sand. We go faster so we can take on more sand and water, yet
years by continuing to do a great job! the big rock sits there. I know for me, I have to put the big rock in
the bucket FIRST. GOD FIRST! That is the ONLY way I will have
I’m praying for many of you and the times you are currently going time for Him. If we put the big rock in the bucket first, then add
the 10A, 31A, 2NS and water, we will always have room for the
“Quality is through. Know that God is in control, and big rock! How will you fill your bucket?
not a buzz will not give us more than we can handle.
Hang in there for the silver lining to show!

word, but an Safety IS Everything! Make sure to put Until next month, stay safe and make room for the rock!
it first and everything else will follow.
action.” I’ve been seeing too Troy
many excuses like

“we didn’t

have it in the bid,” or “we need to

hurry up,” or “I just plain forgot.”

These are DEFINITELY

not excuses! We are

also getting many

complaint calls on

trucks; following

too close, blowing

3

AGGREGATES

MAKE THE MOST OF THE FUTURE

Happy summer, everyone! Safety, Safety, Safety! Do we have your attention???
Safety IS Everything, remember???? We seem to be
Wow! It went from 40 to 90 getting a little complacent; backing over stuff, even with
overnight. Thank you to all who spotters.  We just want you ALL to go home safe.
endured the heat and got the Having equipment in working order is good, too. We need
job done. Our customers noticed everyone and everything we’ve got to get through the
the extra effort and took the time busy season, safely.
to let us know what awesome
employees we have. Kudos to all of you.  We had a loader almost tip over at a pit. Stop and call
for help if in a situation like that. If we stopped before it
Equipment Maintenance went over the bank, we may have been able to pull it out
with another machine. Earthen berms need to be mid-
Ever hear the adage, “The squeaky wheel gets the axle height of the largest vehicle traveling the haul road.
Lesson learned, right? Thank God no one was hurt.
grease?” The greasers do need some attention. Everyone

who runs a piece of equipment, please keep an eye

“The squeaky on the auto greasers. Make sure there is 2021 is going to be the best summer ever! Honest. Get
wheel gets grease in the reservoir. Take a walk around back with family, friends, beaches, camping, campfires,
in the morning or at night when you’re done s’mores, fireworks, and Cherry Festival. And don’t forget
to make sure the lines are all intact and the Gibby’s Fries.

the grease.” machine is getting the grease it needs.

If you hear the bucket or pins squealing and Make every day amazing.
making noise, the equipment may not be getting grease. BE SAFE...and smile! 
I know it seems like common sense…BUT…keep an eye
on it, please. It is NOT getting the attention it needs. The Todd
Maintenance Shop has enough to keep up with.

4

COMMUNICATIONS

INCH BY INCH, IT’S A CINCH

Inch by Inch, It’s a Cinch. Yard experienced. It was a great day. Their crew kept mentioning
by Yard, It’s Really Hard how impressed they were with our drivers, the crew, our
company, and the coordination to keep trucks running so
The flood gates are open, and their film crews could get their footage. I wholeheartedly
everyone is drinking out of the agree.
proverbial firehouse. (You’re
thirsty, right?) It’s impressive to see each part of the TEAM doing their
part to make the operation run smoothly as a whole. It’s
Summer is here and we are running on all cylinders. humbling to witness. THANK YOU for doing your part – inch
I’m reminded about a Reader’s Digest story I read as a kid by inch – to get the work done safely. Our customers notice
about someone who was in an accident and both legs were and even the film crew from SAF Holland noticed.
broken. He had to drag himself to his truck to get help. The
mantra he kept repeating in his head was inch by inch, it’s As for the Reader’s Digest guy crawling to his truck? He
a cinch. Yard by yard, it’s really hard. Every time it seems pulled himself into the cab, started the truck, and idled his
like something is impossible, that story pops into my head. way to help. Several surgeries later he is OK.
Small steps get you where you need to go, even when
it feels like there is too much to do all at once. Break big Until next quarter,
projects down into smaller steps and you’ll accomplish your Go inch by inch and be the change you want to see in the
goal. world.

People Notice Ton ya

I am humbled any time I watch what we accomplish

together. We have so many moving parts and the TEAM

works together to get it done - inch by inch. We

recently hosted SAF Holland, the company that “Small steps
manufactures the Neway ADZ suspension on the get you to
Western Star trucks. Neway ADZ pioneered air-ride where you
suspensions for the heavy-duty truck market over need to go.”
fifty years ago. They are the most innovative in air-
ride suspension technology, now with new design
versatility, making it light enough for over-the-road
applications.

Neway was filming a testimonial about their product and
asked Team Elmer’s to participate. We’ve had good results
with their product and agreed. After some paperwork
and schedule coordination, a film crew visited us to film
our trucks and hear from our drivers on what they had

Noodles update and quick tip:

A non-shedding dog does NOT mean no
maintenance. We’re learning you either
need to shave your non-shedding dog or
brush them – EVERY DAY. The kids are
learning. 

