Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/370987
and is doing place and fi nish work at the new Statewide Library Ar- chives Museum in Juno, Alaska.) "We had enough going on in dif- ferent geographical areas, we did not have to lay off any key people," Brian says. "We have very loyal people and they were willing to pick up and travel. They are criti- cal in helping us be competitive." The $14 to $15 million company employs 150 people during peak summer work. "Brian has the most loyal guys," says Arron Allison with Macon Sup- ply. "All of his top guys are Ameri- can Concrete Institute certifi ed; he pushes everyone to go the extra step. He would rather lose a job than not do the right thing." For several years, Brian has par- ticipated in an American Society of Concrete Contractor's Mix Group, a peer group of around six non- competitive contractors who share best practices, visiting each other's operations to help come up with solutions for mutual problems. The company has an active Facebook page, posting pictures of recent projects, including pour- ing the foundation for the world's largest wooden roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Chicago. Take care of your fl eet Wm. Winkler runs two shop shifts, operating from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The large, well-organized shop un- derlines Brian's equipment philoso- phy: control your productivity and costs by taking care of your fl eet. The company employs an equip- ment manager and several mechan- ics and runs two shop shifts that operate from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. "I like everything to be clean, orga- nized and ready to go," Brian says. Heavy trucks, pickup trucks and loaders are typically bought new. "Loaders today are so much more agile, fuel effi cient and offer greater operator comfort," Brian says. "Making our operators comfortable contributes to morale, and gives us a huge return." The company uses rental equip- ment to get the right mix on far- fl ung jobs. "We might own four telehandlers, but need seven," Brian says. "We'll rent the rest." The company's over-the-road truck fl eet keeps its equipment moving between jobs. Brian also stresses communication: every week his key shop, fi eld and offi ce personnel meet. "That way, for example, the shop knows if a ma- chine is critical to a job. And every- one understands why we track fuel burn per hour per unit," Brian says. "His equipment is top drawer, it really stands out," says Leroy Zim- merman with Spokane Rock Prod- ucts. "When it comes to concrete, Brian is about getting it done." After attending this year's Con- Expo and hearing the roundtable conversation during the Contractor of the Year event in Las Vegas, Brian came away with a new mission: September 2014 | EquipmentWorld.com 54 contractor of the year | continued Winkler received a 2014 Excellence in Concrete Construction award from the Washington Aggregates & Concrete As- sociation for its concrete paving work on the Liberty Lake Roundabout in Spokane.