INSIDE:
WOA of California addresses the workforce challenge
Joint Training & Certification
Program Update
Member Profile: Black Diamond Asphalt
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We stand upon the shoulders of those who came before us. One of my favorite mentors in my early professional career was Paul Curren, of Curren Consulting and one of the three original founders of Pavement Engineering, Inc. In addition to being a leading authority on asphalt and other construction materials, Paul was also a gifted communicator and teacher. Paul taught a popular class around the state for CalAPA, attended by hundreds of industry and agency professionals, titled, “Critical Changes to Caltrans Section 39 Asphalt Specifications.” In every class, he made sure to emphasize a key point that has become an informal motto for all CalAPA technical training classes since: “Do it once, do it right, go home and get paid.”
While that motto speaks to our output, namely quality construction materials, it doesn’t address how we interact with each other on our journey to our desired outcome. Now that I have well over a decade of years of experience working in this industry, I have developed my own motto that I think is fitting for these workplace interactions: “Show up, listen, be kind, and thrive together.” Let me explain. Its long been said that for a woman to survive in the asphalt pavement industry, you must have thick skin. I certainly have witnessed plenty of examples of this during my career in this business. Notably, most of that friction is related to how we treat each other in the workplace. Fortunately, there are signs all around us that things on this front are changing for the better. As more women rise to positions of prominence in our industry, we are demonstrating how concepts like listening and compassion are essential ingredients to a healthy workplace culture (which benefits both women AND men). Everywhere you look there are amazing women who are leading by example. More than surviving, we are thriving!
Eric Swenson with Geo-Engineering Solutions is another notable mentor of mine who has helped encourage me to be a better person, break out of my fear of failure, and go all in. This column is one example of that. It is my honor to introduce this special issue of CalAPA’s association magazine devoted to workforce development, with a special emphasis on the inspiring work being done by the Women of Asphalt (WofA) California Branch volunteers. By words and actions, we are putting the Women of Asphalt motto, “Lead and Inspire,” into practice.
The popularity of the activities of the WofA California Branch is a testament to the strengthening partnership between the public and private sectors of our industry. Our WofA activities are inclusive –many men have benefitted from the learning opportunities woven into our events. Our WofA volunteers are embracing the principles I mentioned in my motto above: we are showing up, we are listening, we are kind, and more importantly, we are thriving together!
The asphalt pavement industry is already a great place to work, filled with fantastic opportunities. However, together we can make it better. That includes making some positive changes in how we interact with one another. Initiating changes to our daily interactions at work will lead to a more fun and rewarding quality of life, which my current employer, MCK Services, has helped me learn and embrace over the past two years. The Women of Asphalt California Branch volunteers are a perfect example of this as well. Come join us! I am so excited and eagerly waiting to meet you at one of our next WofA events!
Mimi Le Quality Engineer MCK Services Inc.
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Publisher’s Letter
Addressing the workforce challenge, thanks to leadership by the Women of Asphalt California Chapter (‘We got this!’)
Women of Asphalt California Branch sponsors field demonstrations in San Jose
Joint Training & Certification Program puts finishing touches on recertification classes
Member Spotlight: Black Diamond Asphalt
Rubber pavements workshop covers topic from all angles
On the Cover:
These are just a few of the many amazing women who are making a positive impact on the asphalt industry and public agencies in California. Please turn to Page 14 to learn more.
For the Record:
In the most recent issue of California Asphalt magazine (Vol. 26, Issue 2), a photo caption on Page 9 incorrectly stated the value of a student housing complex on the campus of the University of California, Davis. It is approximately $500 million.
www.calapa.net
HEADQUARTERS: P.O. Box 981300 • West Sacramento • CA 95798 (Mailing Address) 1550 Harbor Blvd., Suite 120 • West Sacramento • CA 95691 • (916) 791-5044
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Russell W. Snyder, CAE, rsnyder@calapa.net
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Brandon M. Milar, P.E., bmilar@calapa.net
MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER: Sophie You, syou@calapa.net
MEMBER SERVICE COORDINATOR: Jackie Henry, jhenry@calapa.net
GUEST PUBLISHER: Mimi Le, Quality Engineer, MCK Services Inc
PUBLISHED BY: Construction Marketing Services, LLC • (909) 772-3121 P.O. Box 892977 • Temecula • CA 92589
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Aldo Myftari
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Brian Hoover, CMS and Russell W. Snyder, CAE, CalAPA
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Copyright © 2023 – All Rights Reserved. No portion of this publication may be reused in any form without prior permission of the California Asphalt Pavement Association. California Asphalt is the official publication of the California Asphalt Pavement Association. This bimonthly magazine distributes to members of the California Asphalt Pavement Association; contractors; construction material producers; Federal, State and Local Government Officials; and others interested in asphalt pavements in California and gaining exclusive insight about the issues, trends and people that are shaping the future of the industry..
