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Emily Gill, a Field Engineer based out of the Roanoke terminal, may be a new addition to the Associated Asphalt team but she’s seasoned from previous experiences that help her fit into a male-dominated profession. Formerly in the military and stationed in Kuwait, Gill learned early on that gender shouldn’t be a focus of the day to day. “As long as you’re knowledgeable, confident, and have a strong work ethic,” Gill said, “you’ll get along just fine.” That attitude carried Gill through her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton, Ohio, another male-dominated arena, and continues to serve her well at Associated Asphalt. 

 

Why Associated Asphalt?

Post graduation from college, Gill completed the required 6 months of Army training (BOLC) and then worked temporarily as an Electronic Warfare Engineer working for SRC, Inc. There, she acquired experience in data analyzing radars. While finishing up the temp job, Gill learned she would be transferred to a different unit and deploying in five months. Those few months were filled with different preparatory training with the new unit. This new unit is where she met James Hill who was the  Associated Asphalt Chief Operations Officer—and Battalion Commander of the 363rd. Upon their first meeting together, he asked the standard questions of what she did on the civilian side. When he heard she was unemployed and a degreed engineer, he asked if she would be willing to move to Roanoke for a job. Coincidentally enough, Gill had been previously looking to move and relocate out of Ohio, so the opportunity felt right for her. The deployment unintentionally turned into a 10 month interview.

On the Army side, she is a logistician. Therefore, during the deployment she was in Kuwait attached to the 363rd Engineering Battalion underneath the 926th Engineering Brigade and supported the engineers across CENTCOM (Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.). Gill was the executive officer (the person directly below the commander) of the Forward Support Company, which consisted of roughly 60 people who supported upwards of 700 people in the different Engineering companies spread across all of those countries with building materials, fuel support, maintenance support, transportation support, etc. As the executive officer, Gill was responsible for coordinating all of the support her company provided, such as hundreds of flights for her Soldiers, coordinating equipment movement and everything in between to ensure the company was successful. Not only did Gill impress James enough that he went ahead with continuing to ask her to apply for this position. He ranked Gill as the top 1LT among the 30 he has rated as a Battalion Commander. 

 

As one of her first jobs out of the military, Gill said what she’s most looking forward to is joining Associated Asphalt and starting a civilian career. She’s excited to learn the basics of a typical post-graduate role—what she likes, what works for her, and how her career at Associated Asphalt will blossom down the road with time and experience.

 

What Does a Normal Day Like?

Gill said a typical day at this time includes a lot of learning and exploring terminals with her supervisor when she’s not helping review, update, and standardize items for Associated Asphalt’s maintenance program.

 

 

What the future holds

Gill sees her career at Associated Asphalt potentially leading to managing teams and leading maintenance programs, skills she honed while in the military. Gill’s previous knowledge, paired with her time spent in the terminals observing, is building a strong foundation of understanding the field—and her place at Associated Asphalt.

Although she’s working in a traditionally male-dominated industry and role, Gill doesn’t let it phase her. Her focus is on learning, growing in her role, and proving that she’s right where she belongs.

 At Associated Asphalt, we support and encourage our employees to seek professional growth. Through higher education, opportunity will be provided for those who shoot for the stars.

Jake Exline is a Sales Manager who primarily works with emulsions and performance sales in North Carolina. Exline has been with the company just a little over a year. Without having previous experience in the industry, AA decided to take a chance and bring him aboard. With the use of his skills in sales and a degree in Marketing from Liberty University, Exline became an essential member of our team. Like other Associated Asphalt employees, Exline comes from a long line of family members who have worked in the asphalt industry, including his dad, grandpa and uncle. Although he opted not to go straight into asphalt after college, Exline says he now feels honored to carry on the tradition of working in the asphalt industry.

 

 

Exline is passionate about helping the company move forward on the road to sustainability. He previously worked in solar and environmental sales, which allowed him to assist the sales department at Associated Asphalt with their ESG efforts. At Associated Asphalt, he has been tasked with formulating a document in an effort to uncover tax credits and grants that are potentially available as a result of incorporating biodiesel and/or solar panels in the asphalt industry. He’s working with Hallie Bunkowske, Sales & Technical Manager, on the document to determine what would qualify Associated Asphalt for these sustainability opportunities. Exline lives in South Carolina but primarily supports sales in North Carolina and travels there quite a bit to attend trade shows, expos, conferences and more in his efforts to promote J-Band®.

 

 

What Makes AA Unique?

 

 

Exline said he enjoys the camaraderie of working in sales. At Associated Asphalt, he’s grateful to have been placed with an amazing sales team that is fun, dedicated, and always willing to help out. Everyone in the entire company, he added, has been extremely supportive. When it came to learning the ropes of products and the customer base, Exline had John Mimms to rely on. Working in sales is about knowing the value of building customer relationships, and there’s no one who understands that more than John. “Jake brings great energy to our company,” stated Mims, Southern Performance Products Manager.  “His ability to quickly connect with those he meets, coupled with his willingness to learn what’s important to each customer will serve him well throughout his career.”

 

 Associated Asphalt is different because of the people. Exline believes that the people make a business, regardless of what you’re selling. And at Associated Asphalt, he said, the people are hard to beat.

 At Associated Asphalt, we support and encourage our employees to seek professional growth. Through higher education, opportunity will be provided for those who shoot for the stars.

Melissa Perdue might be a newer member of the Associated Asphalt team, but she’s no stranger to the industrial driving industry. Being with the company for 6 months, Melissa has nearly 27 years of driving under her belt. With these several years of experience, she proves to be a critical part of the team. Melissa’s ambition has been sparked by the amount of in-reach opportunities here at Associated Asphalt. She continues to add value to herself by continuing her education in pursuit of her bachelor’s degree in business. She pushes herself to be the best version of herself she can be in hopes of moving up in the company over time. Her determination and tenacity has led her to where she is now, and will likely guide her to greatness moving forward. 

I’m most looking forward to moving up the ladder. There seems to be a lot of opportunity for that here.

 

Day in the Life

A typical day in the life of a tanker driver that hauls liquid asphalt and emulsion is no simple one. With her day beginning at 2 in the morning, Melissa wakes up to get ready for her 4 am shift. She strategically maps out her day to have enough time for whatever comes her way. Loads arrive at 7 am, where she pumps and transports them where they need to go. The majority of her schedule is spent behind the wheel.

What Makes Her Stand Out

According to Melissa, her amount of time in the driver’s seat is what makes her different from others. While this might be true, she would not admit the other truly inspirational difference of being a female who’s tenured in a traditionally male industry. Being female doesn’t make her stand out, she said. She explains that she’s confident in what she does, which is what is relevant to the position. To others in our society, Melissa’s position is primarily filled by men, which can deter women from pursuing the job. Having a strong, female figure soaring through this industry can encourage other young girls to do whatever they set their mind to. On top of her long term of service, this is what makes her especially extraordinary.

 

Education

Melissa currently pursues a Bachelor’s degree in business, hoping to see herself in another position someday. In her last year of school, she has also acquired a certificate in project management. She’s hoping to use these two educational pieces to move from being a tanker driver to a more business-type role. While she’s looking forward to her future in the company, she has mentioned that it will be bittersweet to leave her role as a driver.  

“At Associated Asphalt,’ Purdue said, “the door is always open to gain experience.” As a role model for her daughter, she wants to lead by example and show that she never wants to stop learning. She explains that there is alway room for improvement and self growth, which is what she plans to utilize in her next chapter at the company. 

 At Associated Asphalt, we support and encourage our employees to seek professional growth. Through higher education, opportunity will be provided for those who shoot for the stars.

Associated Asphalt has completed a case study documenting PennDOT’s 5-year work plan to investigate the use of void-reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM) for longitudinal joints and extending the life of asphalt pavement. PennDOT’s program led to the introduction of a VRAM Standard Special Provision that can be used on projects let on or after April 14, 2023. PennDOT’s selection of VRAM to extend the life of Pennsylvania’s roads joins other agencies, most in America’s Mid-West, who have been using VRAM successfully since 2002 and are conscientious stewards of taxpayers’ money.

Continue reading the high-level summary, or download the study in its entirety: Extending the Life of Asphalt Pavement with Void-Reducing Asphalt Membrane: PennDOT Case Study.

PennDOT Road to SSP

VRAM is an innovative material-based solution for improving longitudinal joint performance and involves the application of a thick layer of hot-applied, polymer-modified asphalt (rather than an emulsion). It is applied beneath the future centerline of the longitudinal joint, and, as the asphalt is laid and subjected to heat and compaction by rollers, the VRAM gradually migrates from the bottom up, rendering the joint nearly impermeable to water and air.

How VRAM Works

Based on the knowledge gained by similar trials in other states, beginning as early as 2002 by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), it was determined that VRAM treatment could extend the joint life by approximately three to five years. The pavement life extension translated to a cost savings, over the life of the pavement, of three to five times the initial cost to apply the VRAM. These findings were published in a Transportation Research Board paper, A Materials Approach to Improving Asphalt Pavement Longitudinal Joint Performance, at their 2021 Annual Meeting.

First PennDOT Trial

In October 2018, PennDOT District 56 began its first trial on a 2.1-mile stretch of I-81. Annual visual assessments were conducted to examine the state of the VRAM longitudinal joint and the control joint. In April 2023, a fifth-year evaluation was completed. After more than four years, the VRAM section had minor cracks present in a few areas; however, the cracks did not penetrate into the paving mat. On the other hand, the control sections had obvious cracking.

 

Second PennDOT Trial

PennDOT’s second VRAM trial was applied on October 17, 2018, on a 1.1-mile section of I-380 in Monroe County. This experimental section would be compared over time to approximately 0.5 miles of control sections.

