In this episode of RockTalk the Podcast, we dive into the work of Graniterock's Human Resources team with Casey Messersmith and Manny Garcia.The two discuss efforts made to recruit talented individuals who align with the Company culture. With a strong emphasis on finding the right fit, the HR team works to ensure every candidate who joins Graniterock shares our commitment to teamwork, safety and excellence.One area of focus is college recruiting, where the team actively engages with students and recent graduates, offering opportunities for internships and entry-level positions.“We look for candidates who not only have the skills but who are a cultural fit, people who understand and embrace the Graniterock way,” Casey said.The interview process is designed to be thorough yet welcoming, allowing candidates to showcase their strengths while also learning about the company. From initial phone screens to in-person interviews with team leaders, the process helps ensure new hires are well-equipped to thrive at Graniterock.Listen to the full podcast to hear more about recruiting strategies and how the HR team is building the future of Graniterock.

Hosted by Graniterock's accounts payable manager Abbie Gordon, we get the scoop on plans for the Company's 125-year birthday party taking place Feb. 22, 2025. Donita Granado from the materials sales team and HR's Manny Garcia join the show for a look into what to expect for our 125th celebration at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Donita sheds light on hotel rooms secured, including room blocks at the Marriott Monterey and Monterey Plaza Hotel. Plus, with shuttle services from other hotels, team members can arrive stress-free.Manny ramps up the excitement by revealing the fun elements in store, including photo booths, a 360 video booth with playful props and a roving photographer to capture the party's candid moments. Got questions? Email the celebration team at 125team@graniterock.com and stay tuned for our final podcast in December. A huge thanks to Donita and Manny for their willingness to jump on the microphone!

Curious about what it's like to work as a summer intern at Graniterock? Tune into this episode of RockTalk the Podcast! Hosted by Ciera Puente, a marketing intern and business major at San Diego State, she chats with fellow interns Rayven Bedolla and Jose Meza Munoz about their roles and experiences this summer. Rayven, an environmental services specialist and environmental science major at University of Hawaii Manoa, dives into the world of environmental permits and inspections.Jose, a construction management major at CSU East Bay, shares what he's learned from the hands-on work and how it translates classroom knowledge into engineering solutions. From daily routines to the invaluable lessons learned, this show provides a glimpse of intern life at Graniterock.We wrap up with what these three enjoy grabbing from the free vending machine at the corporate office. Thanks for listening!

Being the new guy or gal at Graniterock isn’t easy.When it comes to landing a job as a project engineer or project manager in the Construction Group, there is a lot of information and processes to master.Sometimes it would be nice to have a cheat sheet!Thanks to Construction Manager Matt Christie and Business Manager Angie Melnikoff there is a new PM/PE playbook that helps team members learn how everything works around here.This podcast explains how the playbook helps project engineers and project managers do their jobs and how you can get your hands on one.Plus, Angie shares how she started as a receptionist at a small construction company and grew to her current role as the Construction Group's business manager, while Matt takes us through his evolution from a summer intern from Chico State in 2007 to becoming one of Graniterock's construction managers in public works. Thanks for listening!

What if you could step into history while celebrating a monumental milestone? Join us as host Abbie Gordon chats with committee members Jeff Williams, Chandra Palacios, and Casey Messersmith about Graniterock's 125th anniversary celebration at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. From the unique strolling dinner to the exciting casino games, dancing, and 360 camera experiences, Chandra dishes on all the event's highlights. Plus, don't miss the special 125th-anniversary movie screening and tips on the semi-formal attire expected for the evening. This episode promises a night to remember, blending fun activities with a touch of elegance.Our dedicated 15-member planning committee has been hard at work, and Casey shares insider details on the behind-the-scenes efforts, including regular bi-weekly meetings and coordinated logistics. We discuss convenient lodging options, with room blocks at nearby hotels and potential shuttle services to make your visit seamless. Whether you're excited about the historic venue or looking forward to reconnecting with team members, this episode covers everything you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable celebration. Bring your dancing shoes and a plus one – we can't wait to celebrate with you!

