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 month, we hear from Daniel Williams, a long-time member of our North Plant team. His fresh perspective fuses together mining style from previous decades with that of the next generation.
Daniel Williams, Loaderman
How long have you been with the company?
35 years
What are your job responsibilities?
“I load the trucks [on the yard]. [Before doing that,] I used to run the beltline.”
What is your favorite part about working at our family of companies?
As Daniel sat down for his interview, he was joined by Joe Byrd, the Ticket Writer in the scale house. Not only do these two have long-shared careers with Memphis Stone & Gravel, but also a long-standing friendship after beginning their time with the company in 1988. With each question in the interview, both Daniel and Joe reminisced on several stories from over the years, including several names who helped pave the way for North Plant over the years.
Daniel shared the following as his favorite thing about working here: “I like coming and talking to Mr. Joe. He’s a good guy. I like my job and like loading the trucks.” Daniel’s dedication to his job was easily apparent. He put on a new Memphis Stone and Gravel ballcap, telling the story of another one he had worn down entirely.
How did you get into this career, and what led you to this company?
“I did farm work for a while and then I was working for a local steel plant for a while making beams to put on boats. A friend of mine lived down the road from where [Memphis Stone & Gravel] was digging. He often talked with Lynn Herron (the Superintendent at the time) at the store. He told me to check for a job and they had me from there.”
How have the company’s core values, and overall culture impacted your role or inspired passion in what you do?
“I try to make relationships and try to treat everyone nice. That’s all I can do.”
What is the best piece of advice you have received during your career?
“The two guys that trained me, Glenn and Marlon, told me ‘do your job and try to be nice to everyone.’ They’re the ones who trained me how to run a loader.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“What free time” he joked. Daniel then added that he loved to hunt and fish.