By Russell W. Snyder
Every year since 2011 the California Asphalt Pavement Association has conducted a survey of its thousands of newsletter subscribers asking how they feel about the year ahead compared to the current year. The results have been revealing, charting optimism or pessimism based on economic cycles, trends in the asphalt industry and more.
In the same survey respondents are asked to name the No. 1 challenge where they work. In recent years the top response by far given by industry and public agency representatives alike revolved around workers – not enough of them, challenges developing the existing work force and problems recruiting new people. But what is being done to make the asphalt industry and related fields an attractive and welcoming career choice? The same question could be posed for public agencies that have asphalt in their remit. And since women make up just 10% of the construction industry workforce as a whole, it follows that there is
plenty of room for growth in that area.
CalAPA has responded to this challenge by embedding workforce issues in the association’s strategic plan, and supporting informal events to serve as an incubator of sorts for a movement to remake the industry as more welcoming and inclusive for all, including women. A high point occurred in 2017 when the association included an all-woman panel discussion at the 2017 Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference in Sacramento. The panel was a veritable who’s who of prominent women in the industry, including Mary Teichert with Teichert, Amy Miller representing the National Asphalt Pavement Association, Toni Carroll with Graniterock, Amy Epps Martin, Ph.D., P.E., Research Engineer Pavement Management with Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Texas A&M, and Corina Borroel Wong with Granite Construction. The session was moderated by Dr. Rita Leahy, Ph.D., P.E., former CalAPA Technical Director and a legend in the industry (among
her many other honors, she was the first women inducted into the CalAPA Hall of Fame). The panel discussion was followed in 2018 by a cover story in the association’s official magazine, California Asphalt, complete with a superhero representation as cover art custom designed for CalAPA by Stockton artist Chevan You. Meanwhile, on the national level, a Women of Asphalt organization was forming, also in 2017, and subsequently
(‘We got this!’)
created the infrastructure for state branches to take the campaign to the next level.
Stepping up to the challenge is the Women of Asphalt California Branch, which achieved national recognition on April 27, 2022, and has since launched a series of activities built around the concept of elevating women in the industry (as well as public agency representatives). As the organization’s motto states, the goal is to “Lead and inspire.”
The Co-chairs of the California Branch are Cathrina Barros, Chief of the Office of Asphalt Pavement for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and Keely McCoy with Pavement Coatings Co., a division of CalAPA member Pavement Recycling, Inc. Both are gratified to be part of the effort that is proving to be fun and rewarding.
“I’m so proud to be on the board of the California chapter of Women of Asphalt,” McCoy told California Asphalt. “Even as a new organization WofA has already had a great response to activities
throughout the first year. The chapter was founded in 2022 by a group of women who wanted to create a supportive and encouraging environment for women in the asphalt industry. The chapter has already hosted several events, including a networking luncheon, Caltrans lab tours, and Del Mar ‘Day at the Races’ hat contests. The events have been well-attended by both women and men from all over the state.”
McCoy says the energy and positive outlook of the WofA California Branch volunteers provide the fuel for the group. “The Board of Directors of the California Branch of Women of Asphalt is made up of experienced and dedicated women who are passionate about the asphalt industry,” she said. “The Board is committed to providing resources and support to women in the industry and to helping them succeed in their careers. Our future is bright for the California Branch of Women of Asphalt. The Branch is already making a difference in
Kat Crownover, Valero; Reka Aczel, Caltrans; Christina Pang, Caltrans; Sallie Houston, Arkema; Mimi Le, MCK Services, Inc.; Shannon Hector, Ramos Oil; Crista Heckman, Polyco; Jackie Wong, Caltrans; Amy Biagi, Pavement Coatings; Susan Listberger, Cargill; Keely McCoy, Pavement Coatings; Karen BonnettiRamirez, Caltrans; Victoria Martinez, Pavement Coatings; Shweta Jayant, Caltrans; Vicki Mancuso, Pacific Nuclear Technology; Susan Fong and Steve Lee, Caltrans.
Back (Top) and Middle Row from left to right:the lives of women in the industry, and it is poised to grow and expand in the years to come.”
Barros, a longtime Caltrans employee and engineer, expressed similar sentiments.