There were several questions we couldn’t get to during the recent 2024 Leadership Conference town hall, so we saved them for the podcast.This episode is hosted by Keith Severson with Vice President and Chief People Officer Bill Miller and Human Resources Director Jamie Agnello fielding questions.There’s something for every team member in this show!Show notes:Jacob Young Financial: jacob.young@jacobyoungfinancial.comGraniterock Ethics Hotline: 888-948-4472Jamie Agnello: jagnello@graniterock.comBill Miller:  bmiller@graniterock.comPeter Lemon: plemon@graniterock.com

In this episode, members of the Graniterock safety team – Vice President Paul Cianciarulo, Daisy Kwan and David Leffel give us a rundown on how the Company performed in 2023 when it comes to keeping team members safe at work. We talk briefly about their individual personal journeys into safety and how they've helped build a culture of safety at Graniterock. Our conversation focuses on the positive safety trends at Graniterock in 2023. We also discuss some of the hot-button safety topics at Graniterock: Safety helmets and telematics.  Despite initial resistance, these initiatives have improved overall safety and driving behavior at Graniterock.We welcome your feedback.Send us a note at rocktalk@graniterock.com.Thanks for listening!

One of the ways Graniterock supports philanthropy is through the Graniterock Cares Committee. Graniterock Cares is a dedicated team overseeing the Company's philanthropic endeavors, managing the many donation requests that pour in – an average of one each day! From supporting local charities, schools, sports teams, Scouts and various community events, Graniterock Cares ensures that our giving spirit makes a meaningful impact.We invited Amy Nama, Keith Severson and Abbie Gordon to join the podcast to pull back the curtain on the inner workings of the Cares team. They talk about how donation requests get prioritized, managing budget constraints and the hard part...saying "no" to worthy causes. In all, Granniterock Cares has made 60 contributions in 2023.

Graniterock's director of geology and sustainability Jon Erskine had the summer adventure most people never dream about, running 55 miles in South Africa!This conversation takes us near Cape Town for the Comrades Marathon with Jon, a dedicated long-distance runner outside of work.Get immersed in the rich history of the world's oldest ultramarathon that pays homage to South Africa's fallen World War I soldiers, and discover the challenges that come with it, such as running on dirt roads and digesting curry chicken mid-race. Further into the conversation, we uncover Nelson Mandela's influence on the Comrades Race. We'll paint a vibrant picture of the race's captivating energy, from the stirring South African National Anthem to the symbolic rooster crow signaling the start of the race. Hang on tight as we recount Jon's arduous travel from San Francisco to Cape Town, the buzzing energy at the race hotel. Extra leg room, of course, for the journey! You'll be intrigued by Jon's encounter with the local Cub Scouts at the medical tent after his triumphant, yet painful, journey to the finish line. Join us for an adventure that is sure to inspire, as we celebrate Jon's achievement and the powerful human spirit that pushes us beyond our limits.

Welcome to the journey of making math fun as we explore the impact of the Bruce W. Woolpert Algebra Academy since it started in 2010. Rose Ann Woolpert, Graniterock's family owner and Academy treasurer, shares the original mission of this unique program that has taught more than 1,100 students the joy of math over the past decade. Rose Ann is joined by Christy Sessions, who serves as the Academy's Executive Director.Christy and Rose Ann discuss the program's good work in providing students with the opportunity to take their math skills to the next level and make lasting connections with teachers and peers. We take you through the experiences shared by the high schoolers and college professors at the Academy. We learn about the Academy's field trips to Cal State Monterey Bay, and how the professors are introducing innovative elements to the program.  We discuss the Woolpert Family Scholarship, aimed at students majoring in math at CSUMB. Join us for this episode to understand how the Bruce W. Woolpert Algebra Academy is transforming the lives of students, making math not just accessible, but an exciting adventure.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be an intern at Graniterock? We've got two of the best to tell you all about it! Meet Jacquie Borges and Ryan Becker, two-time returning interns at Graniterock, who share their personal experiences working in soil distribution and construction management. As they lead us through a day in the life, memorable projects, and the support they've received from their colleagues, you'll get a real sense of the culture and camaraderie here at Graniterock.  Hear them discuss the mentors who've shaped their career paths, their plans for the future, and why they can't get enough of Graniterock. Jackie and Ryan aren't just all about work, though. They also clue us in on their personal passions, from Jackie's love for horse riding and marathon training to Ryan's enthusiasm for snowboarding and fishing. If you're considering an internship opportunity at Graniterock, you won't want to miss this!Here's a link to apply: Graniterock Construction and Construction Materials