5

12

SNAPSHOTS

AROUND THE STATE

3
6

4
5

7

89

1. Terry Richey - US - 31 Curb and Gutter 7. Ron Edgington - West Shore Bank
2. Nathan Cruse - M-55 Bridge Concrete Testing 8. Dan Pion, Mike Putney, Tony Lawhead, Craig Cook
3. James LaCross - Cass Road Drain 9. Terry Mason - Central Athletic Complex
4. Cass Road Drain Culvert 10. Dave Robinson - Supply Road
5. Brandon Nickerson - Central Athletic Complex 11. Maggie Domers - M-72 Pit
6. Matt Krueger - US-23 Harrisville

10 11

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

RESTORATION AND FRESH STARTS

Greetings! fun. When given the opportunity to do something enjoyable I
I recently celebrated my sixty- would often use the excuse that I didn’t have time. In reality
second birthday. In days leading I didn’t take the time. Don’t wait to enjoy life. Give yourself
up to my birthday I took some time permission to have fun.
to reflect back on my life with two
questions in mind- what did I do right Also, I would worry less. Worry has robbed me of sleep,
and what would I do differently. I
have decided to share some of my health, and accomplishments. Most of the “Don’t wait
answers in the hope it may offer you some helpful guidance. things I was anxious about would never
After all, the Bible says wisdom belongs to the aged and
understanding to the old. happen. If you struggle with anxiety and to enjoy life.
worry, get help so that it doesn’t keep you Give yourself
from experiencing a more fulfilled life.

Faith over fear Find a hobby permission to
First of all, I want to share what I did right. The first thing is that
I made the decision to follow Christ. My relationship with Jesus Another thing I would have done differently have fun.”
has impacted pretty much every area of my life. It has helped is to find a hobby. For years my wife would
me be a better husband and father. My faith has helped me
navigate through some difficult times. Christ’s love has helped encourage me to find a hobby and I would
me to learn to love myself.
tell her that work is my hobby. People with hobbies come alive

when talking about what they are passionate about. I feel

that has been missing in my life. Don’t wait to pursue your

passions.

Manage Anger For you guys working in Traverse City, I want to remind you
Secondly, I made a choice to manage my anger. I was raised that several of us meet on Wednesday mornings at 6 am for
in an angry home. As a result, my anger would sometimes get Bible Study in the Large Training room located downstairs.
out of control. When my anger was out of control the result This is a great opportunity to help keep your life moving in a
was that I wounded the people I loved the most. With God’s positive direction.
help I found some good resources to help me to become more
self-controlled.

Please feel free to contact me if you need to talk.

Say No

The third thing I learned is to say no. In my past life I would Take time for yourself. God Bless.

say yes to people’s requests because I wanted them to like

“Focus on me. As a result, I was pleasing everyone but Tom
myself. It is still a work in progress but I am

pleasing God, learning that it’s okay to say no.

not people.” If I had an opportunity to do some things
differently I would spend more time having

8

SAFETY

9

MECHANICS

MENTAL STRENGTH AND TOUGHNESS

GRIT: “The people are great at delaying gratification, them. Most successful people do feel
ability to withstanding temptation, and overcoming good luck played some role in their
work hard fear in order to do what they need to do. success but they don’t wait for good luck
and respond Successful people don’t just prioritize, or worry about bad luck. They act as if
resiliently to they consistently keep doing what they success or failure is totally within their
failure and have decided is most important. control. If they succeed, they caused it. If
adversity; the they fail, they caused it.
inner quality Grit requires mental strength and Don’t waste mental energy worrying
that enables individuals to work hard toughness so it’s no coincidence those about what might happen to you. Put all
and stick to their long-term passions and are some of the qualities of the very best your effort into making things happen
goals.” people I’ve been around…and there are for you. You can’t control luck, but you
plenty of them here at Team Elmer’s! Of can definitely control you and the work
I’m not sure why this word has been on course, ALL of our mechanics, body, tire, you put into honing your particular
my mind recently but it has. Maybe it’s and service techs and welders have it!  talent. Mental strength is like muscle
because of dealing with COVID for so As I thought about the definition, I strength-no one has an unlimited
long, responding to the “happenings” thought I’d share a few of my own supply. So why waste your power
in our country, reflecting on my military personal thoughts with you. My 2 cents… on things you can’t control? Do what
career, trying to guide my children and definitely worth that much! YOU can do, and lead by example.
through life…or literally watching the
movie, “True Grit,” starring John Wayne. 1. Focus on what you can control 2. Learn from your mistakes
 Who knows? At any rate, I thought I’d “Pray as if God will take care of all; act as The past is valuable. See the past as
share a few thoughts. if all is up to you.” – Ignatius. The same valuable training and nothing more. Learn
premise applies to luck. Many people from your mistakes. Then let it go. When
Grit as defined above certainly describes feel luck has a lot to do with success something bad happens to you, see it
some qualities of the successful people or failure. If they succeed, luck favored as an opportunity to learn something
I’ve encountered in my life. Successful them, and if they fail, luck was against you didn’t know. When another person