“When I was asked to be a co-chair for Women of Asphalt, California Branch, I was honored and excited for the opportunity,” Barros told California Asphalt magazine. “Having spent the past 30-plus years at Caltrans, and 25 years related to pavement engineering and asphalt, the lack of women in the field was apparent. There were few women role models – very strong women who gave me great advice and support. I thought this opportunity could help empower and motivate the next generation of professionals,
and I could lend my support like those before me.”
Barros said the positive outlook among WofA California Branch volunteers really impressed her. “What I didn’t expect was the quick camaraderie among the group, and the strong desire to make the WofA group better!” she said. “I’ve met some amazing ladies (and men), with great vision and drive, and look forward to the great things that our branch will accomplish.”
The all-volunteer group is supported by CalAPA staff, including CalAPA Member Service Manager Sophie You and Member Service Coordinator Jackie Henry. And WofA activities are regularly reported to the CalAPA Board of Directors as well as the national organization.
“It’s a delightful pleasure to be part of a group that is eager to educate, stimulate, support, encourage and embolden other women,” Henry says. “There has been a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. The ladies who have attended the events have given positive feedback. Everyone is excited and eager to continue doing events.”
Rebecca Sparks with the Sparks Company, Inc., is the group’s Treasurer, and Tia Sutter with Earth Systems is the Board Secretary. Sydney Johnson with Earth Systems has taken on the role of communications coordinator, putting notices and other promotional pieces out via e-mail, social media posts and other means.
[ Continued on page 12 ]
Above: Mimi Le with MCK Services (left), Cathrina Barros of Caltrans (right) and Mitra Rafiei with METS (second from the right, gesturing) who was one of the experts helping conduct the tour.
Left: Ben Lenz of Caltrans METS (left) points out various construction materials testing equipment at the Caltrans Translab facility to members of the Women of Asphalt California Branch. WofA CA Branch co-chair Keely McCoy with Pavement Coatings is at right.
Right: Ryan Kester of METS (right) conducts another part of the Translab tour that took place Dec. 9 in Sacramento which was organized by the Women of Asphalt California Branch.
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Members of the Women of Asphalt California Branch gathered Dec. 9, 2022 in the Caltrans Translab auditorium prior to the tour of the facility. They were hosted by State Materials Engineer Tim Greutert (right) and Office of Asphalt Pavement Chief Cathrina Barros (left), who is also co-chair of the WofA CA Branch. All of those pictured are as follows: Front row, left to right: Cathrina Barros,
Construction
[ Continued from page 10 ]
An Education Committee is led by Rachael Luciak with Strategic G Advisors, and other members are Emilia Michel with Granite Construction, Karen BonnettiRamirez with Caltrans, Cortney VanHook with Albat and Mimi Le with MCK Services, as well as Barros and Sparks. The fledgling Technical Committee is led by Johnson and includes Barros, Le, Sarah Sisson with InstroTek and Susan Fong with Caltrans.
The Activities and Fundraising Committee is led by Le and also includes Kerry Hoover with Construction Marketing Services
and Suzanne Morgan with Structure Groups, as well as Sisson and Sparks.
“I think, at first, everyone was a little confused as to what they needed to do, and could do, but now that we are starting to formulate subcommittees, and create definitions behind them. Everyone now has insight into what they want to work on,” Henry says.
In committing staff resources to the Women of Asphalt California Chapter, CalAPA is acknowledging that supporting women is integral to responding to the industry’s workforce challenge. CalAPA’s Member Services Manager Sophie
You says supporting the group has been fun and rewarding.
“I think the level of energy and synergy that the group is bringing to the table is the driving force that is helping to achieve our mission and our goals,” You says. “I think the group in California is very supportive of each other, and also very inspirational. It is really great to see the level of professionalism on display. They are making the world of asphalt fun and pretty. We got this!”
Fun and pretty may not be words that immediately spring to mind when it comes to asphalt, but the elegant stickers and
Alexis Mercado, Caltrans METS Analyst (who helped coordinate the tour); Cortney VanHook, Albat Management and Inspection Services; Keely McCoy, PRS/Pavement Coating Systems; Mimi Le, MCK Services; Richard Minor, Troxler; Karen Bonetti-Ramirez, Caltrans D-10 Maintenance Engineer; Guadalupe Magana, Caltrans METS Branch Chief over the HMA and Binder labs; Tim Gruetert. Top row, left to right: Steve Lee, Caltrans Office of Asphalt Pavement; Sarah Sisson, Instrotek; Tia Sutter, EarthSystems; Jackie Wong, Caltrans METS; Shannon Hector, Ramos Oil and Vicki Mancuso; Pacific Nuclear Technology.promotional prizes that have been part of Women of Asphalt California Branch activities are starting to change those perceptions. This is especially true at the association’s annual “Day at the Races” event at Del Mar, which in recent years has added a festive Women of Asphalt California Branch hat contest that has become one of the highlights of the event.
