New CalAPA member Tahoe Asphalt, Inc. proudly serves the greater South Lake Tahoe area By Brian Hoover, CMS
T
he California Asphalt Pavement Association is pleased to welcome its newest producer member, Tahoe Asphalt, Inc. The company, based in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., is owned and operated by Mike Plumer, president, and his son, Patrick Plumer, who serves as vice president. The family-owned business produces Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) in South Lake Tahoe, as the sole supplier in El Dorado County and the Lake Tahoe Basin. The asphalt company was founded in 1965 by Martin Brothers, a Tahoe family who also operated a paving company that performed smaller, local projects. The plant was eventually purchased by Dick Solari, former president, CEO and chairman of Granite Construction. Mike Plumer purchased the company
from Solari in 1995 and now represents the fourth generation and longest in ownership. “I am the second generation in my family to make a career in the asphalt business,” says Mike Plumer. “I spent the early years overseeing the materials division for Gallagher and Burke, a well-known contractor in the Bay Area.” Mike Plumer helped to expand the quarry operation at Gallagher and Burke and was instrumental in the installation and implementation of the company’s, hot mix asphalt plant, which utilized the most leading-edge technology available. “Dick Solari was preparing to retire, and I was offered and accepted an opportunity to purchase Tahoe Asphalt in 1995,” Mike Plumer continues. “I am proud to have two sons who are actively involved and pursuing careers in the asphalt
business. My younger son, Andrew Plumer, is working for a large Bay Area producer and now, 25 years later, my son, Patrick, is joining the business and preparing to manage and oversee all operations.” Patrick Plumer represents the third generation in his family to pursue a career in the asphalt construction industry. He was previously working in technology sales in Silicon Valley after graduating from Loyola Marymount University with a business degree. “I worked summers as a laborer and an opportunity to join my father’s business finally arrived, so I began working at Tahoe Asphalt in April,” Patrick Plumer said. He points to one of the benefits of being a member of CalAPA®, and that is the opportunity to access technical training classes and other educational opportunities.
Tahoe Asphalt's Brand New NAPA Diamond Achievement Award-winning drum plant.
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California Asphalt Magazine • 2020 Pavement Preservation Issue
