Rock Products is the aggregates industry's leading source for market analysis and technology solutions, delivering critical content focusing on aggregates-processing equipment; operational efficiencies; management best practices; comprehensive market
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www.rockproducts.com ROCK products • May 2015 • 15 fordable price and from a respectable company. They seek information, service, connectivity and ease of doing busi- ness. Then you need a culture that allows people to come together to solve a problem, challenges convention and sets aside all previous notions that existed to reimagine the way that you can do business. Being in a community that is inspired and engaged stimu- lates creativity. Over the last few years Luck Stone has implemented a clear business strategy centered on building value inspired by our customers. As part of this strategy, we have developed an approach and process to innovation that provides our as- sociates with the needed support and resources to do great things. From my observations, a strong culture is the foun- dation of creativity and innovation. When clear business strategies and processes are thoughtfully added to the mix, an organization's innovation potential can begin to mature and grow. For example, a few years ago, we were trying to work out a mine plan that would allow us to maximize reserves and then move to a different property. One of the problems, as the pit got deeper, was how we were going to economically and safe- ly extract the material. During these discussions about this, one of our associates posed the question, "What if nobody was in the loader?" That question sparked a conversation that spanned about eight months and resulted in remote-con- trolled loader that can operate similarly to any manned load- er in the company's pit environment. But the most important thing for us, in this project, was to maintain our focus on safe- ty, and ultimately be able to get to more reserves. Now in our 92 nd year in business, the company also is put- ting digital and social media to work in its operations. We developed and deployed two technologies: LOGIQ, a web- based product that allows its scale offices, customers and transportation partners to remain connected, and the Luck Stone mobile app, which gives customers a 24/7 way to stay connected and understand the material flow. You are the second NSSGA chairman to have come from the ranks of the Young Leaders. How important is that group to the future of the aggregates industry? When assuming my new role as NSSGA chairman, I men- tioned in my acceptance speech that I had met Paul De- twiler, the 2014 chairman, at the Young Leaders inaugural event more than 20 years ago. This is a great, talented pool of young professionals who will be the future leaders of our industry. Its annual meeting provides a unique forum for industry professionals, 40 years of age and younger, to de- velop leadership and management skills that not only help them, but also their companies to become more successful in the aggregates industry. Presenters are leaders in the in- dustry, as well as professional and motivational speakers Unlike other business meetings, Young Leaders are en- couraged to bring their spouses or guests, who are invited to attend all activities held during the meeting including community service projects, business sessions, networking functions and plant tours. Also what separates this meeting from the typical business meeting are the long-term rela- tionships created by its participants. There are many events staged to help build a national network of young industry professionals that last their entire careers. This group was also the first generation in our sector to be early adopters of social media who use LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to exchange ideas, discuss areas of mutual inter- est and stay connected throughout the year. You exemplify the words "family business" as you are the third in a long line of Lucks to head your company. How important are family owned businesses to the ag- gregates industry? The majority of quarries in the U.S. are family enterprises. It's the entrepreneurial spirit of family-owned business- es that has been the backbone of the aggregates industry. While they may not rival the tonnage of larger companies, they have an immeasurable impact on their communities and the country. Plus, family enterprises have longer lead- ership cycles (four to five times longer than their counter- parts, which usually last about five years) so there's conti- nuity and greater consistency. There is also a deeper focus and familiarity with the cus- tomers and the communities we serve, so identifying and adapting to change happens quickly. All of these things are important to the fabric of the aggregates business, and the combination of public and private companies make the in- dustry what it is today. Can values-based leadership change the aggregates business for the better? Absolutely. Values Based Leadership (VBL) has transformed our company, our people, and our products, ultimately cre- ating an impact on our customers and the industry as a whole. As a Values Based Leadership organization, we be- lieve in the philosophy that doing good - making a difference in the lives of our associates; is the best path to doing well - exceptional personal and business performance. What's the best piece of business advice anyone ever gave you? To remain constantly curious and continue to be a lifelong learner by seeking ways to learn, grow, evolve and adapt in all aspects of my personal and professional life. s