“This group is not just talking, they are working and making this a reality,” You says. “We can’t do it without our leaders, and they are doing an excellent job.”
which has published the CalAPA magazine for more than two decades, has witnessed the organic nature of the informal support group for women in the industry, which now has been formalized into Women of Asphalt.
“Since 1995, I have been actively engaged in the asphalt industry, and it brings me great joy to have witnessed the remarkable growth and increasing presence of women in the construction sector over the years,” Hoover says. “The Women of Asphalt California Branch has been instrumental in this positive shift, providing invaluable support to women through mentorship, networking
opportunities, educational initiatives, and advocacy. Being a part of such organizations fills me with enthusiasm and anticipation for the continued progress ahead.”
Leahy, once feted by the national Women of Asphalt organization as the “Original Woman of Asphalt,” is pleased to see the support network for women in the industry flourishing. Although she remains an informal adviser to CalAPA, she describes herself as “thoroughly content in retirement.”
“I recall fondly the many gentlemen of the asphalt industry who encouraged, supported and inspired me,” she told California
Kerry Hoover, co-owner of Construction Marketing Services,
The lab tour consisted of five groups and five stations at the D08 Southern Regional Caltrans Laboratory at the Women of Asphalt California Lab Tour.
Alma Cortez, United Rock Products and Shadi Saadeh Ph.D., P.E. M. ASCE, CSULB enjoy a demonstration of testing equipment at the Women of Asphalt California Lab Tour.
Asphalt magazine recently. And she also offered this bit of advice to her former male colleagues. “To make women feel welcome in the still male-dominated world of construction the men need only see the ‘women of asphalt’ as if they were a sister or daughter.”
All of which begs the question: What are YOU doing to support this effort? To learn more about
the Women of Asphalt California Branch, scan the QR code on this page or visit the CalAPA web page devoted to the group at: www.calapa.net/womenof-asphalt.html CA
Russell W. Snyder, CAE, is executive director of the California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA).
1st Row L-R: Cheyenne Gould, Martin Marietta; Cathrina Barros, Caltrans; Keely McCoy, Pavement Coatings; Rebeca Sparks, The Sparks Company, Inc.; Tia Sutter, Earth Systems; Sydney Johnson, Earth Systems; Rita Leahy, Retired and Sarah Sisson, InstroTek.
2nd Row L-R: Allison Ragan, Black Diamond; Mimi Le, MCK Services; Rachael Luciak, Strategic G Advisors; Jackie Henry, CalAPA; Amy Biagi, Pavement Coatings and Shweta Jayant, Caltrans.
3rd Row L-R: Shannon Hector, Ramos Oil Co.; Alma Cortez, Sully-Miller Co.; Suzanne Morgan, Structure Groups; Sophie You, CalAPA; Susan Fong and Guadalupe Magana, Caltrans.
4th Row L-R: Christina Pang, Caltrans; Jeanette Solis, Sully-Miller Co.; Victoria Martinez, Pavement Coatings; Mae Tamayo, Caltrans; Karen Bonnetti-Ramirez and Sarah Hartz, Caltrans; Anna Trinidad, Valero and Abbigail Brown, CPM Logistics.
5th Row L-R: Priscilla Hernandez, Ramos Oil; Cristina Paredes, Caltrans; Ashley Batson, Ingevity; Kerry Hoover, CMS; Stefani Gutierrez, Spot On Performance; Krystle Barraza, Sully-Miller Co.; Jackie Wong, Caltrans and Sallie Houston, Arkema.
The Women of Asphalt California Branch sponsored the hat contest and had a record number of contestants this year at CalAPA’s “Day at the Races" July 23, 2022, at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar.
Editor’s Note:
The photos in this issue represent just a few of the many amazing women making a positive impact in the asphalt pavement industry in California. Join us! To learn more, click on the QR code below. Someday your face may appear in this magazine!
The Women of Asphalt California Branch, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the City of San Jose, sponsored a two-day field demonstration in San Jose of innovative technology to measure density and air voids in newly placed asphalt. This event was made possible through the FHWA Loan Equipment Program sponsored by the FHWA Mobile Asphalt Technology Center (MATC). The stated goal of the MATC is to bridge the gap between research and implementation.
