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When customers load out from the Harding Group’s asphalt plant, their process is streamlined with e-ticketing and electronic invoicing. Harding Group also has increased confidence in consistency of product with upgraded equipment and components. Photos courtesy of Harding Group
Harding Group Invests in the Future Evolution is the life blood of every organization. This concept is a core principal of Harding Group, an asphalt and concrete company based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Harding Group has been a part of the Indianapolis roadbuilding community since the 1960s. In 2018, the company went through an ownership transition where Shelby Howard IV became the owner of Harding Group.
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A BACKGROUND IN BUSINESS
Shelby IV grew up in his family commercial vehicle dealership business working his way up from the parts room. His father, Shelby Howard III, purchased his first dealership in 1992 and grew that dealership into
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a network of dealerships throughout Indiana and the contiguous states. In 2014, the dealerships were acquired by a national company. For the next five years, Shelby Howard IV stayed in the dealerships and became general manager for the Indianapolis and Gary locations which were two of the highest performing dealerships in the portfolio. Shelby IV wanted to transition back into a family business and made his investment in Harding Group shortly after. Shelby Howard IV learned that the keys to success in the growth of his dealerships was having strong communication between employees as well as having industry leading technology. It is anecdotally said the construction industry is a laggard in adop-
tion of technology. Harding Group historically fell in this category; however, Shelby IV has made significant investments in use of technology in a short time.
BRING TECHNOLOGY TO THE FOREFRONT
“In today’s environment, you have to always be looking for ways to improve your business efficiencies to stay best in class,” Shelby Howard IV said. “Technology is one tool that is always advancing. We try to stay in front of our competitors by fully embracing the tools that are at our fingertips. This allows our employees to strive and at the same time, it makes it easier for our customers to do business with us.”