10

MECHANICS

makes a mistake, don’t just learn from awesomeness. Create and celebrate your accomplishments. People may
it - see it as an opportunity to be kind, awesomeness, wherever you find it, like your things but that doesn’t mean
forgiving, and understanding. The past and in time you’ll find even more of it in they like you. Genuine relationships
is just training; it doesn’t define you. yourself. make you happier, and you’ll only form
Think about what went wrong but only genuine relationships when you stop
in terms of how you will make sure that 4. Never allow yourself to whine. trying to impress and start trying to just
next time, you and the people around (Or complain. Or criticize.) be yourself. And you’ll have a lot more
you will know how to make sure things Your words have power, especially mental energy to spend on the people
go right. over you. Whining about your problems who really do matter in your life.
for more than 5 minutes always
3. Celebrate others’ success makes you feel worse, not better. 6. Count your blessings.
Many people - I guarantee you know at If something is wrong, don’t waste Take a second every night before you
least a few - see success as a zero- time complaining. Put your energy turn out the light and, in that moment,
sum game, that is, there’s only so much into making the situation better. Talk quit worrying about what you don’t
to go around. When someone else about how you’ll make things better, have or comparing yourself to others.
shines, they think that diminishes the even if that conversation is only with Think about what you do have. I bet
light from their stars. Resentment sucks yourself. Do the same with your friends you’ll find you have a lot to be thankful
up a massive amount of mental energy, or colleagues. Don’t just serve as a for and to feel good about. Being
energy better applied elsewhere. When shoulder they can cry on. Friends don’t grateful for all the blessings in your life
a friend does something awesome, that let friends whine; friends help friends is the best way of all to recharge your
doesn’t mean you can’t do something make their lives better. mental batteries.
awesome. In fact, where success is
concerned, birds of a feather tend to 5. Focus on impressing yourself. Ma rk
flock together - draw your successful No one likes you for your clothes, your
friends even closer. Don’t resent car, your possessions, your title, or

Focus on Don’t
cwanhacot nyotruol Complain

SMTREENNTGATLHFMroLimsetaaYrknoeusr Focus
on
Celebrate
Others’ Yourself
Success
BlCeYososuuinnrtgs

11

HILLMAN

PUMP THE BRAKES?

For the first time sewer from 48” diameter down, and over 60 a fitting look for me. Mike Jr. just had a
in my 32-year dirt concrete structures.
career I was told precious little 6 lb, 11 oz baby girl and my
we were getting The team, led by Jason Schultz, has
too much done done an amazing job and once again has daughter just announced that they are
and that we were impressed Rockford Construction, Meijer,
too far ahead of and the community of West Branch. I pregnant, making me a grandpa times 6
schedule. Jason have received many compliments from the
Longo, Project Manager for Rockford general public, local contractors, and the come Christmas time. “Let’s get
Construction on the West Branch Meijer Township Supervisor on how professional,
project said, “You guys are going too fast. fast, and efficient our crews are. To all Tracy and I had been talking the work
You need to ‘pump the brakes’!” involved with the project, Nice Teamwork! about selling our house and done
Thank you for your attention to detail, hard downsizing but not sure how
work, and dedication! It is definitely noticed! that’s going to work. SAFELY.”

Work Load Continues Anyway, gang, even
As anticipated, some of the Petoskey crews
have traveled to the east side of I-75 to though it’s nice to hear we are working fast
help out with that project and I thank you
Getting It Done guys for that. Everyone has kept a great and efficiently, whatever you do, DON’T,
attitude, eager to help, and seems just plain
This is what happens when you put four happy to be busy. DO NOT “pump the brakes!” We actually

of your foremen on one job and tell them Now that we have several of you booked have more work remaining on the books
for a lot of the season, Trevor and Blaine
what they are about to embark upon is decided to pick up a bunch of work on the as of the first of June than we did all of last
west side just to watch my hair turn gray. 
“All it takes nearly impossible given No worries. We will get it done, we always year. I’m not sure how that’s possible but
the amount of work and do! Speaking of gray hair…I guess it’s
my money is on all of you that we get it

is Hard starting in February but done! Let’s just make sure we get it done
Work and it has to be done.
Dedication” safely!
In less than a 3 month
period the guys cleared Thanks, be safe, be aware of your
surroundings, and have fun!

15-plus acres of woods,

stripped over 70,000-cyds of topsoil, moved Mike

in excess of 350,000-cyds of dirt, installed

2000-plus feet of sanitary, 3000-feet of

water main, more than 4500-feet of storm

12 Meijer | West Branch

CRANE AND RIGGING

NEW FLEET SETS SAIL

Business is The Farewell operation – there’s a lot to learn.
boomin’ for After many years of faithful service, “Big
Elmer’s Crane & Red,” our Liebherr 1150-6.1 was traded Ready to Roll
Rigging. We’ve in and shipped to Liebherr Houston. Our The cranes had DOT/OSHA inspections,
been pickin’ stuff Grove GMK 5165 is for sale on the world draining/replacing break-in oil from our
up and settin’ it market. Captain Doug, as well as several decal
down all over the mock-ups for proper color, size and font.
state. Our field Our new Liebherr 1160’s are state of the Decal installation was perfected by the
people, dispatcher, and project managers art machines with features and options Paint Shop dudes, Steve and Jeremy, who
have done a great job in the first half of that will provide our team with multiple are flawless every time. New diamond
2021 by keeping customers happy and configurations in the field. With one engine plate dunnage/equipment boxes were
equipment moving. for the entire unit (an upper and lower created by Jake and his posse in the weld
motor previously), 5 axle 10x6 drives, shop. Those guys can build anything!
Daffodil Beauties 203’ main boom and 331’ with jib/inserts, Finally, load ‘em up with shackles, nylon,
Elmer’s has two new additions to our 119,000-lbs counterweight, and many and wire and we’re off.
crane fleet. We are blessed to have other options (Jimmy really likes the air
ownership that recognizes the importance conditioned seats), these two will be busy. The inaugural run was June 3rd. Jimmy
of continuously updating equipment and Gus went down to the Slagle Trout
to provide a safe, productive, and The Logistics Club in Harrietta to pick a 32,000-lb dredge
efficient service to our customers. After Under the careful eye of Mr. Groleau, we out of the water and place it onto a trailer
a winter of sifting through specs, axle contracted a transport company to haul (on front page). Complete success – crane,
weights, load charts, and many other both units along with all of their support operator, and rigger all performed well.
criteria, we narrowed our crane search equipment to Traverse City and Big Red
to a couple of possible models from two back to Houston. Talk about a pretty Until next time,
manufacturers. By late March we signed a spectacular truck/trailer set up to move Conduct is the best proof of character.
purchase agreement with Liebherr Cranes these extremely large units across the
to buy two 2020 Liebherr AT 1160-5.2 country! Liebherr USA sent two different Kent
cranes. Each has a capacity of 190 tons, techs for a week each to commission our
the biggest Elmer’s has ever owned. new units and train our people on their 13