The Dielectric Profiling System (DPS) uses a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology to measure the dielectric of any asphalt pavement on the surface and can be correlated to in-place density cores or by laboratory fabricated specimens. If the system is calibrated with cores, current research suggests that the DPS can map real-time, in-place density of the compacted mat of the overall profile of almost the entire roadway segment to a depth of 2.5
The Women of Asphalt California Branch organized a field demonstration of DPS technology April 19, 2023 in San Jose.
Pictured, left to right: Mercedes Kuznia, Minnesota DOT; Mimi Le, MCK Services Inc.; Erick Roa, City of San Jose DOT; Matthew Sablan, City of San Jose DOT; Monica Jurado, FHWA Resource Center; Abdul Yasini, City of San Jose DOT; Binh Tran, City of San Jose DOT; Carolina Orozco, City of San Jose DOT; Carl Mo, City of San Jose DOT; Crystal Perez, City of San Jose DOT; Joseph Phan, MCK Services, Inc.; Benjamin Giessow, City of San Jose DOT; Socrates Pham, City of San Jose DOT and Richard Look, City of San Jose DOT.
to 3-inches. Newer research shows that the laboratory fabricated specimens can be comparable to in-place cores if performed meticulously.
The field demonstrations took place on April 19th and April 20th and were coordinated by MCK Services.
Two subject-matter experts conducted the demonstrations. They were Monica Jurado and Mercedes Kuznia. Jurado graduated with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). She has been with the FHWA for almost 15 years and with the FHWA Resource Center
department for about nine years. Mercedes Kuznia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. She has been with MnDOT for over three years and has worked with this DPS technology and data analysis since she was an undergraduate student. This was the first time the pair had partnered to perform the DPS Live Demonstration together. There were four different live demonstration sessions during the two-day event. The morning session on April 19 was from 10 a.m. to noon and the afternoon session was from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The sessions were repeated on
April 20. The City of San Jose’s DOT staff members came out to support this innovative technology demonstration on April 19. A variety of professionals from cities, airport engineers, consultants and technicians came out on April 20 to support the Women of Asphalt California Branch event.
“The demo was well-planned and it was great to let our engineers test this equipment,” said Abdul Yasini, Associate Engineer with the City of San Jose Department of Transportation. “I attended the demo because our agency is always looking for new and innovative technologies to use in our pavement construction
Pictured, left to right: Wesley Gee, Open to Work; Louie Robles, MCK Services, Inc.; Sarah Sisson, InstroTek; Mercedes Kuznia, Minnesota DOT; Joseph Phan, MCK Services, Inc.; David LeTorik, BSK Associates; Andrew Catalano, City of San Jose MTL and Monica Jurado, FHWA Resource Center.
projects for better and less invasive testing.”
“This technology can be useful in our line of work,” Yasini added, “because it’s less invasive than coring. In the past we have had residents concerned about us pulling cores right in front of their property. This (technology) could help us get the results we are looking for without actually damaging the pavement in neighborhood streets.”
Sarah Sisson, Regional Sales Manager – West Coast for CalAPA member InstroTek, also had words of praise for the events.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the demonstrations,” Sisson said. “I like hearing different viewpoints on the technology and how it can be used for Quality Control, Quality Assurance or as a forensic instrument depending on what the end user is focused on. The group we had was awesome and I think we all became connected quickly.”
Due to the popularity of the events, organizers intend to conduct follow-up field demonstrations in the Fall on newly placed Rubberized Hot Mix Asphalt (RHMA) pavement, which will be announced through CalAPA and
the Women of Asphalt California Branch. Additional photos of the event are posted on CalAPA’s and the Women of Asphalt California Branch social media feeds. To learn more about the Women of Asphalt California Branch, visit www. calapa.net/women-of-asphalt. html , or call Women of Asphalt California Branch Co-Chair Keely McCoy at (916) 292-2658. CA
Mimi Le is a Quality Engineer for CalAPA member company MCK Services, Inc.
Pictured, left to right: Frank Farshidi, City of San Jose DOT; John Lamond, TransTech Systems, Inc.; Sarah Sisson, InstroTek; Wesley Gee, Open to Work; Joseph Phan, MCK Services, Inc.; Farzan Kazemi, Atlas, David LeTorik, BSK Associates; Cesar Estrada, City and County of San Francisco, Monica Jurado, FHWA Resource Center and Mercedes Kuznia, Minnesota DOT.
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technicians and is now offering a new recertification class for HMA 1, HMA2 and Soils & Aggregates. Pictured, left to right (standing): Mark Switzer, LOR Geotechnical; Richard Hibbard, Caltrans; Shadi Saadeh, CSULB; Roger Khoudessian, Klleinfelder; Chris Fuchs, Teichert; Randy Cortez, BSK & Associates; Avinash Ralla, Caltrans; Arpit Kasodariya, student assistant, CSULB; (Kneeling left to right), Dave Aver, JTCP instructor; Balakrishnasai Yarra, student assistant, CSULB; Abhilash Reddy Gujjula, student assistant, CSULB.
