By: Taylor McPherson, Director of Communications & Community Engagement
Our greatest asset is our people. It has always been our goal to be the best aggregates and asphalt producer in the Mid-South. That would be impossible without a great team of people. We believe the path to true success begins with hiring qualified men and women who will thrive in our culture. We have cultivated an environment that allows us to attract and maintain loyal team members, some who have been with our family of companies for 30 years or longer. In our “3-for-30” series, we gain better insight into those who have contributed so greatly to our success.
This week, we hear from Ronnie Keahey, one of the two team members that keep our Plant 4 site up and running.
Ronnie Keahey
What is your title?
Plant 4 Foreman
How long have you been with the company?
36 years
What are your job responsibilities?
“At the current time, I’m a supervisor at the Cement-Treated Base (CTB) plant (i.e., Plant 4). Since there’s [typically] two of us here, I’m 50% of the workforce. I’m kind of a combination supervisor and I also run the loader.”
What led you to this company?
“I had two brothers that were working here [at the time], in fact at the Plant 4 location. One was asphalt plant operator and the other was the loader man. They needed a ticket writer and I’ve just moved up over the years. [After serving as ticket writer,] I moved to asphalt plant operator and eventually to asphalt plant supervisor.”
What is your favorite part about working at our family of companies?
“Working with the people. I’ve always been fortunate enough to work with good people. The company has always been good to me and given me opportunities to learn and grow.”
How have the company’s core values, and overall culture impacted your role or inspired passion in what you do?
“I think the core values, for me, have actually always been there. I’ve always tried to take care of the machinery and I’m always willing to do any job needed. [I’ve also upheld] building relationships – whether through the customers or people you work with.”
What is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation after such a fruitful career?
“I would say to take advantage of the opportunities – there’s plenty there. The company has given me plenty of chances to learn and grow and they’ve kept me busy with work [over the years]. There’s great opportunities out there for young men and women if you’re willing to work for them.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“When I have time off, I usually travel to East Tennessee, to my hometown. There, I spend time on the Tennessee River, fishing with my brother and my family. I also spend as much time as possible with my children and grandchildren.”