CONCRETE

Harrison Concrete Plant

SOLID FOUNDATIONS

Alrighty, this is what half-way through to the right spots, and to crane & rigging for erecting monster
2021 looks like! Six full months to go silos and all the parts and pieces. A special thanks to Tom
to reach all of your annual goals, get Fields for the long hours, weekends and making sure she has
that project done, and remember to juice. Also, thank you, Kevin Spierling (and Craig), for running
stop and smell the flowers once in a at a high pace to stay ahead of each day and the mad wizard,
while. Barry Lowe. Barry, it is always enjoyable to work on projects
with you, my friend. I look forward to the challenge of trying
As time passes and I get wiser, I tend to stay ahead of you and how you help handle each piece of
to note many of the simple things that bring happiness and the puzzle. Your level of task consumption is amazing for a
consistency to my life. Hopefully this isn’t “just another year” skinny guy! Thank you for making this project more fun and
and you are taking in as much as you can with each sip of the for allowing me to retain more hair. Hope you are ready for the
blessing it is to be here. I know I try pretty hard to enjoy my Petoskey concrete plant next!
kids because I know in a blink they will be out of the house,
living their own adventure, and only coming home to deal with Looking ahead, I can promise that if we can run at a steady
me when they have to.  pace through July and August, the fall push will take care of
itself. I say that at least once a year as a rule. We really have a
We opened a brand new concrete facility in Harrison less nice year rolling with the early start. I know we get exhausted
than a month ago. To all who helped build it, I can’t begin to and cranky with the arduous season, but back to what matters;
thank you enough. The talent pool we have to draw from is have a sip, remember that “we get to” and take it one day at a
nothing short of amazing. From Jason Rupert and his crew time.
working during the cold to help get the plant up, to Joel helping
to make sure it is all in the right spot, to the dirt crews that SAFETY IS EVERYTHING!
moved all the earth out back and took down the old plant,
to the crushing crews that came in to clean up all of the old Jason
concrete, to the grade crew for making sure the water runs

14

SAFETY

15

GTIENTYSCBRIGEEHKELP “People were kayaking “LAST YEAR
down the street!” Al said.
Team Elmer’s is back at work on the ever-elusive Kids THE RIVER
Creek, a lovable and lovely landmark flowing through “The smaller culverts create
Traverse City – except for when it rains and then floods. turbulence and restrict the RECEIVED
This May, Elmer’s began the work of removing three water. Now, there will be no
36-inch-round culverts at Cedar Street crossing and is obstruction for the water flow.” 5 INCHES
replacing them with a MUCH larger box culvert.
OF RAIN IN
The four-sided Cedar Creek structure totals 18 feet wide
by 60 feet long, according to Al MacDonald, Team Elmer’s 6 HOURS.”
project manager. Multiple box culverts are being installed,
one under Cedar Street and one under Sixth Street. Elmer’s will also be replacing sanitary and water systems
in the area.
“This area has had severe flooding,” Al said. “Kids
Creek is a very ‘flashy’ river and it tends to run over quickly “The unique thing is that the pipe is all on wood pile,” he
with flash rainstorms. Putting in the box culverts will give said. “The soil here is so poor that we need to support it,
the river more area to flow through.” so, that’s quite a bit of work there.”

Last year, the area received five inches of rain in six Kids Creek is a landmark for those living in the area,
or seven hours and Kids Creek rose 1.5 feet flooding and is on the state impaired waters list, due to storm
neighboring yards and businesses. water causing sediment to fill the creek and its flooding
conditions. The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse has
spent almost 2 decades working on ways to rehab the

16

creek, some with Team Elmer’s help. “THE PIPE
For example, Elmer’s was hired in IS ALL ON
2018 to restore a section of the
creek to its natural and functioning WOOD
state by removing sediment and PILE.”
expanding the flood plain to create a
nature storage area for storm water
upriver in the GT Commons and
Munson Medical Center area.

“Restoration projects aid in water quality for the
entire watershed,” Sarah U’ren, Watershed Center
Program Director, said at the time of the 2018 project.
“The natural fish and insect habitat was being covered
by sediment, hindering the ecosystem. With restoration,
insects and fish can return to Kids Creek, and the
community can enjoy an oasis in the city and learn
to create a balance between urban life and a healthy
stream.”

The latest box culvert project is another step in the
restoration of Traverse City’s favorite little creek. The
work is expected to be completed by early October and
is the first of several projects that will help alleviate the
flow of Kids Creek, according to Al.

“We still have problems to solve downstream before all
the flooding is cured,” he said. “But this will help those
who live upstream from these areas.”