Right: CSULB Graduate Student Drashti Patel assists with class logistics for the JTCP classes in Long Beach. She said she has gained a greater appreciation for construction materials during her lab work.
The Caltrans-industry Joint Training & Certification Program (JTCP) for construction materials lab technicians put the finishing touches on its new recertification classes recently, bringing together instructors from Northern and Southern California for a runthrough of the new curriculum at California State University, Long Beach.
The classes will give experienced testers the opportunity to take a one-day refresher of the various changes to test methods and standards, followed by the proctored hands-on tests on actual equipment in a materials laboratory setting. The pilot classes held Dec. 22 gave the program managers and instructors an opportunity to
finalize the curriculum before the classes are held this year.
“This is an extremely successful pilot program," said Caltrans project manager Richard Hibbard during a break in the program. "We’re learning an incredible amount from each other and how to move forward these one-day review courses. This is going to pay huge dividends.”
Added Dr. Shadi Saadeh from CSULB, the program manager: "This is a great event, to give us a chance to make sure that the product that we are producing and delivering is in good shape, and it is error-free and its been vetted."
The program, championed by CalAPA and overseen by Caltrans, is operated under contract by
California State University Long Beach, which delivers classes on the CSULB campus as well as at San Jose State University. The program has trained and certified thousands of industry and agency technicians since its inception in 2017. The classes are Hot Mix Asphalt I, Hot Mix Asphalt 2, Soils & Aggregates and classes on concrete held in cooperation with the American Concrete Institute. The program has come to represent a key "accountability" feature of SB1, the $50 billion Road Repair & Accountability Act of 2017 that raised fuel taxes to fund road and bridge repairs. CA
Left: A group shot of the participants in the Joint Training & Certification Program recertification class review held on Dec. 22 on the campus of California State University Long Beach. The program, launched in 2017, has trained thousands of construction materials
Allison Ragan grew up in Philadelphia and pursued her higher education at Northeastern University, where she obtained a degree in teaching. However, after college, Allison took a teaching job in Camden, New Jersey, and discovered that public education was not her true calling. Nevertheless, her interest in the business field began to blossom, leading her to relocate to California.
Allison’s foray into the world of asphalt commenced during her employment with Chevron USA (Chevron) in the early 1980s. Chevron was, at the time, a prominent asphalt supplier for California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. She embarked on her journey with the company as the distribution assistant at the Oakland emulsion plant. Allison was promoted to credit representative for the Northwest region encompassing Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. During this time, Allison’s exceptional work ethic caught the attention of management, and she was offered a position in asphalt sales with territorial responsibilities in Northern California and Northern Nevada. She also obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from St. Mary’s College in Moraga.
Over the years, Allison amassed invaluable experience in various facets of the asphalt industry, attending classes and lectures offered by numerous esteemed professional organizations,
including CalAPA. During her tenure at Chevron in 1984, Allison serendipitously met her husband, Beau Ragan, who worked as a dispatcher for Sheldon Oil Company, the trucking firm responsible for transporting Chevron’s asphalt emulsion product. In the early 1990s, Chevron made the strategic decision to withdraw from the asphalt production business, leaving Allison to contemplate her future path.
Throughout her tenure in the asphalt industry, Allison had the privilege of connecting with knowledgeable and influential executives in the field. One such individual was Wendell Reed, a former chairman of the California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA) and president of Basic Resources, Inc., the parent company overseeing George Reed, Inc., Reed International, 7-11 Materials, and VSS International. “I apprised Wendell of Chevron’s exit from the asphalt business and expressed my quest for career guidance. He encouraged me to draft a business plan for embarking on my own entrepreneurial journey, following which we would deliberate on possibilities,” recounts Allison.
Armed with their collective experience and knowledge, Allison resolved to continue her role in selling asphalt products in Northern California and Northern Nevada, while her husband, Beau, would spearhead operational responsibilities. “I presented our business plan to Wendell, and he helped us get started,” says
Allison. This marked the inception of Black Diamond Asphalt, Inc., which Allison established and incorporated in 1993. Subsequently, Allison and Beau returned to California and obtained her Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) status.
