FACES OF KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY Gavin Cole earns a promotion, aims to better support customers across the entire KSM footprint
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Cole brings nearly three irby-Smith Machinery decades of senior-level Inc. (KSM) has announced the promotion of Gavin management to the new Cole to executive vice position. KSM Chief president of sales. Cole Operating Officer Jeff Weller will now lead KSM’s believes that his leadership commercial efforts across and deep wealth of industry all segments of the business knowledge will continue to as the heavy equipment serve KSM well. Gavin Cole, distributor strives for Executive “Gavin has demonstrated continued growth. He had Vice President an outstanding ability to lead previously served as the of Sales, teams in a variety of different KSM vice president of sales, ways,” said Weller. “We appreciate where he supported the sales the cultural guidepost he has efforts of Komatsu construction become in our organization and look equipment in the company.
forward to continuing to deliver on the mission and vision of Kirby-Smith with his leadership.” Grateful for the opportunity, Cole is locked in on finding ways to better support customers across the entire KSM footprint. “In this new role, I look forward to further partnering with the talented group we have at Kirby-Smith to drive continued improvements to overall customer experience,” Cole commented. “One mission, one team, one plan, one goal.” ■
Kirby-Smith Machinery promotes Justin Ashlock to Abilene sales and operations manager
Kirby-Smith Machinery
customer relations skills that will aid him in leading KSM’s Abilene location.
Inc. (KSM) has promoted Justin Ashlock as its new sales and operations Executive Vice President manager in Abilene, of Sales Gavin Cole believes Texas. His responsibilities Ashlock will do great things will include overseeing in his new position. Abilene’s sales team, “It is great to see a young building and growing Justin Ashlock, leader rise through the ranks customer relationships, and Sales and of Kirby-Smith Machinery,” supporting the rental, parts Operations Manager, said Cole. “From starting KSM and service departments as a technician to holding for the branch. Ashlock positions in departmental had previously served as a management and product support product support sales representative, sales, Justin has proved his skill and where he honed many of the
passion for both the industry and the people of this organization.” Ashlock credits his own development to the positive examples he witnessed throughout his years at KSM and is excited for the opportunities ahead in Abilene. “Kirby-Smith has an excellent foundation and culture, and being a part of this team is an honor,” commented Ashlock. “I am looking forward to working with our team to grow partnerships with our customers while providing top-notch product support.” ■
OSHA increases infrastructure project inspections
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he Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) plans to increase inspections on infrastructure projects, according to its Directorate of Construction Director Scott Ketchum during an address at the American Bar Association meeting in March. OSHA plans to focus on roads, bridges,
airports, rail, ports, and power and water systems. In Ketchum’s address, he noted that federal money for projects under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021 will result in bids from smaller companies that may lack
the safety resources of bigger contractors. To help, OSHA developed a webpage as a resource (https://www.osha.gov/ construction/infrastructure). It provides information on best practices and safety and health plans, as well as links to design safety, suicide prevention and other resources. ■
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