17

PICKLE HIGHLIGHTS

JUST GIVE ‘EM

1SERVICE CONCRETE
Make serving others your
#1 priority. You’re in a noble GERALD SYDOW ALANSON
profession. Be proud of what you
do and where you work. “ We received a load of ready mix from the

2ATTITUDE Alanson plant this morning. The driver was very
Choose your attitude. How you helpful and a great guy. Just wanted to say thanks again.
think about customers is how you
will treat them. Remember your ”Team Elmers you have a great employee there.
mental “I Like Yous!” - Clair C.

3CONSISTENCY OSCODA
Customers return because they like
what happened last time. Stick to “Want to thank Dave for his excellent
your high service standards.
service with my order. Also want to thank Rick
4TEAMWORK
Go out of your way to make each for his excellent service & expertise in placing
other look good. Everything you do
ends up in front of the customer. the concrete for my footing pour on April 28.

18 ”Thanks again Team Elmers! - Steve P. RICK MORSE

DAVE DETLOFF

“No act of kindness, no matter
how small, is ever wasted.”

– Aesop

DISPATCH

“He was so compassionate and kind when I
called about my horse passing. I needed a hole dug
for the horse and he was so understanding. CB
”moved the schedule around to accommodate.
- Mark L.

CB LOWE

“My Husband made his way to Elmer’s to get sand and JASON BARCOMB

clay needed for his latest project. A fella named Jason showed

him the piles of stuff, and he went to buy earth. He was just

tickled with the whole process, and your team

”was great (and patient, and tolerant of this guy).

PICKLE HIGHLIGHTS

THE PICKLE

ASPHALT CREWS

RICK KEVWITCH BOB DORIE RICK THOMAS RANDY GONZALEZ PAUL RONGEY KELLY LOOZE

“Just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with the new

asphalt drive. Your crew was very professional, eager

to please and did a great job. We would have them back anytime!

”Thanks again for all your efforts. - Rob E.

MARVIN JAMES TRAVIS TROBAUGH

“Good leadership is the ability to make good
prudent decisions during times of duress.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

AL SMITH KOLTEN SCOTT PAUL MILLER JON FOX CHERRY AVENUE
19
“ I just want to take a minute and say thank you Team

Elmer’s! Your workers were so kind to my grandsons

as they watched in fascination the whole process! Your
“Team” waved and said “Hi!” and pointed things out to
SETH HUGUELET ”the boys! Great job Team Elmers!

- Deb G.

DUANE KOTT “ Thank you for the wonderful job you did on Cherry Ave in
Rapid City/Kewadin!! I drive that stretch multiple times a day,
and the new road is wonderful. Cheers to a job well
”done!!

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

4020 Copper View, Suite 122, TC, MI. 49684 | Building A

CRWW provides general family care for Team Elmer’s
family members - adults & children above age two.
Office Hours: Mon-Fri. | 7am - 3pm

Call 231-943-5690 to Schedule your Appointment

NEW HEALTH AND WELLNESS PARTNERSHIPS

Hello, Team Elmer’s! CRWW In Person Visits & TeleMedicine Options
My name is Abby and I am The Clinic provides these services at no cost:
your new Health Coach and
Concierge. • Allergic Reactions • Headaches & Migraines
• Annual Physicals • Heart Disease
My educational journey • Anxiety • Minor Skin Lacerations (Stitches)
began at Grand Valley State • Asthma • Respiratory Infection
University where I decided • Auto Immune Management • Sinus Infections
to focus my studies around clinical exercise science. • Back Pain • Sport Physical
• Bronchitis • Stomach/Nausea
Upon graduation, I spent four years in a physical • Cancer Screenings (breast, pap • Thyroid & Endocrine Health
therapy clinic learning about pain management and • Urinary Tract Infections
discussing the weight loss regimens my patients smear, pelvic exams, moles, skin • Vitamin & Supplement
were following. I had so many questions about Biopsies, etc.)
nutrition which led me to pursue a master’s degree in • Common Cold Consultation
Dietetics at Eastern Michigan University. • Depression • Well Child Exams
• Diabetes • Women’s Health
• DOT Physicals • And More

As a new grad in a growing field, I’m still learning. Novello Imaging is a new facility loacted in the Copper Ridge medical
The world of nutrition is a complex place and it’s campus at 4290 Copper Ridge Drive, Suite 100, TC, Michigan 49684.
difficult to distinguish what’s true and what is not true. The phone number is 231-714-4306.
My goal is to alleviate some of that stress and guide The services they offer at no cost include:
you in the direction of healing and achieving your
own individual wellness. • X-Rays
• MRI’s
I’m incredibly excited to begin my dietitian career • Cat Scans (CT)
• Ultrasounds
here and I’m looking forward to getting to know each They recieve patients from all over because of their low cost structure.
Check out more information here: https://www.novelloimaging.org/
and every one of you. Abby

20

HUMAN RWESEOLULNRCESES

STAY UP-TO-DATE

Flex Medical Spending Account 401k Beneficiary

If you have money remaining in your Flex Spending If you have not completed your mandatory online
Account (FSA) from the 2020/2021 plan year, submit beneficiary information with our 401k provider, One
reimbursable expenses to TASC by July 31, 2021 America, please do so today.
(on expenses occurred prior to July 15, 2021). Flex
Spending Accounts are use it or lose it; any money Step by step directions of the online beneficiary,
remaining after July 31, 2021 will be forfeited. labeled “401K Beneficiary,” can be found on your
OrangeHRM portal under 401K documents.
For FSA reimbursement or balance inquiries for the
2020/2021 plan year, please call: 44North @ (855)
306-1099, select Option #1 for the Call Center.