Initially based in Modesto for the first 10 years, the company eventually relocated to Vacaville. “Beau and I built our company as a dependable asphalt transportation company. A key to our success was obtaining certification in the California Department of Transportation's (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs in 1994. This was an arduous process, which spanned over a year. However, the wait proved worthwhile as it enabled our company, as a certified WBE and MBE, to
Allison Ragan, President/Owner, Black Diamond Asphalt.
participate in municipal projects as a DBE-Certified asphalt supplier.”
Black Diamond Asphalt holds certification in California, Oregon, and Nevada. While the company participates in significant projects in Nevada, most of its operations are concentrated in California. The company’s transportation fleet comprises of 12 asphalt truck and trailer hauling units. “I distinctly remember acquiring our first trucks from Don Keith Trucking in Bakersfield. These units, despite already having traveled more than a million miles, were still in excellent condition,” says Allison. “As our business increases, we are continuing to modernize and expand our fleet and driver teams.” Allison also holds a Class A license and occasionally drives in emergency situations.
In gratitude for the opportunities and support she received throughout her career; Allison
makes herself available as a resource for other women seeking certification guidance within the Department of Transportation’s DBE program. “I frequently receive calls from women seeking assistance in navigating the complex process of becoming certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. The more women we have offering these services, the better it will be for the entire industry. This belief prompted me to recently join Women of Asphalt (WofA), where I have the chance to meet other entrepreneurial women in our exciting industry,” expresses Allison. She further reveals her previous membership in the Sacramento Chapter of Women Construction Owners and Executives (WCOE), an opportunity that allowed her to share experiences and learn from other women in the industry. “It was
refreshing to engage in discussions about views and challenges faced by women in our industry, particularly regarding technical, mechanical, chemical, or project management matters. I joined WofA a few months ago and have yet to meet most of the California members. My first WofA event occurred in Ontario at the 2023 CalAPA Spring Asphalt Pavement Conference & Equipment Expo. I look forward to meeting more WofA members, especially women involved in my specific niche of the business.”
Black Diamond Asphalt has been a longstanding member of the California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA). “We became a member of CalAPA many years ago to remain wellinformed, nurture our professional connections, and actively engage in the asphalt construction industry in California. I distinctly recall
attending classes taught by Roger Smith during his tenure at the Asphalt Institute. Our membership in CalAPA has proven invaluable, providing us with crucial industry updates and granting us access to successful and influential construction firms and executives,” concludes Allison. “Throughout the years, numerous individuals have supported and assisted both me and Black Diamond Asphalt, and we are profoundly grateful for their guidance and the friendships we have formed. I want to recognize my mentor, Wendell Reed, who is no longer with us, for his unwavering support and express my sincere appreciation to Jeff Reed, who has been a source of encouragement for many years. I must also give a special shout-out to Bill Darnell, whose instrumental role in our success cannot be overstated. He has consistently been a friend to the DBE community and played a pivotal role in establishing Black
Diamond Asphalt. Every supplier requires a refining influence, and Bill Darnell has been truly gracious with his wealth of knowledge, influence, and assistance.” Darnell retired from Valero Energy in 2019. Both Darnell and Wendell Reed are members of the CalAPA Hall of Fame.
Historically, women have been underrepresented in the asphalt construction industry. However, companies like Black Diamond Asphalt are actively driving the movement to enhance diversity and foster inclusivity within the industry, including the recruitment and retention of women. There exists a wide range of roles that women can pursue within the asphalt construction industry, including equipment operators, truck drivers, engineers, project managers, superintendents, forepersons, and business owners. Women in these positions bring unique perspectives and skills to the job site, enriching our industry. To encourage more women to enter our industry, companies can implement comprehensive
diversity and inclusion initiatives, establish mentorship and training programs, and foster a culture that recognizes and supports women. Additionally, organizations like Women of Asphalt and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) offer valuable resources and networking opportunities for women in the industry. It is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the significant contributions of women in the asphalt construction industry while actively striving for greater diversity and inclusivity within the field.
For more information on Black Diamond Asphalt, Inc., please call (707) 448-9402. For more information on Women of Asphalt, visit www.womenofasphalt.org or the local branch at www.calapa. net/women-of-asphalt.html. CA
Brian Hoover is co-owner of Construction Marketing Services, LLC, and editor of CalContractor MagazineTrimble® WorksManager gives you a 3D site picture of everything being done, or not done, with any asset on your site. With real-time updates to and from site crews, multiple machines, the site trailer, and the head office, everyone can see more, solve more, and work more efficiently than ever before.
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Back when Frank Sinatra was singing his hit song “High Hopes,” the concept of rubber and a seemingly impossible task were forever linked. The song became a cultural phenomenon when it was featured in a movie, won an Oscar (famously presented by Bob Hope and Doris Day), and became the theme song for John F. Kennedy’s successful presidential campaign in 1960.