July 27, 2023, marks Charlie 'Overtime' Corwell's final day at the Rock, a momentous occasion celebrated by his colleagues and friends.In this heartfelt episode, Charlie and Shanna share a candid conversation, reminiscing about his incredible 44-year career, during which he skillfully operated every piece of equipment owned by the company, amassing an astounding two million miles behind the wheel.His dedication and commitment have earned him the affectionate moniker 'Overtime,' a testament to his tireless work ethic and unwavering loyalty to the company.As the conversation draws to a close, emotions run high as Charlie prepares to bid farewell to the Rock and embark on a new chapter of his life.The legacy of his contributions and the impact of his unwavering dedication will forever be cherished by the company and everyone whose lives he touched during his illustrious career.

Doug Tolbert headed to retirement after a 46-year run at Graniterock.His last day was May 12, 2023.The Gilroy resident started his long career in 1977 at the Berryessa asphalt plant, which has been closed for many years.He’s also served as a loader operator unloading rail cars at Berryessa and Capitol and has been responsible for the Company’s recycling operations.Since 2015, Doug has served as project manager at the Aromas hot plant.In addition to these roles, Doug was asked by Bruce Woolpert in 1992 to restore the Company’s 1942 steam locomotive, engine number 10, which was originally used to haul rock at the A.R. Wilson Quarry.Doug spent five years rebuilding the historic locomotive to running condition. The train is now housed at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.Doug has also spent his Graniterock career overseeing maintenance and decoration of the Company’s antique vehicle fleet, which includes a 1950 Ford mixer truck, 1928 AA dump truck, 1948 International Harvester tanker and 1920s Austen motor grader.He has taken the vehicles to many community events and parades on weekends during his Graniterock tenure.“Doug was one of the kindest people you would ever meet.  He sincerely enjoyed coming to work every day to help make our operations more efficient and productive,” Stuart Mager said. “He willingly passed his vast knowledge of materials plants to other team members he worked with.  He had such a long history at Graniterock that he knew where all the bones were buried, so to speak.  If we ran into a challenge with the plant that we could not solve, Doug usually knew how to solve it and knew where we could find replacement parts somewhere at one of Graniterock’s other sites, which kept plant downtime to a minimum.”Doug is passionate about fixing old cars and trucks and fishing.He plans to spend retirement between his homes in Shasta and Gilroy.Best wishes, Doug!

In this episode, we will be discussing the 2023 construction industry forecast in the Bay Area/Monterey/Santa Cruz market with Graniterock's business leaders. Our host Keith Severson kicks off the conversation by breaking the ice with a chat about the team's kids and sports.Moving on to the main topic, we have three industry experts joining us today. Stuart Mager, who heads the Road Material and Asphalt business, will be sharing his insights on the forecast for this sector. John Torres, who leads the construction division's private work, will be discussing the projections for his area of expertise. Finally, Mike McGrath, who oversees the Concrete Division, will be sharing his thoughts on how his division will fare in the coming year.We are thrilled to have such experienced professionals on the show who will provide us with valuable insights on the 2023 construction industry forecast in the Bay Area. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the conversation.

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Agnello and Casey Messersmith, two members of the Graniterock Human Resource department, to get an inside look at their recruiting program and to learn some tips for landing a job at Graniterock.Jamie and Casey share their experiences in HR and talk about the challenges and rewards of recruiting for a leading construction materials company. They also discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in their hiring process and share their strategies for attracting top talent to Graniterock.The conversation then turns to their recent trip to Reno, where they attended the ASC competition/job fair. They talk about the impressive skills they witnessed from the students and how they evaluate candidates at job fairs. They also offer tips for students and job seekers on how to make the most out of attending these types of events.Throughout the episode, Jamie and Casey share stories about their experiences in HR, including some of the most memorable interviews they've conducted and the challenges they've faced when recruiting for specific positions. They also give listeners an inside look at what it's like to work in HR at a leading construction materials company like Graniterock.Whether you're a student looking to break into the construction industry or a seasoned professional interested in HR, this episode offers valuable insights and advice from two experts in the field. Tune in to learn more about Graniterock's HR department and how they're building a talented and diverse team.