Wellness Assessment Requirements

To recieve reduced health care costs for 2022, • If annual physical done
Employees and Spouse MUST schedule a
Wellness Assessment with CRWW. elsewhere, an appointment to

• Call Andi at 231-943-5690 to schedule your review results via in-person visit or
mandatory wellness check-up at CRWW
tele-health required.
• Wellness assessment will include an annual
physical (DOT qualified, if needed) with • Download the Annual Physical Form to take
review of required bloodwork.* to your physician at: www.teamelmers.com/
welcome/wellness
*Coordinate with Andi at CRWW for bloodwork
lab location and timing, prior to appointment. • Individual appointments are required for

each person.

HR CONTACTS WE’RE HIRING! WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

CINDY KARKER All current job openings are posted A daughter, Braelynn Beth.
[email protected] online. Encourage those looking for Born April 10 to Natalie & Allan Liske.
231-943-5544 a job to apply today. It is fast and Equipment Operator, Maple City.
easy to apply to multiple openings
KELSEY BAKER at once. A daughter, Lennon Ryan.
[email protected] Born May 5 to Brooke & Ryan Wurtz.
231-943-5577 You can view the job openings on Project Manager, TC.
our website on the Careers Page:
NICOLE LESPERANCE www.teamelmers.com/careers A daughter, Soren Ann.
[email protected] Born May 25 to Ester & Michael Flaugher.
231-943-5610 Then, click the “CLICK HERE TO Excavation, Hillman.
APPLY TODAY!” banner at the top
KRIS HARRINGTON of the page. You will then be able A daughter, Julianne Kay.
[email protected] to view all current job openings.
231-943-5610 Born May 28 to Emily Lou Havens & Travis Trobaugh.

Asphalt, Traverse City. 21

ASPHALT

PAVING DIVISION ON A ROLL

Heat Wave Hot long daylight hours and guaranteed dry weather. The job required
We went from wet and cold to a June three mills and three pavers with an arsenal of trucks to keep both
that was dry. Short on water trucks, operations running. Supply Road trenching and repaving of the
we had to schedule shorter days for shoulders was a 6.5-mile stretch (both sides) requiring full removal
the paving crews given the weeks of of all gravel, new aggregate placed, compacted, graded, and then
sweltering heat that came in like a paved daily. All of this work was completed in one week! We also
freight train. I guess the positive side to paved the latest medical facility at Copper Ridge for a customer
all of this is we’ve had few rain days. I who has been choosing us for paving for over 25 years. He stated
am seeing a lot of dried up yards and it’s only July! Will the season it was the nicest job he’s ever had us tackle. Great job, team!
be a scorcher? All I know is we will carry on, remembering to look
out for one another, taking cool breaks, and staying hydrated. We have been receiving a lot of positive feedback from the
community including professionalism, cleanliness, and the diligent
Firing on all cylinders work ethic that we all carry. Just remember, most of our actions
The new plant and tanks put up quite the fight in the beginning are noticed whether we know it or not. We are a traveling billboard
just to work out several kinks. Our determined team pulled through for our company and a lot of our business is repeat or referrals.
despite the challenges. The tanks with black outer casing and Hearing that we did quality work never grows old and that comes
mirrored shell on the drum fill us with a sense of pride. To see us from all of you out there. Keep signing your name to your work.
running at 500-tons per hour is just awesome. The crews have We are grateful for your dedication and service to the customer.
done a fantastic job getting the mix on the ground, too.
Safety continues to be front of mind for me and I hope that it is
Most of all, it’s great to see Team Elmer’s presence all over this for you, too. We have had a few accidents along the way this year
town and others; smiling and professional faces included. Please and I want everyone to continue to think before we act. Make sure
make sure to lend a welcome hand and word of encouragement to the actions you take are the safest and most practical ones. We
all of our newest team members. It takes each one of us to get our want each and every one of you going home each night to see
many projects done each day. your loved ones. Keep sending me your feedback and ideas on
how we are doing; I look forward to hearing from each of you. 
Work Flow
As mentioned, we’ve been getting work done at a rapid pace. Until next quarter, stay safe and thanks for being awesome!
A few key jobs are M-115 mill and fill, a job we started last fall
and left the remaining 2.5 miles for this spring to assure we had Brian

22 Paving M-115

EXCAVATION

West Shore Bank | Ron Edgington

WHAT HAPPENS ON A TIGHT SITE?

Hard work continues for the new a lowboy, or any truck for that matter, became impossible.
corporate office of West Shore Bank Sheeting removal was done using the general contractor’s
at 400 East 8th Street. Our crews crane as there was no room for ours. When their crane wasn’t
began the project in May 2020. The able to reach all of the sheets, we had to move the crane and
parcel was just over half an acre and set it up on the city sidewalk to finish. All materials including
bounded by the newly reconstructed backfill, sheeting, and pipe had to be shuttled from a lot down
8th Street and Boardman River. the street and around the neighboring building.

Fortunately, the neighboring 0.4-acre parcel at 414 East 8th Home Stretch
Street was available for staging through demolition, sheet Our crew is finishing installing a fire line and a storm system
piling, and excavation for that building. Unfortunately, in consisting of 12 drywells between the buildings under the
November of last year we began another project to construct common drive. Yes, the drywells have to be carried down the
the Commongrounds building on that adjacent site. street one at a time and a full bucket of stone is brought in by
the loader.
Both of these buildings are multi-story structures that take up
almost the entire building envelope of the lot. A shared drive Since this project spans two years and a multitude of
between the structures accesses the basement level parking mobilizations, I think most of the Traverse City dirt crews
decks. Both structures used a sheet pile retention system have had the privilege of working there at least once or twice.
to support the street and adjacent structures and utilities It was amazing to see the thought, patience, ingenuity, and
including a high pressure gas main during excavation. Both care exhibited to get the job done.
buildings also had utilities and portions of the foundation
below the water table that required dewatering into the City A big Thank You to all of you who helped.
sewer. Until next time, keep calm, and dig on.