A team visually reviewed the joints annually, and in 2021, cores were pulled from the three-year-old joints in the control and VRAM sections. These cores were sent to Rutgers University Center for Advanced Infrastructure & Transportation (CAIT) for complete testing.

The chart below shows the impact of the J-Band migrating upward into the joint area, sealing off some of the interconnected voids of the constructed joint in the surface layer. The average permeability measured in the 9.5mm SMA Control surface course cores was 927.1 cm/sec x 10-5 (26.3 ft/day). Meanwhile, the average permeability for the 9.5mm SMA VRAM surface course cores was 14.0 cm/sec x 10-5 (0.40 ft/day).

Permeability vs Measured Air Voids - PennDOT Trial on I-380

PennDOT Continues the VRAM Work Plan

Through the end of 2022, thirteen trials had been constructed and six separate core tests were conducted. The following summarizes all of the data collected from the PennDOT test projects by Rutgers University CAIT.

Average Permeability Results: The permeability of the field cores was measured using the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) test method, FM 5-565, Florida Method of Test for Measurement of Water Permeability of Compacted Asphalt Pavement Mixtures.

Average Permeability Results for PennDOT VRAM Trials

Average Air Voids Results: The air voids of the recovered field cores were determined in accordance to AASHTO T269, Standard Method of Test for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Dense and Open Asphalt Mixtures.

Average Air Voids Results for PennDOT VRAM Trials

Average Ideal-CT Index Results: The IDEAL-CT is similar to the traditional indirect tensile strength test, and it is run at room temperature with cylindrical specimens at a loading rate of 50 mm/min in terms of cross-head displacement. For mix design and laboratory QC/QA, the same specimen size as the Hamburg wheel track test was used: 150 mm diameter an 62 mm height, and the post-peak segment was chosen to extract cracking resistance.

IDEAL-CT Index Results for PennDOT VRAM Trials

VRAM SSP in 2023 and Beyond

In March 2023, PennDOT issued a new Standard Special Provision for Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM). This SSP, which can be used on projects let on or after April 14, 2023, is recommended for use on limited access and expressway-type pavements where exceptional longitudinal joint performance is difficult to achieve.

As of August 2023, there have been six VRAM projects completed or scheduled to be completed in 2023, and seven confirmed from 2024.

To get more information about the PennDOT Case Study or learn how you can benefit from using VRAM, complete our contact form, and we will be in touch with you.

VRAM in PennDOT District 1

VRAM in PennDOT District 2

VRAM in PennDOT District 8

VRAM in PennDOT District 9

Nearly everyone talks to the HelpDesk – at least once. We often only take time to troubleshoot and fix issues at hand. So, let’s take a moment to meet Jermaine Long who started in January 2023 as Associated Asphalt’s IT Support Technician.

 

When Associated Asphalt is Family

Jermaine feels like he has always known about Associated Asphalt because his mom, Janice Grigsby, was an independent contractor who cleaned the Roanoke terminal. Starting at the age of 16, she continued with the Roanoke terminal as her client for decades, returning to work even after receiving a lung transplant.

 

Jermaine recalls coming to help her when she didn’t have a sitter. He would often empty trash cans and do other small tasks. One evening, Janice told her son to find an office and draw until she finished working. Jermaine wandered into an empty office, climbed in the desk chair, and started to draw. As children often do, he signed each of his pieces as he finished them. Janice soon called for him, and then left for home – the signed masterpieces left on the desk.

 

The next morning, Bill Kirk, who was President of the company at the time, came out of his office holding pieces of paper, asking if anyone knew who Jermaine was. This story is now embedded as company lore. At a recent employee event that Jermaine attended, Mr. Kirk immediately recalled who Jermaine was and shared the story of the little boy who played in his office one night.

Interests in Problem-Solving and Helping Others

Originally, Jermaine thought his interests would take him to a career in music. After a short run of working out of a studio in his basement, Jermaine enrolled in ECPI University and graduated with an Associate’s degree in Information Technology.

 

Jermaine came to the position at Associated Asphalt with 10 years of experience as a Technical Support Engineer. He considers himself a people person and enjoys the challenge of troubleshooting computer issues. 

 

“It’s man versus machine,” said Jermaine, “and man wins.”

 

Working at a help desk is always interesting as one often is solving problems in real-time, and issues need to be addressed quickly to keep business moving. While answering his very first call on his first day was daunting, everyone has been very patient. Jermaine appreciates the encouragement from not only his management and IT team, but also every individual he encounters regularly.

Opportunities and Life at Associated Asphalt
Jermaine now works side-by-side with a number of people, including Danny Moran, Director of Sales & Logistics; and Daniel Palmer, Roanoke Terminal Manage, who he got to know as a child when visiting the Roanoke terminal with his mom. There is value in relationships you build over a lifetime, and there is satisfaction in helping a frustrated co-worker overcome a technological challenge. These are just some of the reasons Jermaine Long appreciates his role as IT Support Technician here at Associated Asphalt.

Mike Tyree, an Associated Asphalt veteran employee with more than 15 seasons with the company, is no stranger to the world of asphalt. Tyree has been visiting the plants due to his familial ties with other employees since he could walk.

 

“Once asphalt gets in your blood,” Tyree said, “it’s not coming out.”

 

Tyree has spent his entire professional career at Associated Asphalt’s Roanoke location, officially beginning his time with the company while consecutively completing a degree in criminal justice with a minor in sociology. Working his way up the ladder, Tyree has served in an array of positions that include roles as an operator, loader, lab technician, sales, field support, quality control, and manager.

 

Understanding how pumps and valves work was a vital step for his initial role as an terminal operator at Associated Asphalt, but taking that knowledge and expounding on it through self-guided research of emulsions, a true interest, was Tyree’s ticket to moving up.

 

Vast Horizons for Those Who Seek Success

Although Tyree’s personal interest in pursuing emulsions knowledge didn’t directly relate to his initial role, he made the effort to think to the future with eyes on the types of opportunities at the company that he wanted—not had—and prepared himself to be knowledgeable and suitable for those roles should they become available. And they did, in the form of Tyree becoming a manager at the emulsion plant.

 

At Associated Asphalt, Tyree confidently stated, ambition is supported and rewarded. Though being self-motivated naturally put Tyree in a position to excel, the internal support to assist employees with gaining advanced training, higher education, programs such as LEAP, and networking opportunities with industry leaders, have been an invaluable benefit that sets the company apart from others.

 

 

Today, Tyree serves the company as a Technical Service Representative, a role in which he supports the Mid-Atlantic and North East terminals and optimizes formulations. The value of mentors such as Kevin McGlumphy during his time at Associated Asphalt, Tyree said, has not gone unnoticed as a tool for upward mobility. 

 

“From the first time I visited the Roanoke emulsion facility, Mike showed great energy and effort combined with a strong desire to be the best at what he did,” stated Kevin McGlumphy, Director of Research, Development & Engineering. “Mike’s willingness to go above and beyond for the team and to step outside his comfort zone grabbed my attention. His work ethic and positive attitude made him an easy choice when growth opportunities presented themselves. He’s a huge part of our team’s success.”

 

Associated Asphalt: Taking Pride in Making Job Security a Reality

Many positions at Associated Asphalt require training and field experience, while others lean more heavily on higher education foundations. This variety of needs, availability, and company-wide open-mindedness allows Associated Asphalt to offer a breadth of opportunities for all types of people and skill sets. In an industry where many entry-level employees often feel overlooked, Tyree said, Associated Asphalt excels in making everyone feel appreciated and worthy of advancement.

 

An aspect of Associated Asphalt that Tyree most appreciates is that the industry as a whole is always changing, advancing, and evolving. Job security in asphalt, and the ability to continue moving forward professionally at Associated Asphalt, he said, is undeniable. 

Hallie Bunkowske, who started as a laboratory technician at our Bituminous Technologies laboratory in Tampa in October 2013, has achieved remarkable growth within Associated Asphalt through her determination and hard work. Over the past decade, Bunkowske advanced her career within the company, currently holding the position of Sales & Technical Manager, overseeing commodity asphalt sales at the Port Everglades terminal as well as focusing on performance products sales in Florida and Northern Pennsylvania.

 

“Void-reducing asphalt membrane, or VRAM, technology has been in the Midwest for nearly 20 years, and it’s exciting to be involved in the growth of this product as its use increases in states on the East Coast,” Bunkowske explains. “It has really taken off in Pennsylvania, showing huge improvements in the performance and life span of their roads by supporting the weakest part of the pavements, the centerline joints. I have really enjoyed working with PennDOT, which officially issued a new VRAM Standard Special Provision in April 2023. I look forward to continuing the expansion of our VRAM product, J-Band®, by presenting our case studies and core test results to engineers and DOTs in the southern states.”  

 

Throughout her journey from Quality Control to Research and Development, and now in Sales, Bunkowske has accumulated invaluable knowledge and experience. Despite joining the company with no prior asphalt expertise, she received encouragement and guidance from her supervisors and colleagues, enabling her to become a proficient leader that is well-versed in the chemistry of our asphalt products and their benefits. 

“Transitioning Hallie to the Sales Department from our Technical team was an easy decision,” stated Chad Gemberling, Director of Sales & Marketing, Commodity & Performance Products. “Associated Asphalt’s Florida terminal network and sales of J-Band® in the Northeast have both grown significantly, which lent itself to adding the right person to our sales team. Hallie brings the technical side to sales and has the personality, energy, and economic thinking skills to excel in this role. She is self-motivated and a team player. We look forward to her continuous growth within this organization.” 