The lyrics of an ant taking on a seemingly impossible task, moving a rubber tree plant, resonated in part because of the message of hope, optimism and hard work. After all, the ant prevails. All these years later another seemingly impossible task, getting discarded tires out of landfills by incorporating the rubber into asphalt pavements, was seemingly another impossible task given the many engineering challenges the concept faced. But lots of hope, optimism and hard work ultimately resulted in Rubberized Hot Mix Asphalt (RHMA) coming into widespread use in California.
The California Asphalt Pavement Association was there for the arrival of rubber on to the asphalt scene, helping understand its implications for the industry. The association also participated in various activities over the years to educate industry and agency personnel on the pros and cons of the pavement strategy, and also best practices and pitfalls to avoid. Perhaps more than any other type of pavement strategy, RHMA brought together politics, sustainability, regulations and engineering, plus colorful characters, in a way that had more twists and turns than Pacific Coast Highway.
It was fitting, then, that CalAPA would devote an entire technical workshop to RHMA. Titled “Where the Rubber Meets the Road,” the April 18 event in Sacramento and streaming on-line brought together a diverse group of experts representing government agencies, industry representatives and others to provide a 360-degree view of the maturing pavement strategy.
The workshop coincided with a visit to California from a delegation representing the Australian asphalt pavement industry, who also were interested to learn about the state of practice in California and share challenges of dealing with waste tires in Australia.
“It was wonderful. I really enjoyed it," said Anna D'Angelo, Executive Director Technology for the Australian Flexible Pavements Association. "And I think CalAPA has done a great job to combine the different views, different perspectives, to give us an overview of what you are doing here in California with rubber. It has been really, really great."
The program included speakers representing Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration, the University of California Pavement Research Center, suppliers, asphalt producers, paving contractors and others. Expert panel discussions focused on agency perspectives, tire rubber supplier perspectives, and asphalt producer and paving
Nate Gauff with CalRecycle addresses the Rubberized Asphalt Pavement workshop April 18 in Sacramento. Caltrans State Materials Engineer Tim Greutert (right) addresses the RHMA educational workshop while CalAPA Technical Director Brandon Milar looks on.contractor perspectives. The latter panel, featuring Tim Denlay with Knife River, Tracy Zubek with DeSilva Gates, Frank Rancadore with Graniterock and Pete Lambert with McGuire & Hester, achieved the highest-ratings in evaluations submitted by workshop attendees.
“I think overall it went very well,” said Nate Gauff, waste management engineer for CalRecycle and one of the presenters. “It’s intertwined, UC Davis, Caltrans, CalRecycle. We’re all partners and have been partners for a long time.”
The event was sponsored by CRM, Polyco, D&H Equipment, Prism Worldwide and Sully-Miller Contracting Co. Based on the inperson attendance, as well as the number of people who participated virtually via the CalAPA live streaming option, there continues to be a hunger for knowledge about RHMA and CalAPA will continue to provide information with the goal
of supporting successful paving projects.
“The variety of speakers providing many perspectives of using (rubber) made the day full of insights, enjoyable and interesting,” said one attendee following the workshop. Added another: “A lot of info. I actually thought it would be pretty dry, but it proved to be engaging.”
For more information on this topic, contact CalAPA Director of Technical Services, Brandon Milar, P.E., at (916) 791-5044. CA
Left: At CalAPA's "Where the Rubber Meets the Road" educational workshop, an expert panel provided the plant and field perspective on RHMA (from left): Tracy Zubek, DeSilva Gates, Pete Lambert with McGuire & Hester, Frank Rancadore with Graniterock and Tim Denlay with Knife River.
Russell W. Snyder, CAE, is executive director of the California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA).
Snyder, R. (2016) “Special Report: RHMA, Caltrans and where the rubber meets the road” California Asphalt Insider newsletter, official publication of the California Asphalt Pavement Association, April 4, 2016.
Saturday, July 22, 2023 12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM PST
Del Mar Race Track • 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
The association has reserved a luxury suite at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for the opening weekend of the horseracing season at the seaside track. The “Star Fiddle Skyroom” boasts panoramic views from a private balcony close to the nish line, with its own betting windows, access to grounds, a fabulous lunch, snacks and a no-host bar. The event is family-friendly.
The suite will be open at noon. The rst race is at 2 p.m., and runs until about 6 p.m.
Tickets for this exclusive event are just $159 (CalAPA Member rate) per person and must be purchased by July 14. Tickets will be mailed in advance to the person who places the order. Tickets purchased after July 14 will incur additional shipping fees.
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