To say access is difficult would be an understatement. Once Max
construction began on the second building, the access for
23

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

DISPATCHED -
TO ANTARCTICA

Jason Barcomb, Jason is part of about 1,200 residents at the McMurdo
works dispatch at Station, a tiny “village” of about 100 outbuildings on
Team Elmer’s in the volcanic Ross Island in the Ross Sea. Yes, there are
summers – and spends scientists –studying climate change, wildlife, the ocean –
his winters working in but the vast majority are civilians – making everything work
Antarctica – where it’s in an uninhabitable world. In short, it’s no easy task – but
one that Jason attends to with joy and enthusiasm.
summer. If you can call it that.

Jason is a part of the National Science Foundation’s “Every science you can imagine is being studied down
Antarctica program and spends 4 to 6 months of the there,” he said. “It’s incredible to be a part of it. These
year where the sun is out 24 hours a day and temps stay scientists are literally changing the way we see the world,
around 20 to 30 degrees. and it’s cool to think you’re building the road they are using
to drive over to study the penguins or the ocean and you
“The sky is the deepest blue you can imagine,” he said. will see your work on TV with National Geographic!”
“You can’t even believe the color of
it, and then you’ll see whales, Jason spends his days working in extreme weather
penguins, seals swimming in conditions. Support workers typically deploy for 3, 4- or
the ocean, mountains so 6-months and work to support the scientists in their mission
white in the distance. It’s – from washing dishes to plowing roads to hauling supplies
stunning.” to the bottom of the world.

“... YOUR Jason has done the program for 12 years, including 4
winters.“My first deployment was in the summer (October

WORK ON to February) and I thought, that wasn’t too bad,” he said.
TV WITH “But the next time I went in the winter and I wasn’t so
NATIONAL cocky after that!”

GEOGRAHIC.” Winter means 24 hours of darkness, 50 below
zero temps and just 250 people at the station. But

it’s the cold and isolation that make it magical.

“It’s like ‘Neverland,’ like in Peter Pan,” he said with
a laugh. “There’s freedom there because you can
be whoever you want to be. Time stands still, and
they have an idyllic, happy, positive outlook on life.
You can’t find that in the real world, not in the rat
race. Scientists pay a lot to be there, and we get to
help them do this.”

In addition, Jason said that many athletes “IT’S THE
and artists are attracted to the Antarctica COLD AND
program because they get to train, or play ISOLATION
music, write or paint with all their free time.

“Don’t get me wrong, we work hard,” he THAT MAKE
said. “You are working 54 hours a week IT MAGICAL.”

in brutal conditions -- but the off hours are

yours.” He said the combination of so much

creative energy, along with the scientists and the

wild, extreme terrain is an unreal experience.

“You meet so many interesting people there, you
can’t believe it,” he said. “There are concerts or
marathons on weekends, bands, painters, runners,
just all kinds of people. It attracts people who are
wanderers, like me!”

Jason grew up in New England and spent 5 winters
in Utah, so he’s no stranger to harsh conditions.
He moved to Traverse City six years ago to work
for Team Elmer’s and to be closer to his daughter,
who lives there with her mother (who he met in the
Antarctica program 11 years ago).
Story continues on back page

25

TRUCKING

TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR WORK

Thank you to ALL the drivers to rock tubs to haul concrete or riprap, unhook sets of bulkers
and hook up to trains to haul materials to a concrete plant or
for their service. I truly honor to a customer. Some have had to park their assigned truck
and jump into an unfamiliar transfer truck or tandem because
dedicated drivers because I know we’re short on drivers to make deliveries or haul asphalt to a
busy paving crew who must finish their jobs on time.
the frustrations of dealing with
All of these things are part of being a truck driver at
congested traffic, truck and trailer Elmer’s. It makes us special, not only as a team but it speaks
to the integrity of each individual. Your willingness to do what
repairs, dispatch orders, foremen needs to be done because you kept your cool or took on a
challenge and in doing so further honed your skills to “get
on site, loader operators, and the ‘er done” confidently is what makes you and Team Elmer’s
shine.
demands I personally have to place
Take Pride
on them. About those individuals who cause frustrations. Don’t let frustrations lead you in the wrong direction or
make a mistake in life. Take pride in what you do and the
Think of them as helping you get better at what you do. I accomplishments you have or can achieve. Thank you, truck
drivers, for keeping your cool and for keeping Team Elmer’s
know, I know…but improving your skills and attitude so you on the move.

can make a co-worker’s day run smoother, or avoiding an Round and round we go- just keep the wheels on the ground.

