Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/548484
nia," says Glen Jackson with client Bedrock Company. "They have the most equipment, the newest equip- ment and the best operators. Every- thing about their operators is a 10." Jackson is also impressed with their safety program, calling it "sec- ond to none. We've adopted a lot of the things they do because their program is so good." In addition to the company's tailgate meetings every morning, it has a 5 p.m. barbeque every month to go over an OSHA topic and talk about recent safety-related incidents. The barbeque talks are videotaped, so if someone's work- ing out of town, they can view it later. "It's required for everyone to see it," Allen says. And if R. J. Allen works on a job that requires a more advanced level of safety than what they currently have, the company adopts the advanced practices for all jobs. The company's emphasis on train- ing – including the latest equipment certifications – can make its em- ployees prime targets for companies looking to poach. "I try to tell our people to look at the big picture," Allen says. "And some of the guys who have left to start their own companies have come back." Allen praises his management team, including Shawn Ellis and Ron Markham. "I'm involved with supporting them and making sure we're on the same page," which includes gaining insight from MAP, a leadership and management train- ing company based in California. "My guys come to me with solu- tions instead of problems." The emphasis on people is across the board at R. J. Allen. The com- pany uses a team building consul- tant and a sports medicine therapist. For the convenience of its workers, who are sometimes working all hours, company headquarters has a shower and a rest area, plus a room with a couple of exercise machines. Even if, as Allen says, "this is all I know," you realize after talking with him for awhile he wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm always excited to come to work, to see my people achieve and move up, and be able to buy houses in Orange County, California," he says. "I'm fortunate to have such a great team. It makes it all worthwhile." This attitude is noticed the company's clients. "If something needs taken care of, they just do it and don't bother you," says client Markus Kneubuhler with Hakan- son Construction. "They are just an awesome group, one that's just as capable as the big guys." EquipmentWorld.com | August 2015 81 R. J. Allen owns 14 skid steers, which are put to work doing a variety of demolition and excavation jobs. One machine that aids R. J. Allen's interior demolition work is the company's Husqvarna DXR 140 robotic excavator. "We can take it up elevators and use it in enclosed areas," Allen says.