PRoFile

Graham Sand & Gravel – Still flying high after 40 years in business!

727 is a significant number for Tommy Graham. Nothing to do with the Boeing 727 narrow-body airliner, its relevance is more of a nostalgic nature as 727 formed part of the registration plate of the Prosperous, County Kildare Sand & Gravel merchant’s first truck, a Volvo F86 acquired in 1982. The numbering also featured on a later new F7 and more recently on his latest purchase, a Volvo FM. Aside from the signature registration, this new 8x4 tipper, which was bought to mark the 40th anniversary of Graham Sand & Gravel, also sports the company’s trademark predominantly red livery.

Over the four decades, Tommy has operated and driven every make of truck in the sector, with a variety of tipper body builders. An operator who takes great pride in his fleet, Tommy has experienced many ups and downs and witnessed many changes and challenges since he first got behind the wheel on the roads around the midlands, but continues to remain positive about the future.

Initially working in a fibreglass factory and having trained to be a welder while in his teenage years, the Clane native found his true vocation working for his uncle, also Tommy, drawing sand and gravel around the locality. It was back then that the younger Tommy became very familiar and fond of Volvo Trucks. From the F86 of 1982 and the F7 in the early days, to the FH and FM in the latter decades, he has remained loyal to the Swedish brand and currently runs two examples.

At one time there were a mix of Volvos and Hinos lined up in the yard, and Tommy also remembers the Japanese brand with affection.

The first Hino arrived in 1998 with other 6x4 and 8x4 versions to follow over the next ten years. During the Celtic Tiger era, two Volvo FH tractor-units with tipper trailers were in the fleet but following the economic crash and more recently the Covid-19 pandemic, the fleet was rationalised and currently stands at six rigid tippers.

Regardless of his fondness for Volvo Truck products, Tommy’s instinct for a good deal and a strong business relationship with local dealers has led to the purchase of Renault and Scania trucks over the years, as well as more recently a new Iveco Trakker.

His experience, plus an intuitive feel for a truck means Tommy can pinpoint the positives and negatives of a product within a short time of driving. That the latter Trakker, purchased last year, has impressed him is therefore worth noting. ‘It is a very good all-round construction truck and most under-rated’.

Originally drawing from quarries in Clonard, and Broadford, other sites were acquired in Rathangan (now a landfill facility) and Blessington after forming a partnership with Christy O’Neill from Moyglare Sand & Gravel to trade as Kildare Sand & Gravel.

Loyal customers as well as new business have kept Graham Sand & Gravel busy over the years, with steady orders ongoing from a broad number of long-standing regulars in the construction, equestrian and sports grounds.

‘Allied to the pristine condition of his truck fleet is second to none when it comes to customer care, with many clients heading into their second generation now!’

The current challenges include rising costs in fuel, labour and maintenance together with the high demand for fine sand, which is a scare commodity. During the interview with Tommy for this feature, he had to constantly break off to explain to waiting customers about the difficulties at present with supply, and that he was doing his best to deliver asap.

When not up and down the steps of the truck each day, Tommy loves nothing more than to take to the open road on board the Rewaco 160hp Tourer Trike, accompanied by his partner Danielle, listening to their favourite tunes from Bruce, Garth and local balladeer Christy Moore.

Another passion is motorsport - during the racing season he dons a different helmet to drive his super-fast 600hp Ford Fiesta Rallycross car or partake in some Hot Car racing. He has made his mark on the sport too, winning the Irish Rallycross Championship two seasons in a row (2009-2010 & 2010-2011). Before then a rallying career saw Tommy contest practically every round of the National Championship in a section of different cars.

Back in the day job, rules and regulations coming from all directions have to be met adhered to, all adding to the time and effort required in a day’s work. Looking to the future, while alternative fuelled trucks are becoming more relevant and practical, Tommy believes that diesel will continue to be the preferred and required option in his sector for years to come, although he is open to considering HVO and Natural Gas for their emission savings.

For now, the fluctuating price of diesel and AdBlue have to be dealt with. One aspect of his business that has not posed too much of a problem is the driver shortage issue thanks to loyal employees who have between 15 and 30 years service with the company. The fact that he works with them on the road helps to understand and meet their daily

needs to ensure and maintain quality service at all times.

The ongoing high standards maintained by Graham Sand & Gravel over the years have been recognised and acknowledged with two category wins in the Fleet Transport Awards – Construction Operator of the Year and Owner-Driver of the Year.

Customer appreciation is paramount and he has met all types of characters and personalities in his chosen career. He recalls a funny incident when delivering a load of chippings to an elderly lady who lived up a narrow lane. The lady was so pleased with his careful manoeuvring that she praised him highly, gave him €5, a bar of chocolate and a mineral, telling him; ‘when you see Tommy Graham back in the yard, tell him what a good driver you are!’ Tommy’s modesty prevented him from telling her who he actually was!

When asked about his favourite truck driven over the four decades, a few were highlighted – Tommy noting that the new Volvo FL7 6x4 bought in 1986 to replace the F7 was a big step forward from the outgoing series. Another mentioned was the new Volvo FH Globetrotter purchased to mark his 35th anniversary in the trade. With a specially commissioned livery featuring family members from the early days, it still remains close to his heart. Tommy’s heartbeat remains strong in the business, and together with his team he firmly intends to continue to keep the red Graham Sand & Gravel flag flying for many more years to come.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie