Pub. 3 2020-21 Issue 2

14 What do you think will be some of the dominant trends within the asphalt industry in the next five to ten years? One of the biggest things will be conserving our resources and how best to use them. We need a better understanding how to use recycled asphalt in pavements efficiently. We need to continue to find better ways to use resources and how to use our asphalt oil better. Since oil is a petroleum- based product, it’s finite. We do not have a never-ending supply there. If you could wave a magic wand, what would be the one thing you would like to see change immediately in the asphalt construction industry? First thought, attracting more people to our industry. We need a workforce. In looking back at the last ten years, what stands out for you? Are there any accomplishments that you are especially proud of? We’ve accomplished a lot of my vision – we’re not finished by any means. This is not as big as it’s going to get; we’re nowhere near there yet. Presently, we have approximately 100 members, but we still need more. Additionally, we’ve developed a brand and a brand name. We stand for something. “UAPA” rolls off the tongue of UDOT leaders and leaders in the industry. We’re the source for all things “asphalt pavement.” But our biggest wins have been with UDOT. They were the key and main reason we started UAPA. AGC and ABC include highways, but the scope was too broad, and we needed something specific. When we would go to UDOT, AGC, and APWA as individuals – we couldn’t and didn’t get anything accomplished. We needed focus and a single voice. And that voice became UAPA. I am so proud of the asphalt conference. I get to travel around the U.S. with national associations. I get to see and hear feedback. It’s remarkable. Please understand that events like ours only happen in a handful of states. We need to continue to focus on education to bring more people into our organization and the industry. At times, we’ve discussed the benefits of a regional asphalt/ pavement organization. It could be a next step. Many of those in the asphalt industry surrounding us don’t have the opportunities or associations we have. Nevada has a small one. However, Idaho and Wyoming don’t have anything, although some core companies in UAPA receive a small amount of support from companies in Idaho. If you look at your career and life, what would be three things that you have learned that you would pass onto a student choosing their specialty? The first would be money. I would tell a student you can make a very good living in this industry. Secondly, you can see the fruits of your labor every day. Just drive down any street. And third, this industry allows you to use your head and your hands; it’s a broader-skill industry. Recently we hosted a small group of young people from Ogden Weber Applied Tech – we took them around and showed them the operations. This may have sparked something in some of them. And we explored the opportunities this industry provides. It’s not just holding a sign on the road. We gave the group math quizzes because we use math every day. We also use science, so both disciplines factor into this line of work. Where do you see UAPA in 10 years? The next 10 years – a growth trajectory similar to the past 10 years is probably not sustainable. But I would sure like to see it happen. 3 I would tell a student you can make a very good living in this industry. Secondly, you can see the fruits of your labor every day. Just drive down any street. And third, this industry allows you to use your head and your hands; it’s a broader-skill industry. continued from page 13