 

 

Bunkowske actively participates in FACERS, the Florida Association of County Engineers & Road Superintendents; ACAF, the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida; PAPA, the Pennsylvania Asphalt Pavement Association; and APWA, the American Public Works Association. Additionally, she collaborates closely with the sustainability team to broaden her industry and professional expertise, opening doors to more opportunities in the future.

Bunkowske finds fulfillment in the dynamic nature of her work, embracing the ever-evolving tasks and responsibilities that challenge her to improve and learn continually. She appreciates the rewarding interactions with customers, forming lasting connections that strengthen bonds for both herself and Associated Asphalt.

 

Because of her success, Bunkowske actively supports and encourages her team members to seize opportunities for professional growth and advancement. This commitment to internal promotion and employee development aligns with Associated Asphalt’s culture, fostering a thriving environment where ambitious paths are encouraged and nurtured.

 

Hallie is a Florida native and received her bachelor’s in Biology and Chemistry from The University of Central Florida. She currently resides in Central Florida with her husband and two dogs. When she is home, she loves spending time with her friends and family but enjoys escaping the heat and traveling to the cooler areas up north.

“You never know where life will take you, but by building good relationships along the way and walking toward every challenge, you may go much further than you ever imagined.”

Ernest Hamilton lives by these words of wisdom. Ernie is our Senior Transportation Manager at Associated Asphalt and the author of “Overcoming Challenges: The Tar-Billy Way.” In his book, he tells about his exciting journey into the trucking industry and the obstacles he overcame over time.

RoadSigns; A Transport Topics Podcast

On Thanksgiving, Ernie discussed his experience on RoadSigns, the podcast series for transport topics. He spoke with the host, Michael Freeze, whom he’d previously met at a Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) meeting. This council shapes the trucking industry from a technology and maintenance standpoint. The pair hit it off as they both are writers with backgrounds in the trucking industry. You can find a podcast transcript at the bottom of this article.

When asked about his story, Ernie explained that his family and friends were a major source of inspiration that led him to embark on his successful career path. From an early age, he had a passion for trucking. His father and uncle were both truck drivers. So, after high school, Ernie chose to follow in their footsteps. “All I wanted to do was drive. I didn’t even think about another occupation. There was nothing out there for me as far as I was concerned,” he tells Michael.

Alongside driving, Ernie built a campground with his family and friends, pictured on his book’s cover. Working as a team with these folks sparked something in Ernie and shone a light on his future career path. There were numerous challenges that the group had to overcome, but everybody came together. “It’s what actually inspired me to get into management,” Ernie says. No matter the challenge, Ernie would always try to offer the best possible advice.

The Path to Management

In 2005, Ernie decided to hang up his hat as a driver and dive into the management field. Ernie initially planned to get his Associate’s Degree. However, he gained an excellent education and even greater confidence while in school. So, Ernie went on to earn his Master’s Degree from Campbell University. He graduated with his MBA in 2011, and the rest is history.

In February 2016, Ernie joined the Associated Asphalt family. He oversees all our trucking operations based at our Martinsburg, Roanoke, Bristol, Hopewell, Columbia, and Tampa terminals. Something that has helped Ernie excel in his role is his personal experience as a trucker. “I know what it’s like; getting into management and having all that experience under my belt allows me to help the drivers the best way I can,” he says to Michael. Ernie stresses that being proactive rather than reactive is essential to ensuring production runs smoothly.

Working for Associated Asphalt has allowed Ernie to live out his values; daily, he manages his fleet with a safety-first approach. Ernie partnered with our IT department to develop a system that helps us easily comply with required maintenance regulations. To support his efforts to lead with a safety mindset, Ernie also acquired his Director of Safety Certificate from the North American Transportation Management Institute.

It’s apparent that Ernie genuinely cares for the people around him. “Right now, I work with an awesome company. Associated Asphalt’s been really good to me. I have no intentions of going anywhere as long as they’ll have me!”

We appreciate Ernie, too. He is truly an asset to the Associated Asphalt team – and a great author.

Remember, you can get a copy of his book, Overcoming Challenges: The Tar-Billy Way! We’re all very proud of you, Ernie.

Special thanks to Michael Freeze and everyone at Transport Topics!

Roadsigns Podcast Transcript

Speaker: From Transport Topics in Washington, DC: This is RoadSigns. And now here’s your host, Michael Freeze.

Michael Freeze: Thank you for listening to RoadSigns, the podcast series for Transport Topics that explores the trends and technologies that are shaping the future of trucking. Before we dive into today’s episode, we’d like to invite you to subscribe to Transport Topics, where you can receive exclusive access to our top 100 list, quarterly magazines, and other news surrounding the trucking industry.

For this Thanksgiving episode, we’d like to take a detour from the trends and technologies to explore something that’s more in line with the holiday: gratitude and giving.

A career in the trucking industry has opened many doors for people. Some grew up wanting nothing more than to be truck drivers, while others came into the profession later in life. No matter the past, those who truly choose the trucking profession have made the most of the opportunities, and use the success to help others deal with the challenges in and out of the workplace.

On this episode, we’ll ask the question, “What are trucking professionals most thankful for?” To answer that, we’ll speak with Etienne Hightower, CEO, and founder of Trucker Down, a nonprofit organization that assists truck drivers in times of need later in the program. But first, we’re going to talk about the path of personal development with Ernie Hamilton, Senior Transportation Manager with Associated Asphalt, and author of the book Overcoming Challenge: The Tar-Billy Way. Welcome to the show, Ernie!

Ernie Hamilton: Thank you, Michael. Glad to be here.

Michael Freeze: Thanks for coming on Ernie, and thanks for taking the time out of your Thanksgiving holiday to join us. Tell us about yourself and tell us about your role at Associated Asphalt.

Ernie Hamilton: Yeah, right now I’m the Senior Transportation Manager for Associated Asphalt. We are a liquid asphalt and emulsion company. We have liquid asphalt and emulsion in about 35 terminals – I believe from New York down into Florida. So we’re primarily East Coast. And we have trucks at 6 of those terminals from Martinsburg, West Virginia down into Tampa, Florida which I oversee.

Michael Freeze: You know, Ernie, one of the things about the book that I liked during our conversations that we had during the technology and maintenance council meeting in the fall during Team C Super Tech is, number one, your love for trucking and how that translated to a career that you have in a management position. I’m just curious myself about the book Overcoming Challenges: The Tar-Billy Way. What exactly is The Tar-Billy Way?

Ernie Hamilton: Well, if you notice there’s a picture on the front of the book of a campground. That campground is something that my friends and my family built; all of us together. And it’s what actually inspired me to get into management. But my friends – they were from North Carolina, so the Tar Heels. I was living in North Carolina at the time and my family is from West Virginia, and of course, they live there close to the campground. And you know, West Virginia, you all, everyone thinks of hillbillies. So it came out the “Tar-Billy Way.”

And growing up with my family and then actually watching all of this group come together while we were building this campground, you know, there was numerous challenges, you know, that I’d seen then in the campground that we had to overcome while we were building that. But also, the things that I’d seen my family overcome in trucking and growing up. It just seemed to be a fitting title, Overcoming Challenges: The Tar-Billy Way.

Michael Freeze: You know that’s – I mean it’s a great read by the way. One of the things that I was really drawn to, like I said, is your love for trucking. But just how you had a career path where you wanted to be a trucker. You know, your father was a trucker and your uncle was a trucker. From that love to get to the position where you’re at right now – number one, did you have a plan that you wanted to go elsewhere beyond trucking or was it if you were a truck driver for 40 years, that would be fine with you?

Ernie Hamilton: When I got out of high school, trucking was all I wanted to do. All I wanted to do was drive. I didn’t know of – I didn’t even think about another occupation. That’s it. There was nothing out there for me as far as I was concerned, and after being able to drive for – and I drove for I guess 10 years between when I drove for my dad and different ones getting experience, and I drove for Food Lion for 7.5 years. Ended up with about a million miles of safe driving under my belt. You know, and building the campground along the way, I was just inspired to get out of the trucking and get into management. The campground – all those guys that were involved in that were of the trucking industry as well.

Some of them worked with me at – there at Food Lion; actually worked under me, a few of them. And you know, they would bring their problems to me. Anything that’d come up they would come to me about whether it be the campground or a work problem. And they seemed to be very appreciative of the fact that I tried to help them. Anything that come up, I tried to help them and I enjoyed helping them. I enjoyed the feeling of making a difference; I felt like I made a difference. So in 2005, I decided, you know, I enjoyed making a difference on a level of, I guess you could say a hobby – let’s try it on a business level. So I got out of trucking in 2005 and got into management in 2007. Got a promotion and decided, you know what, let’s go back to school and get a degree.

Michael Freeze: You know that was one of the things especially you getting your MBA. Was that something that sparked from just getting into management? Because in the book, there are a lot of things with your position at Food Lion and your positions that you had earlier. You were able to identify challenges within those particular situations, and also looking back on them you could also the rival essence from that, from that experience as a trucker and even before. You know not having your CDL license just yet, but you’re working to get to that particular point. When you got into management, was that a game plan that you had? You wanted to get into management and then from that point, you wanted to pursue a college education? Was that the sort of the drive that you had in becoming a driver? Did you translate that well into getting your college education? How was that dynamic?

Ernie Hamilton: Yeah, it all kind of comes together. The driving piece of it – when I started driving with Food Lion driving, I think I was 23 at the time. And I believe I was about the youngest driver they had hired. That was, at the time, that was the job to have – a truck driving job. You couldn’t beat it. Getting that at that early age – that was almost unheard of. But I worked for it and it gave me confidence. You know what, I can do this. And then when I got into management, I didn’t know where I wanted to go in management. All I know is I wanted to get out of that truck seat and be put in a position where I could make a difference to other people.