accident, or showing grace to an out-of-towner makes the Jim

entire company’s day better. It is tough and requires a

good attitude but it all serves a bigger picture of honoring

“The willingness through service to others and taking
pride in the jobs we are hired to do,
to do creates the internally or externally.
ability to do.”
Thank You to the drivers who show
up and are always willing to help in any

capacity the team needs. They understand the importance

of being flexible; it’s a skill in itself. For example, switching

trailers because that is what is needed to get a job done

correctly. We’ve had to drop trains to pull live bottoms, switch

26 Jason Tompkins | West Branch Meijer

SAFETY

27

1

2

SNAPSHOTS

AROUND THE STATE

34 6

5

9

78 10

1. M-55 Bridge Pour - Manistee 7. Justin Kelenske - Cass Road Drain
2. Asphalt Paving - Supply Road 8. Asphalt Paving - M115
3. Dan Drenth - M-72 Pit 9. Todd Lamp - West Branch Meijer
4. Tom Kler - Skegemog Point 10. Chris Town - Grading at Glen’s Landfill
5. Colin Cook & Tyler Megill - West Shore Bank 11. Brian Kelsey - Cass Road Drain Culvert
6. Scott Trowbridge - M-72 Pit 12. Eric Gustafson - Slabtown Apartment Lift

11 12

SCHOLARSHIPS

TEAM ELMER’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Team Elmer’s is proud to award education scholarships $500 Elmer’s Education Scholarships
for the dependents of our employees. There are always
more submissions than we can say yes to. Thank you to Ashley Smith Maggie Domres
all who submitted! Alison Folkersma
Early in the morning they wake Ashley Smith
Submissions received can be viewed on our website As the sun is about to break Emma Rosa
at www.TeamElmers.com/welcome/scholarship- They hop in their cab and hit the road Noah Hoxsie
entries-2021. Recipients are also notified directly about They’re on their way to pick up their load Samantha Endres
how to claim their prize. These are non-renewable Gravel, dirt, and ash they haul
scholarships. There’s no request too big or small
To places near and far they go
Since 2010, Team Elmer’s has had the privilege to Driving in rain and even snow
award over $90,500 in scholarships for continuing The semi beeps while backing up
education. Then they stop and dump their pup
They pile the dirt into a mound
The recipients submitted a word poem about a Team Or spread it onto the ground
Elmer’s project or division. The recipients, in no They always do their job with a smile
particular order are as follows as well as their poem And are willing to go the extra mile
submissions. Get a load of this they say
That’s the Team Elmer’s way
One $1,000 Elmer’s Believes FPU Scholarship
One $1,000 Elmer’s Trade Scholarship
Haley Moriarty
Nick Meddaugh
East Bay Miracle Mile
Another day stuck in traffic A Day in the Asphalt Division
Week 5 and it’s a classic Scott & John work dawn to dusk keeping the silos full,
All I hear are honks all-day Careful not to get on their bad side as they take no bull.
We might survive the East Bay delay Tammy giving out tickets and directions in the scale house,
With entertainment on your drive The never ending phone calls seem like a game of cat and mouse.
By a dancing flagger with a groovy jive In the lab, Wildfong runs his extractions,
On my way to work today While Joe focuses on projects’ compaction.
The miracle mile is busy as can be Drivers then haul the mix for miles and miles,
With 85 crew members working tirelessly Delivering something that just a few hours ago were stockpiles.
Week nine and its almost done Into the hopper of the slow moving paver,
My dad is about to Get R Done Except on a radius that requires much more labor.
They’ve had endless nights and working all-day Rollers ensure the road is smooth and dense,
One more day and the drivers will say hooray If they do a great job, the incentive may be immense.
Lines are painted and cones are taken away,
30 We survived the East Bay delay Time to go home and do it again the next day.

SAFETY

THE DIRT EDITORIAL FREQUENCY OF PRINT CONTACT US
PUBLICATION CONTRIBUTORS 2021 Quarterly publications 3600 Rennie School Road
January, April, July, October
Tonya Wildfong, EDITOR-IN- Traverse City, MI 49685
CHIEF PRINT 231-943-3443
Village Press
Toni Hendrix, EDITOR www.teamelmers.com
McKenzie Mac, EDITOR
Kandace Chapple, WRITER 31

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

PERMIT #29

DISPATCHED - TO ANTARCTICA

Story continued from Page 25 small, you have to get along or
The work lessons he’s found in Antarctica have served him well at it’s not the place for you!” he said.
Team Elmer’s. One of the funniest things, Jason says, is how everyone is issued
a big red down jacket when they arrive – and everyone looks the
“Out there, there aren’t any parts stores, so you have to be same the minute they step off the plane.
careful with equipment, and any kind of medical emergency
could be life-threatening, so you have to go slow,” he said. “You “It’s life in the Antarctic,” he said. “The veterans always laugh at
learn to work carefully, slowly and with discipline. There’s the rookies going to orientation and hanging their big red coat up
no wasting time and then rushing to catch up. You can’t take the in the coat room – only to come back and not be able to find their
risk.” own jacket!”

Jason said the biggest risk is always the weather. For example, Overall, and most importantly, Jason said it’s a humbling
he might be working 20 miles from the station and his closest co- experience to be a part of a world-renowned program.
worker is 5 miles up the road.
“You’re contributing to this global community where everybody
“They teach you how to take cover in your tractor if the weather there is working together as one,” he said. “You are one
turns and you can’t get back, or how to pitch a tent if it’s too community – you’ll work with all kinds of nationalities – maybe
dangerous for anyone to come get you,” he said. “But if you slip Koreans or Italians will walk through the station speaking
and fall and hit your head? There’s no easy fix or help.” different languages – but you’re all working together for the same
Residents live in barrack-like areas with 2 to 4 roommates, eat program. You’re a team. It dissolves the tunnel vision of the
meals together and often socialize together. “This place is so world.”