In this episode, we speak with Galen Keen and James Higgs, the team leads at Graniterock,  about their recent implementation of a new phone system utilizing Microsoft Teams cloud-based software. They share the details of how this new system will work for the company, including how it will affect certain positions such as weighmasters and dispatchers. Galen and James explain how Microsoft Teams will allow Graniterock to streamline communication across their various locations, enabling employees to connect with each other and with customers more easily and efficiently. They describe the benefits of the cloud-based software, which includes a range of features like video and voice calls, instant messaging, and file sharing.The conversation also delves into the specific ways in which this new phone system will impact different roles within the company. For example, the team explains how weighmasters will be able to use Teams to communicate with truck drivers and schedule deliveries in real-time, improving efficiency and accuracy. Dispatchers will also benefit from the new system, as they can more easily coordinate with drivers and ensure that materials and services are delivered on schedule. Overall, Galen and James provide valuable insights into the ways in which technology is transforming the construction industry, and how companies like Graniterock are leveraging these tools to improve their operations and better serve their customers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and construction. Onsite training to follow.

Welcome to Rock Talk Shorts. This podcast offers a quick listen into the stories of Graniterock's people. Get ready to be inspired and entertained!One of Graniterock's lead laborers ready to retireAbraham Tirado, a Graniterock laborer of 25 years, will retire Feb. 17.Abraham has been a key team member on several high-profile Construction Division projects during his time at the Company.The Watsonville resident said some his favorite memories include working nights on Highway 17 in 2008 and 2012 because the work was challenging with complex traffic controls and long hours, but the camaraderie with his crew and field supervisors made the projects rewarding.Abraham credits his successful construction career to the great instruction and support he received from Graniterock leaders, including Todd Wilson, John Garcia, Ricky Smith, Marc Burrell and Gary Hartranft.The father of two and soccer coach for Pajaro Valley United plans to take a break for a couple of months before deciding what to do in retirement as he’s only 45!“Graniterock is a very good Company as far as their focus on safety and how they treat you,” Abraham said. “The money was good and they treated me good. Next thing I know 25 years went by.” Thank you for tuning in to Rock Talk Shorts. Join us next time as we continue to celebrate the remarkable people and projects of Graniterock. Until then, keep on rockin'!

We catch up with Chief Human Resources Officer Bill Miller on a wide range of team member issues, including questions team members wanted answered at the Feb. 2 Leadership Conference. While we ran out of time at the Leadership Conference to thoughtfully answer these questions, we invited Bill into the Graniterock podcast studio to give us the scoop.Hosted by Marketing Manager Keith Severson, topics discussed in this show include succession planning, recruiting new team members as the talent pool has never been shallower, the hiring process, Role Descriptions and Personal Effectiveness Reviews.Hear how Bill answers questions about feedback for managers from team members, the idea of four-day work weeks, sick time and vacation, leadership training, It's a great conversation that covers a lot of ground!

In this episode, we are excited to share some valuable insights from our 2023 Sales Summit. Joining us today are two of our top business leaders, Jeff Lindsey and Mike McGrath, who will be sharing some tips and tricks for successful customer sales calls.Throughout this episode, Jeff and Mike will be discussing some of the key strategies that have helped them build strong relationships with customers, close more sales, and grow their business. Whether you are a seasoned sales professional or just starting out in the industry, you won't want to miss this engaging and informative conversation.

How to save for buying a home!Financial planning town hall Feb. 22 Jacob will cover creative strategies for purchasing a home.First steps to buying a home:·  Budgeting tips·  Tax benefits to home ownership·  Benefits of a 401K when buying a homeTo schedule you appointment with Jacob Young Financial team, please reach out to christina.harper@jacobyoungfinancial.com