And when I got into it, I found out after that first year – year and a half that you know what, not only do I like doing this, it seems like I got a little bit of a talent for it. People enjoy me doing it. But if I want to do it, I need to go back to school. And then when I went back to school, I was just going to get an Associate’s degree. So I enrolled in community college, got 2 semesters under my belt, and decided, “You know what, I can do this. I think I can go on for my Bachelor’s.” So I transferred to Campbell University and I don’t know, a year or so before I finished my Bachelor’s I guess I was just building confidence up in myself that I can do this – I ain’t got but just a few months left of this. I could do another year and have my Master’s, so why not? So I started school in 2007 and graduated in 2011 with my Master’s.

Michael Freeze: You got your MBA and then you started your management position. What types of work traits or work habits that you had as a driver – how does that go into getting into management? How did you perform in that way to make you successful as you are right now?

Ernie Hamilton: Well a lot of the things I think about management is understanding what your people are going through every day. From a driver’s standpoint I know what it’s like to be out there sitting in that truck for 10–12 hours a day, I know what it’s like to have to deal with traffic and deal with the weather. All the different things that go along with it. So getting into management and having all that experience under my belt – it just allows me to kind of stay in front of the drivers and help them I guess you could say maybe be proactive in a way so they don’t have as many problems as you can be if you’re reactive.

Michael Freeze: That kind of leads me into the next thing. The next thing about this, you know, you’re the Senior Transportation Manager. You have this journey and writing a book like this just sort of showing the challenges that you have and how you overcame them, and the lessons that you learned from that. What made you want to document this particular journey? Quite honestly it’s a journey that’s not finished yet so what made you want to document this particular part of your journey?

Ernie Hamilton: Well, there were a couple of things, to begin with. It all started in the Spring of 2008. I’d been at school for about a year. I realized that all those people, my friends, and my family that I’d spent so much time over the previous 5-6-7 years building this campground – I wasn’t able to see them at that time. Rarely talked to them, rarely saw them. But when I did talk to them, it was on the phone or if I’d seen them, it was in person. It was like we’d just hung up that phone from a previous call or we’d just seen each other yesterday. I didn’t hear stuff like, you know, “You’re too good to come around,” or “You ain’t got time for us.” They supported and I really appreciated that. So I decided, “You know what? I want to do something to show my appreciation to them.” And I really quite honestly wanted to tell the world this is the friends and family I’ve got.

Well as I got into writing the book, I kind of got to realizing when I got my Master’s and what have you and what I’ve done, I wanted to use my story to hopefully inspire other people. I just wanted to make a difference in their career, whether it be in the trucking industry or any industry for that matter, that you can do it.

You just got to have the confidence in yourself to move forward and to overcome each challenge as they come about and walk toward those challenges. A lot of times, I think our biggest competitor sometimes can be ourselves. Sometimes I think we come up with more excuses why we can’t do something instead of finding reasons why or ways we can do it

Michael Freeze: That was one of the things that I really liked about the book. That you just mentioned – just sort of the inspiration and just kind of let everyone in on the conversation we had during TMC. There was one question that you’d asked me and it just kind of made me ponder a little bit and just sort of “What’s your inspiration for writing?” And usually, when someone, especially from the industry, asks me about writing, it’s just sort of a simple question, “How does Transport Topics get published?” or just something like how you get those story ideas or whatnot. But no one’s ever really asked me just the inspiration part of it. Just sort of “What inspires you to write?” And I just remember that conversation. I kind of stumbled for a little bit thinking, “You know, what is my inspiration? You know? But I think that’s what brought you to write this particular book… just passing that info along.

Just lots of stories in there, like I said, lots of life lessons. Just you as a kid and just reacting and witnessing what your father went through, what your uncle went through, and just your family around you. And just kind of how they overcame adversity and just the challenges that they had just on their career. And writing the book, Ernie, was there one particular item that’s in this book that you really wanted to highlight for the most part? Was there one thing that when you wrote it that you were saying to yourself, “Oh man, this is a really good tidbit right here… I wish more people would know this?”

Ernie Hamilton: No, I don’t know that there’s any one particular item in that book that I’m real, I guess, more proud of than the rest of it. There are sometimes I wonder if I should’ve put more in the book because the challenges in the book are just a reader’s digest version. There are a lot of things that went on over the course of time it took to write this book which was – I mean, it was 14 years. We started, I started it in 2008. It got published in May of this year. There were a lot of other things that I could’ve put in that book that I think would’ve been relevant.

But what was scary about putting them in there is most of the people I’m trying to inspire are not going to pick up a book that looks like an encyclopedia. I wanted to keep it short, I wanted to keep it simple. And of course, I had to be careful too, you know, for professional reasons. There were things that happened over the course of my professional career since I got into management that I didn’t – even though they were challenges I had to overcome, I didn’t feel they were appropriate to document in a book. So I chose to take the high road on some things, I guess you can say.

Michael Freeze: That’s okay, that’s okay. I mean, it was a well-documented journey. Just the fact that you know it’s not, “I climb Mt. Everest.” But the thing is these were challenges for you and if anyone can read that and get that inspiration from it, that’s all well worth it. Ernie, one more question before I get you out of here. And again thank you for taking the time to talk with us during Thanksgiving. Really appreciate that. What are some of the things after the book that you would like to accomplish? Like I said, it really documents the journey you’ve been on. Do you feel you have another book in you?

Ernie Hamilton: I’ve actually thought about it. I actually started writing a book. I don’t know, another book – that is a challenge. One of the things about writing that i found is I wrote – before I wrote this, I wrote some news articles for Food Lion. Just monthly news articles for the little newsletter we had. To me, if I’m going to write anything, it’s got to be to inspire somebody. To write a self-help book or anything like that – it’s just really, really hard. It’s got to be something that inspires somebody. Maybe so, I’ve thought about maybe doing a sequel to this one down the road…just see where my journeys take me. I work right now with an awesome company. Associated Asphalt’s been really good to me. I have no intentions of going anywhere as long as they’ll have me. I’d kind of like to stay here, but who knows where we’ll end up going you know together as a company and where that journey’s going to take me, myself. So I don’t know. Maybe so. I guess the biggest thing I’m trying to figure out now is exactly where I want to go with this one book. There are a lot of different ways I can go, I’m just not quite sure what I want to do yet.

Michael Freeze: Alright, well I mean, like I said, it’s a journey and decisions aren’t necessarily time-based. The world is your oyster so they say. But we’ve been speaking with Ernie Hamilton, Senior Transportation Manager of Associated Asphalt, and author of Overcoming Challenge: The Tar-Billy Way. Hey Ernest, how can one get this book?

Ernie Hamilton: The book is available on Amazon, it is available at Walmart, Target, Barnes & Nobles, and Pocahontas Press. They can also get an audio version soon. It’s not out yet. The audio version is coming. I talked to my editor this weekend. So if somebody’s looking for an audio version, if they’ll just be patient. That is coming to a theater near you soon.

Michal Freeze: Alright and this is a – the book itself as Ernie was saying, is a life lesson but it’s centered on the trucking and transportation industry, so it’s a great read. Ernie, thank you very much for joining us.

Ernie Hamilton: Michael, thank you so much for having me. And I hope you have a wonderful day with your family.

Colleen Moore joined the Associated Asphalt family 17 years ago at our Greensboro terminal. Colleen worked in banking for six years before joining the team until she decided it was time to start a new chapter. She saw an open Administrative Assistant position and was eager to apply, as she had the necessary experience and skills. Her only concern was that she didn’t have a background in the asphalt industry. However, Colleen applied and quickly found herself at home. “My initial thought was, ‘I don’t know anything about asphalt. But I picked it up right off the bat,” She continues, “I didn’t know what I was getting into, and now I love it. I can’t imagine life without it.”

Since the beginning, Colleen’s diligence hasn’t gone unnoticed. She transitioned into an Administrative Coordinator role in 2016, and just last year, she was promoted to Logistics Manager. Colleen shared that in her time with Associated Asphalt, she’s had the chance to meet so many friendly folks in and outside the company, making her experience remarkable. “I felt comfortable right from the get-go. There isn’t anybody that you couldn’t reach out to answer your questions. They’re always there to help,” she says, “Even at the corporate level, you can still pick up the phone and know they’re going to answer.”

As that old saying goes, “There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team.’ At Associated Asphalt, we help each other out because we want the best for our team and our customers. Colleen says, “We strive for excellence. It is ingrained in us. All throughout the team, we want each other to succeed. We want success as a company.” The best way to accomplish any goal in our eyes is by working together. Colleen says, “We always watch out for one another like we’re our brothers’ keepers.” This is especially important because there are many hazards at an asphalt terminal. Safety is one of our values that is the top priority.

A great example of this camaraderie among the team was when there was an asphalt spill in Greensboro. “There was an urgent matter, and I ended up out on the rail line, which isn’t something I do,” Colleen says. “We knew we had to act fast to ensure everyone’s safety. I was toting sandbags along with all the guys to contain a spill.” By coming together, they successfully stopped the spill and prevented anyone from getting hurt. “There was nothing that was stopping us that day from ensuring everyone was okay,” Colleen says.

Some things that stand out to Colleen about Associated Asphalt are the family-oriented culture and appreciation shown on every level. She shared that she has met some of her dearest friends working here. Colleen shares, “To establish those relationships and to have that integrity behind it, to know that people stand with you versus ahead or in front of you, it makes all the difference.” It all comes down to the team upholding our core values. Colleen says, “We live the culture out each day rather than just talking about it.”

For Colleen, working at Associated Asphalt has been a journey. She noted that she’s not typically outspoken. But in time, she’s gained confidence and felt empowered to voice her thoughts on important matters. “I seek out innovative ways to advance the company. I learned that I can speak up on these ideas. I found my brave.”

Speaking of growth, Associated Asphalt has countless opportunities throughout the company. We aim to support our current team members and newcomers. Colleen says, “Nothing’s ever out of reach. There’s always room to advance, and they’ll help you to succeed with everything. The sky’s the limit!”

Colleen is such an asset to our team at Associated Asphalt! All of our employees bring a range of skills, values, and experiences to the team! You can read more employee spotlights here. Interested in starting a career at Associated Asphalt? Apply today!

Bobbi Mullins’ story begins in Clay County, West Virginia. She worked at a local post office for a couple of years until she made the decision to start a new life in Salisbury, North Carolina. That’s where Bobbi found Associated Asphalt. “I could’ve transferred to the post office in Greensboro, but it wasn’t as fulfilling as I wanted it to be,” she said. What’s more, Bobbi was searching for a place to call her own where she could flourish in her career. She goes on to say, “I joined the team during the Associated Asphalt transition in March of 1997. I was very lucky to be a part of the team and grow with the company.”

Bobbi has been a part of the Associated Asphalt team for 25 years. She began her story as an administrative assistant at the Salisbury, North Carolina terminal, then transitioned from working on supply transportation to becoming a Senior Logistics Manager. “I’ve been here half my life,” Bobbi happily says. “It’s a great company to work for. I have shown my worth so they’ve promoted me within.”

But not only is it the advancement opportunities that have kept Bobbi with Associated Asphalt. “It’s been a career for me. They take very good care of me.” And it’s reciprocal. We strive to do the best we can each day for everyone’s sake. Bobbi says, “We want everyone to go home safe, the way they arrived to work. We never want anyone hurt. We have had some accidents, but we all look out for each other and take care of one another.”

It’s the close bond that Bobbi shares with her teammates that has made working at Associated Asphalt a unique and meaningful experience for her. “We’re just a tight-knit family. I’ve established some of my lifelong friends within this company.” Bobbi used to train all the administrators, so she has become well-acquainted with almost everybody at Associated Asphalt. “It’s the people that make this place the best place to work,” she says.

Her love for her company grew even stronger when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Bobbi and some of her fellow coworkers had to begin working remotely, which was an adjustment. But Bobbi says it showed just how much faith Associated Asphalt has in their employees. “They trust us to work to the best of our abilities and to accomplish what we need to accomplish every day.”

We value each member of our team and believe in showing appreciation for our staff members’ dedication. Bobbi says, “I’m proof of this. If you’re willing to put the hard work in, you have a chance to rise with the company. You can make it a career. I’ve made it a career!”

We are so pleased to call Bobbi a part of the Associated Asphalt family! All of our employees bring a range of skills, values, and experiences to the team! You can read more employee spotlights here. Interested in starting a career at Associated Asphalt? Apply today!

Emily Gill, a Field Engineer based out of the Roanoke terminal, may be a new addition to the Associated Asphalt team but she’s seasoned from previous experiences that help her fit into a male-dominated profession. Formerly in the military and stationed in Kuwait, Gill learned early on that gender shouldn’t be a focus of the day to day. “As long as you’re knowledgeable, confident, and have a strong work ethic,” Gill said, “you’ll get along just fine.” That attitude carried Gill through her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton, Ohio, another male-dominated arena, and continues to serve her well at Associated Asphalt. 

 

Why Associated Asphalt?

Post graduation from college, Gill completed the required 6 months of Army training (BOLC) and then worked temporarily as an Electronic Warfare Engineer working for SRC, Inc. There, she acquired experience in data analyzing radars. While finishing up the temp job, Gill learned she would be transferred to a different unit and deploying in five months. Those few months were filled with different preparatory training with the new unit. This new unit is where she met James Hill who was the  Associated Asphalt Chief Operations Officer—and Battalion Commander of the 363rd. Upon their first meeting together, he asked the standard questions of what she did on the civilian side. When he heard she was unemployed and a degreed engineer, he asked if she would be willing to move to Roanoke for a job. Coincidentally enough, Gill had been previously looking to move and relocate out of Ohio, so the opportunity felt right for her. The deployment unintentionally turned into a 10 month interview.

On the Army side, she is a logistician. Therefore, during the deployment she was in Kuwait attached to the 363rd Engineering Battalion underneath the 926th Engineering Brigade and supported the engineers across CENTCOM (Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.). Gill was the executive officer (the person directly below the commander) of the Forward Support Company, which consisted of roughly 60 people who supported upwards of 700 people in the different Engineering companies spread across all of those countries with building materials, fuel support, maintenance support, transportation support, etc. As the executive officer, Gill was responsible for coordinating all of the support her company provided, such as hundreds of flights for her Soldiers, coordinating equipment movement and everything in between to ensure the company was successful. Not only did Gill impress James enough that he went ahead with continuing to ask her to apply for this position. He ranked Gill as the top 1LT among the 30 he has rated as a Battalion Commander. 

 

As one of her first jobs out of the military, Gill said what she’s most looking forward to is joining Associated Asphalt and starting a civilian career. She’s excited to learn the basics of a typical post-graduate role—what she likes, what works for her, and how her career at Associated Asphalt will blossom down the road with time and experience.

 

What Does a Normal Day Like?

Gill said a typical day at this time includes a lot of learning and exploring terminals with her supervisor when she’s not helping review, update, and standardize items for Associated Asphalt’s maintenance program.

 

 

What the future holds

Gill sees her career at Associated Asphalt potentially leading to managing teams and leading maintenance programs, skills she honed while in the military. Gill’s previous knowledge, paired with her time spent in the terminals observing, is building a strong foundation of understanding the field—and her place at Associated Asphalt.

Although she’s working in a traditionally male-dominated industry and role, Gill doesn’t let it phase her. Her focus is on learning, growing in her role, and proving that she’s right where she belongs.

 At Associated Asphalt, we support and encourage our employees to seek professional growth. Through higher education, opportunity will be provided for those who shoot for the stars.

Jake Exline is a Sales Manager who primarily works with emulsions and performance sales in North Carolina. Exline has been with the company just a little over a year. Without having previous experience in the industry, AA decided to take a chance and bring him aboard. With the use of his skills in sales and a degree in Marketing from Liberty University, Exline became an essential member of our team. Like other Associated Asphalt employees, Exline comes from a long line of family members who have worked in the asphalt industry, including his dad, grandpa and uncle. Although he opted not to go straight into asphalt after college, Exline says he now feels honored to carry on the tradition of working in the asphalt industry.

 

 

Exline is passionate about helping the company move forward on the road to sustainability. He previously worked in solar and environmental sales, which allowed him to assist the sales department at Associated Asphalt with their ESG efforts. At Associated Asphalt, he has been tasked with formulating a document in an effort to uncover tax credits and grants that are potentially available as a result of incorporating biodiesel and/or solar panels in the asphalt industry. He’s working with Hallie Bunkowske, Sales & Technical Manager, on the document to determine what would qualify Associated Asphalt for these sustainability opportunities. Exline lives in South Carolina but primarily supports sales in North Carolina and travels there quite a bit to attend trade shows, expos, conferences and more in his efforts to promote J-Band®.

 

 

What Makes AA Unique?

 

 

Exline said he enjoys the camaraderie of working in sales. At Associated Asphalt, he’s grateful to have been placed with an amazing sales team that is fun, dedicated, and always willing to help out. Everyone in the entire company, he added, has been extremely supportive. When it came to learning the ropes of products and the customer base, Exline had John Mimms to rely on. Working in sales is about knowing the value of building customer relationships, and there’s no one who understands that more than John. “Jake brings great energy to our company,” stated Mims, Southern Performance Products Manager.  “His ability to quickly connect with those he meets, coupled with his willingness to learn what’s important to each customer will serve him well throughout his career.”

 

 Associated Asphalt is different because of the people. Exline believes that the people make a business, regardless of what you’re selling. And at Associated Asphalt, he said, the people are hard to beat.

 At Associated Asphalt, we support and encourage our employees to seek professional growth. Through higher education, opportunity will be provided for those who shoot for the stars.

Melissa Perdue might be a newer member of the Associated Asphalt team, but she’s no stranger to the industrial driving industry. Being with the company for 6 months, Melissa has nearly 27 years of driving under her belt. With these several years of experience, she proves to be a critical part of the team. Melissa’s ambition has been sparked by the amount of in-reach opportunities here at Associated Asphalt. She continues to add value to herself by continuing her education in pursuit of her bachelor’s degree in business. She pushes herself to be the best version of herself she can be in hopes of moving up in the company over time. Her determination and tenacity has led her to where she is now, and will likely guide her to greatness moving forward. 

I’m most looking forward to moving up the ladder. There seems to be a lot of opportunity for that here.

 

Day in the Life

A typical day in the life of a tanker driver that hauls liquid asphalt and emulsion is no simple one. With her day beginning at 2 in the morning, Melissa wakes up to get ready for her 4 am shift. She strategically maps out her day to have enough time for whatever comes her way. Loads arrive at 7 am, where she pumps and transports them where they need to go. The majority of her schedule is spent behind the wheel.

What Makes Her Stand Out

According to Melissa, her amount of time in the driver’s seat is what makes her different from others. While this might be true, she would not admit the other truly inspirational difference of being a female who’s tenured in a traditionally male industry. Being female doesn’t make her stand out, she said. She explains that she’s confident in what she does, which is what is relevant to the position. To others in our society, Melissa’s position is primarily filled by men, which can deter women from pursuing the job. Having a strong, female figure soaring through this industry can encourage other young girls to do whatever they set their mind to. On top of her long term of service, this is what makes her especially extraordinary.

 

Education

Melissa currently pursues a Bachelor’s degree in business, hoping to see herself in another position someday. In her last year of school, she has also acquired a certificate in project management. She’s hoping to use these two educational pieces to move from being a tanker driver to a more business-type role. While she’s looking forward to her future in the company, she has mentioned that it will be bittersweet to leave her role as a driver.  

“At Associated Asphalt,’ Purdue said, “the door is always open to gain experience.” As a role model for her daughter, she wants to lead by example and show that she never wants to stop learning. She explains that there is alway room for improvement and self growth, which is what she plans to utilize in her next chapter at the company. 

 At Associated Asphalt, we support and encourage our employees to seek professional growth. Through higher education, opportunity will be provided for those who shoot for the stars.

Associated Asphalt has completed a case study documenting PennDOT’s 5-year work plan to investigate the use of void-reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM) for longitudinal joints and extending the life of asphalt pavement. PennDOT’s program led to the introduction of a VRAM Standard Special Provision that can be used on projects let on or after April 14, 2023. PennDOT’s selection of VRAM to extend the life of Pennsylvania’s roads joins other agencies, most in America’s Mid-West, who have been using VRAM successfully since 2002 and are conscientious stewards of taxpayers’ money.

Continue reading the high-level summary, or download the study in its entirety: Extending the Life of Asphalt Pavement with Void-Reducing Asphalt Membrane: PennDOT Case Study.

PennDOT Road to SSP

VRAM is an innovative material-based solution for improving longitudinal joint performance and involves the application of a thick layer of hot-applied, polymer-modified asphalt (rather than an emulsion). It is applied beneath the future centerline of the longitudinal joint, and, as the asphalt is laid and subjected to heat and compaction by rollers, the VRAM gradually migrates from the bottom up, rendering the joint nearly impermeable to water and air.

How VRAM Works

Based on the knowledge gained by similar trials in other states, beginning as early as 2002 by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), it was determined that VRAM treatment could extend the joint life by approximately three to five years. The pavement life extension translated to a cost savings, over the life of the pavement, of three to five times the initial cost to apply the VRAM. These findings were published in a Transportation Research Board paper, A Materials Approach to Improving Asphalt Pavement Longitudinal Joint Performance, at their 2021 Annual Meeting.

First PennDOT Trial

In October 2018, PennDOT District 56 began its first trial on a 2.1-mile stretch of I-81. Annual visual assessments were conducted to examine the state of the VRAM longitudinal joint and the control joint. In April 2023, a fifth-year evaluation was completed. After more than four years, the VRAM section had minor cracks present in a few areas; however, the cracks did not penetrate into the paving mat. On the other hand, the control sections had obvious cracking.

 

Second PennDOT Trial

PennDOT’s second VRAM trial was applied on October 17, 2018, on a 1.1-mile section of I-380 in Monroe County. This experimental section would be compared over time to approximately 0.5 miles of control sections.

A team visually reviewed the joints annually, and in 2021, cores were pulled from the three-year-old joints in the control and VRAM sections. These cores were sent to Rutgers University Center for Advanced Infrastructure & Transportation (CAIT) for complete testing.

The chart below shows the impact of the J-Band migrating upward into the joint area, sealing off some of the interconnected voids of the constructed joint in the surface layer. The average permeability measured in the 9.5mm SMA Control surface course cores was 927.1 cm/sec x 10-5 (26.3 ft/day). Meanwhile, the average permeability for the 9.5mm SMA VRAM surface course cores was 14.0 cm/sec x 10-5 (0.40 ft/day).

Permeability vs Measured Air Voids - PennDOT Trial on I-380

PennDOT Continues the VRAM Work Plan

Through the end of 2022, thirteen trials had been constructed and six separate core tests were conducted. The following summarizes all of the data collected from the PennDOT test projects by Rutgers University CAIT.

Average Permeability Results: The permeability of the field cores was measured using the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) test method, FM 5-565, Florida Method of Test for Measurement of Water Permeability of Compacted Asphalt Pavement Mixtures.

Average Permeability Results for PennDOT VRAM Trials

Average Air Voids Results: The air voids of the recovered field cores were determined in accordance to AASHTO T269, Standard Method of Test for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Dense and Open Asphalt Mixtures.

Average Air Voids Results for PennDOT VRAM Trials

Average Ideal-CT Index Results: The IDEAL-CT is similar to the traditional indirect tensile strength test, and it is run at room temperature with cylindrical specimens at a loading rate of 50 mm/min in terms of cross-head displacement. For mix design and laboratory QC/QA, the same specimen size as the Hamburg wheel track test was used: 150 mm diameter an 62 mm height, and the post-peak segment was chosen to extract cracking resistance.

IDEAL-CT Index Results for PennDOT VRAM Trials

VRAM SSP in 2023 and Beyond

In March 2023, PennDOT issued a new Standard Special Provision for Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM). This SSP, which can be used on projects let on or after April 14, 2023, is recommended for use on limited access and expressway-type pavements where exceptional longitudinal joint performance is difficult to achieve.

As of August 2023, there have been six VRAM projects completed or scheduled to be completed in 2023, and seven confirmed from 2024.

To get more information about the PennDOT Case Study or learn how you can benefit from using VRAM, complete our contact form, and we will be in touch with you.

VRAM in PennDOT District 1

VRAM in PennDOT District 2

VRAM in PennDOT District 8

VRAM in PennDOT District 9

Nearly everyone talks to the HelpDesk – at least once. We often only take time to troubleshoot and fix issues at hand. So, let’s take a moment to meet Jermaine Long who started in January 2023 as Associated Asphalt’s IT Support Technician.

 

When Associated Asphalt is Family

Jermaine feels like he has always known about Associated Asphalt because his mom, Janice Grigsby, was an independent contractor who cleaned the Roanoke terminal. Starting at the age of 16, she continued with the Roanoke terminal as her client for decades, returning to work even after receiving a lung transplant.

 

Jermaine recalls coming to help her when she didn’t have a sitter. He would often empty trash cans and do other small tasks. One evening, Janice told her son to find an office and draw until she finished working. Jermaine wandered into an empty office, climbed in the desk chair, and started to draw. As children often do, he signed each of his pieces as he finished them. Janice soon called for him, and then left for home – the signed masterpieces left on the desk.

 

The next morning, Bill Kirk, who was President of the company at the time, came out of his office holding pieces of paper, asking if anyone knew who Jermaine was. This story is now embedded as company lore. At a recent employee event that Jermaine attended, Mr. Kirk immediately recalled who Jermaine was and shared the story of the little boy who played in his office one night.

Interests in Problem-Solving and Helping Others

Originally, Jermaine thought his interests would take him to a career in music. After a short run of working out of a studio in his basement, Jermaine enrolled in ECPI University and graduated with an Associate’s degree in Information Technology.

 

Jermaine came to the position at Associated Asphalt with 10 years of experience as a Technical Support Engineer. He considers himself a people person and enjoys the challenge of troubleshooting computer issues. 

 

“It’s man versus machine,” said Jermaine, “and man wins.”

 

Working at a help desk is always interesting as one often is solving problems in real-time, and issues need to be addressed quickly to keep business moving. While answering his very first call on his first day was daunting, everyone has been very patient. Jermaine appreciates the encouragement from not only his management and IT team, but also every individual he encounters regularly.

Opportunities and Life at Associated Asphalt
Jermaine now works side-by-side with a number of people, including Danny Moran, Director of Sales & Logistics; and Daniel Palmer, Roanoke Terminal Manage, who he got to know as a child when visiting the Roanoke terminal with his mom. There is value in relationships you build over a lifetime, and there is satisfaction in helping a frustrated co-worker overcome a technological challenge. These are just some of the reasons Jermaine Long appreciates his role as IT Support Technician here at Associated Asphalt.

Mike Tyree, an Associated Asphalt veteran employee with more than 15 seasons with the company, is no stranger to the world of asphalt. Tyree has been visiting the plants due to his familial ties with other employees since he could walk.

 

“Once asphalt gets in your blood,” Tyree said, “it’s not coming out.”

 

Tyree has spent his entire professional career at Associated Asphalt’s Roanoke location, officially beginning his time with the company while consecutively completing a degree in criminal justice with a minor in sociology. Working his way up the ladder, Tyree has served in an array of positions that include roles as an operator, loader, lab technician, sales, field support, quality control, and manager.

 

Understanding how pumps and valves work was a vital step for his initial role as an terminal operator at Associated Asphalt, but taking that knowledge and expounding on it through self-guided research of emulsions, a true interest, was Tyree’s ticket to moving up.

 

Vast Horizons for Those Who Seek Success

Although Tyree’s personal interest in pursuing emulsions knowledge didn’t directly relate to his initial role, he made the effort to think to the future with eyes on the types of opportunities at the company that he wanted—not had—and prepared himself to be knowledgeable and suitable for those roles should they become available. And they did, in the form of Tyree becoming a manager at the emulsion plant.

 

At Associated Asphalt, Tyree confidently stated, ambition is supported and rewarded. Though being self-motivated naturally put Tyree in a position to excel, the internal support to assist employees with gaining advanced training, higher education, programs such as LEAP, and networking opportunities with industry leaders, have been an invaluable benefit that sets the company apart from others.

 

 

Today, Tyree serves the company as a Technical Service Representative, a role in which he supports the Mid-Atlantic and North East terminals and optimizes formulations. The value of mentors such as Kevin McGlumphy during his time at Associated Asphalt, Tyree said, has not gone unnoticed as a tool for upward mobility. 

 

“From the first time I visited the Roanoke emulsion facility, Mike showed great energy and effort combined with a strong desire to be the best at what he did,” stated Kevin McGlumphy, Director of Research, Development & Engineering. “Mike’s willingness to go above and beyond for the team and to step outside his comfort zone grabbed my attention. His work ethic and positive attitude made him an easy choice when growth opportunities presented themselves. He’s a huge part of our team’s success.”

 

Associated Asphalt: Taking Pride in Making Job Security a Reality

Many positions at Associated Asphalt require training and field experience, while others lean more heavily on higher education foundations. This variety of needs, availability, and company-wide open-mindedness allows Associated Asphalt to offer a breadth of opportunities for all types of people and skill sets. In an industry where many entry-level employees often feel overlooked, Tyree said, Associated Asphalt excels in making everyone feel appreciated and worthy of advancement.

 

An aspect of Associated Asphalt that Tyree most appreciates is that the industry as a whole is always changing, advancing, and evolving. Job security in asphalt, and the ability to continue moving forward professionally at Associated Asphalt, he said, is undeniable. 

Hallie Bunkowske, who started as a laboratory technician at our Bituminous Technologies laboratory in Tampa in October 2013, has achieved remarkable growth within Associated Asphalt through her determination and hard work. Over the past decade, Bunkowske advanced her career within the company, currently holding the position of Sales & Technical Manager, overseeing commodity asphalt sales at the Port Everglades terminal as well as focusing on performance products sales in Florida and Northern Pennsylvania.

 

“Void-reducing asphalt membrane, or VRAM, technology has been in the Midwest for nearly 20 years, and it’s exciting to be involved in the growth of this product as its use increases in states on the East Coast,” Bunkowske explains. “It has really taken off in Pennsylvania, showing huge improvements in the performance and life span of their roads by supporting the weakest part of the pavements, the centerline joints. I have really enjoyed working with PennDOT, which officially issued a new VRAM Standard Special Provision in April 2023. I look forward to continuing the expansion of our VRAM product, J-Band®, by presenting our case studies and core test results to engineers and DOTs in the southern states.”  

 

Throughout her journey from Quality Control to Research and Development, and now in Sales, Bunkowske has accumulated invaluable knowledge and experience. Despite joining the company with no prior asphalt expertise, she received encouragement and guidance from her supervisors and colleagues, enabling her to become a proficient leader that is well-versed in the chemistry of our asphalt products and their benefits. 

“Transitioning Hallie to the Sales Department from our Technical team was an easy decision,” stated Chad Gemberling, Director of Sales & Marketing, Commodity & Performance Products. “Associated Asphalt’s Florida terminal network and sales of J-Band® in the Northeast have both grown significantly, which lent itself to adding the right person to our sales team. Hallie brings the technical side to sales and has the personality, energy, and economic thinking skills to excel in this role. She is self-motivated and a team player. We look forward to her continuous growth within this organization.” 

 

 

Bunkowske actively participates in FACERS, the Florida Association of County Engineers & Road Superintendents; ACAF, the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida; PAPA, the Pennsylvania Asphalt Pavement Association; and APWA, the American Public Works Association. Additionally, she collaborates closely with the sustainability team to broaden her industry and professional expertise, opening doors to more opportunities in the future.

Bunkowske finds fulfillment in the dynamic nature of her work, embracing the ever-evolving tasks and responsibilities that challenge her to improve and learn continually. She appreciates the rewarding interactions with customers, forming lasting connections that strengthen bonds for both herself and Associated Asphalt.

 

Because of her success, Bunkowske actively supports and encourages her team members to seize opportunities for professional growth and advancement. This commitment to internal promotion and employee development aligns with Associated Asphalt’s culture, fostering a thriving environment where ambitious paths are encouraged and nurtured.

 

Hallie is a Florida native and received her bachelor’s in Biology and Chemistry from The University of Central Florida. She currently resides in Central Florida with her husband and two dogs. When she is home, she loves spending time with her friends and family but enjoys escaping the heat and traveling to the cooler areas up north.

“You never know where life will take you, but by building good relationships along the way and walking toward every challenge, you may go much further than you ever imagined.”

Ernest Hamilton lives by these words of wisdom. Ernie is our Senior Transportation Manager at Associated Asphalt and the author of “Overcoming Challenges: The Tar-Billy Way.” In his book, he tells about his exciting journey into the trucking industry and the obstacles he overcame over time.

RoadSigns; A Transport Topics Podcast

On Thanksgiving, Ernie discussed his experience on RoadSigns, the podcast series for transport topics. He spoke with the host, Michael Freeze, whom he’d previously met at a Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) meeting. This council shapes the trucking industry from a technology and maintenance standpoint. The pair hit it off as they both are writers with backgrounds in the trucking industry. You can find a podcast transcript at the bottom of this article.

When asked about his story, Ernie explained that his family and friends were a major source of inspiration that led him to embark on his successful career path. From an early age, he had a passion for trucking. His father and uncle were both truck drivers. So, after high school, Ernie chose to follow in their footsteps. “All I wanted to do was drive. I didn’t even think about another occupation. There was nothing out there for me as far as I was concerned,” he tells Michael.

Alongside driving, Ernie built a campground with his family and friends, pictured on his book’s cover. Working as a team with these folks sparked something in Ernie and shone a light on his future career path. There were numerous challenges that the group had to overcome, but everybody came together. “It’s what actually inspired me to get into management,” Ernie says. No matter the challenge, Ernie would always try to offer the best possible advice.

The Path to Management

In 2005, Ernie decided to hang up his hat as a driver and dive into the management field. Ernie initially planned to get his Associate’s Degree. However, he gained an excellent education and even greater confidence while in school. So, Ernie went on to earn his Master’s Degree from Campbell University. He graduated with his MBA in 2011, and the rest is history.

In February 2016, Ernie joined the Associated Asphalt family. He oversees all our trucking operations based at our Martinsburg, Roanoke, Bristol, Hopewell, Columbia, and Tampa terminals. Something that has helped Ernie excel in his role is his personal experience as a trucker. “I know what it’s like; getting into management and having all that experience under my belt allows me to help the drivers the best way I can,” he says to Michael. Ernie stresses that being proactive rather than reactive is essential to ensuring production runs smoothly.

Working for Associated Asphalt has allowed Ernie to live out his values; daily, he manages his fleet with a safety-first approach. Ernie partnered with our IT department to develop a system that helps us easily comply with required maintenance regulations. To support his efforts to lead with a safety mindset, Ernie also acquired his Director of Safety Certificate from the North American Transportation Management Institute.

It’s apparent that Ernie genuinely cares for the people around him. “Right now, I work with an awesome company. Associated Asphalt’s been really good to me. I have no intentions of going anywhere as long as they’ll have me!”

We appreciate Ernie, too. He is truly an asset to the Associated Asphalt team – and a great author.

Remember, you can get a copy of his book, Overcoming Challenges: The Tar-Billy Way! We’re all very proud of you, Ernie.

Special thanks to Michael Freeze and everyone at Transport Topics!

Roadsigns Podcast Transcript

Speaker: From Transport Topics in Washington, DC: This is RoadSigns. And now here’s your host, Michael Freeze.

Michael Freeze: Thank you for listening to RoadSigns, the podcast series for Transport Topics that explores the trends and technologies that are shaping the future of trucking. Before we dive into today’s episode, we’d like to invite you to subscribe to Transport Topics, where you can receive exclusive access to our top 100 list, quarterly magazines, and other news surrounding the trucking industry.

For this Thanksgiving episode, we’d like to take a detour from the trends and technologies to explore something that’s more in line with the holiday: gratitude and giving.

A career in the trucking industry has opened many doors for people. Some grew up wanting nothing more than to be truck drivers, while others came into the profession later in life. No matter the past, those who truly choose the trucking profession have made the most of the opportunities, and use the success to help others deal with the challenges in and out of the workplace.

On this episode, we’ll ask the question, “What are trucking professionals most thankful for?” To answer that, we’ll speak with Etienne Hightower, CEO, and founder of Trucker Down, a nonprofit organization that assists truck drivers in times of need later in the program. But first, we’re going to talk about the path of personal development with Ernie Hamilton, Senior Transportation Manager with Associated Asphalt, and author of the book Overcoming Challenge: The Tar-Billy Way. Welcome to the show, Ernie!

Ernie Hamilton: Thank you, Michael. Glad to be here.

Michael Freeze: Thanks for coming on Ernie, and thanks for taking the time out of your Thanksgiving holiday to join us. Tell us about yourself and tell us about your role at Associated Asphalt.

Ernie Hamilton: Yeah, right now I’m the Senior Transportation Manager for Associated Asphalt. We are a liquid asphalt and emulsion company. We have liquid asphalt and emulsion in about 35 terminals – I believe from New York down into Florida. So we’re primarily East Coast. And we have trucks at 6 of those terminals from Martinsburg, West Virginia down into Tampa, Florida which I oversee.

Michael Freeze: You know, Ernie, one of the things about the book that I liked during our conversations that we had during the technology and maintenance council meeting in the fall during Team C Super Tech is, number one, your love for trucking and how that translated to a career that you have in a management position. I’m just curious myself about the book Overcoming Challenges: The Tar-Billy Way. What exactly is The Tar-Billy Way?

Ernie Hamilton: Well, if you notice there’s a picture on the front of the book of a campground. That campground is something that my friends and my family built; all of us together. And it’s what actually inspired me to get into management. But my friends – they were from North Carolina, so the Tar Heels. I was living in North Carolina at the time and my family is from West Virginia, and of course, they live there close to the campground. And you know, West Virginia, you all, everyone thinks of hillbillies. So it came out the “Tar-Billy Way.”

And growing up with my family and then actually watching all of this group come together while we were building this campground, you know, there was numerous challenges, you know, that I’d seen then in the campground that we had to overcome while we were building that. But also, the things that I’d seen my family overcome in trucking and growing up. It just seemed to be a fitting title, Overcoming Challenges: The Tar-Billy Way.

Michael Freeze: You know that’s – I mean it’s a great read by the way. One of the things that I was really drawn to, like I said, is your love for trucking. But just how you had a career path where you wanted to be a trucker. You know, your father was a trucker and your uncle was a trucker. From that love to get to the position where you’re at right now – number one, did you have a plan that you wanted to go elsewhere beyond trucking or was it if you were a truck driver for 40 years, that would be fine with you?

Ernie Hamilton: When I got out of high school, trucking was all I wanted to do. All I wanted to do was drive. I didn’t know of – I didn’t even think about another occupation. That’s it. There was nothing out there for me as far as I was concerned, and after being able to drive for – and I drove for I guess 10 years between when I drove for my dad and different ones getting experience, and I drove for Food Lion for 7.5 years. Ended up with about a million miles of safe driving under my belt. You know, and building the campground along the way, I was just inspired to get out of the trucking and get into management. The campground – all those guys that were involved in that were of the trucking industry as well.

Some of them worked with me at – there at Food Lion; actually worked under me, a few of them. And you know, they would bring their problems to me. Anything that’d come up they would come to me about whether it be the campground or a work problem. And they seemed to be very appreciative of the fact that I tried to help them. Anything that come up, I tried to help them and I enjoyed helping them. I enjoyed the feeling of making a difference; I felt like I made a difference. So in 2005, I decided, you know, I enjoyed making a difference on a level of, I guess you could say a hobby – let’s try it on a business level. So I got out of trucking in 2005 and got into management in 2007. Got a promotion and decided, you know what, let’s go back to school and get a degree.

Michael Freeze: You know that was one of the things especially you getting your MBA. Was that something that sparked from just getting into management? Because in the book, there are a lot of things with your position at Food Lion and your positions that you had earlier. You were able to identify challenges within those particular situations, and also looking back on them you could also the rival essence from that, from that experience as a trucker and even before. You know not having your CDL license just yet, but you’re working to get to that particular point. When you got into management, was that a game plan that you had? You wanted to get into management and then from that point, you wanted to pursue a college education? Was that the sort of the drive that you had in becoming a driver? Did you translate that well into getting your college education? How was that dynamic?

Ernie Hamilton: Yeah, it all kind of comes together. The driving piece of it – when I started driving with Food Lion driving, I think I was 23 at the time. And I believe I was about the youngest driver they had hired. That was, at the time, that was the job to have – a truck driving job. You couldn’t beat it. Getting that at that early age – that was almost unheard of. But I worked for it and it gave me confidence. You know what, I can do this. And then when I got into management, I didn’t know where I wanted to go in management. All I know is I wanted to get out of that truck seat and be put in a position where I could make a difference to other people.

And when I got into it, I found out after that first year – year and a half that you know what, not only do I like doing this, it seems like I got a little bit of a talent for it. People enjoy me doing it. But if I want to do it, I need to go back to school. And then when I went back to school, I was just going to get an Associate’s degree. So I enrolled in community college, got 2 semesters under my belt, and decided, “You know what, I can do this. I think I can go on for my Bachelor’s.” So I transferred to Campbell University and I don’t know, a year or so before I finished my Bachelor’s I guess I was just building confidence up in myself that I can do this – I ain’t got but just a few months left of this. I could do another year and have my Master’s, so why not? So I started school in 2007 and graduated in 2011 with my Master’s.

Michael Freeze: You got your MBA and then you started your management position. What types of work traits or work habits that you had as a driver – how does that go into getting into management? How did you perform in that way to make you successful as you are right now?

Ernie Hamilton: Well a lot of the things I think about management is understanding what your people are going through every day. From a driver’s standpoint I know what it’s like to be out there sitting in that truck for 10–12 hours a day, I know what it’s like to have to deal with traffic and deal with the weather. All the different things that go along with it. So getting into management and having all that experience under my belt – it just allows me to kind of stay in front of the drivers and help them I guess you could say maybe be proactive in a way so they don’t have as many problems as you can be if you’re reactive.

Michael Freeze: That kind of leads me into the next thing. The next thing about this, you know, you’re the Senior Transportation Manager. You have this journey and writing a book like this just sort of showing the challenges that you have and how you overcame them, and the lessons that you learned from that. What made you want to document this particular journey? Quite honestly it’s a journey that’s not finished yet so what made you want to document this particular part of your journey?

Ernie Hamilton: Well, there were a couple of things, to begin with. It all started in the Spring of 2008. I’d been at school for about a year. I realized that all those people, my friends, and my family that I’d spent so much time over the previous 5-6-7 years building this campground – I wasn’t able to see them at that time. Rarely talked to them, rarely saw them. But when I did talk to them, it was on the phone or if I’d seen them, it was in person. It was like we’d just hung up that phone from a previous call or we’d just seen each other yesterday. I didn’t hear stuff like, you know, “You’re too good to come around,” or “You ain’t got time for us.” They supported and I really appreciated that. So I decided, “You know what? I want to do something to show my appreciation to them.” And I really quite honestly wanted to tell the world this is the friends and family I’ve got.

Well as I got into writing the book, I kind of got to realizing when I got my Master’s and what have you and what I’ve done, I wanted to use my story to hopefully inspire other people. I just wanted to make a difference in their career, whether it be in the trucking industry or any industry for that matter, that you can do it.

You just got to have the confidence in yourself to move forward and to overcome each challenge as they come about and walk toward those challenges. A lot of times, I think our biggest competitor sometimes can be ourselves. Sometimes I think we come up with more excuses why we can’t do something instead of finding reasons why or ways we can do it

Michael Freeze: That was one of the things that I really liked about the book. That you just mentioned – just sort of the inspiration and just kind of let everyone in on the conversation we had during TMC. There was one question that you’d asked me and it just kind of made me ponder a little bit and just sort of “What’s your inspiration for writing?” And usually, when someone, especially from the industry, asks me about writing, it’s just sort of a simple question, “How does Transport Topics get published?” or just something like how you get those story ideas or whatnot. But no one’s ever really asked me just the inspiration part of it. Just sort of “What inspires you to write?” And I just remember that conversation. I kind of stumbled for a little bit thinking, “You know, what is my inspiration? You know? But I think that’s what brought you to write this particular book… just passing that info along.

Just lots of stories in there, like I said, lots of life lessons. Just you as a kid and just reacting and witnessing what your father went through, what your uncle went through, and just your family around you. And just kind of how they overcame adversity and just the challenges that they had just on their career. And writing the book, Ernie, was there one particular item that’s in this book that you really wanted to highlight for the most part? Was there one thing that when you wrote it that you were saying to yourself, “Oh man, this is a really good tidbit right here… I wish more people would know this?”

Ernie Hamilton: No, I don’t know that there’s any one particular item in that book that I’m real, I guess, more proud of than the rest of it. There are sometimes I wonder if I should’ve put more in the book because the challenges in the book are just a reader’s digest version. There are a lot of things that went on over the course of time it took to write this book which was – I mean, it was 14 years. We started, I started it in 2008. It got published in May of this year. There were a lot of other things that I could’ve put in that book that I think would’ve been relevant.

But what was scary about putting them in there is most of the people I’m trying to inspire are not going to pick up a book that looks like an encyclopedia. I wanted to keep it short, I wanted to keep it simple. And of course, I had to be careful too, you know, for professional reasons. There were things that happened over the course of my professional career since I got into management that I didn’t – even though they were challenges I had to overcome, I didn’t feel they were appropriate to document in a book. So I chose to take the high road on some things, I guess you can say.

Michael Freeze: That’s okay, that’s okay. I mean, it was a well-documented journey. Just the fact that you know it’s not, “I climb Mt. Everest.” But the thing is these were challenges for you and if anyone can read that and get that inspiration from it, that’s all well worth it. Ernie, one more question before I get you out of here. And again thank you for taking the time to talk with us during Thanksgiving. Really appreciate that. What are some of the things after the book that you would like to accomplish? Like I said, it really documents the journey you’ve been on. Do you feel you have another book in you?

Ernie Hamilton: I’ve actually thought about it. I actually started writing a book. I don’t know, another book – that is a challenge. One of the things about writing that i found is I wrote – before I wrote this, I wrote some news articles for Food Lion. Just monthly news articles for the little newsletter we had. To me, if I’m going to write anything, it’s got to be to inspire somebody. To write a self-help book or anything like that – it’s just really, really hard. It’s got to be something that inspires somebody. Maybe so, I’ve thought about maybe doing a sequel to this one down the road…just see where my journeys take me. I work right now with an awesome company. Associated Asphalt’s been really good to me. I have no intentions of going anywhere as long as they’ll have me. I’d kind of like to stay here, but who knows where we’ll end up going you know together as a company and where that journey’s going to take me, myself. So I don’t know. Maybe so. I guess the biggest thing I’m trying to figure out now is exactly where I want to go with this one book. There are a lot of different ways I can go, I’m just not quite sure what I want to do yet.

Michael Freeze: Alright, well I mean, like I said, it’s a journey and decisions aren’t necessarily time-based. The world is your oyster so they say. But we’ve been speaking with Ernie Hamilton, Senior Transportation Manager of Associated Asphalt, and author of Overcoming Challenge: The Tar-Billy Way. Hey Ernest, how can one get this book?

Ernie Hamilton: The book is available on Amazon, it is available at Walmart, Target, Barnes & Nobles, and Pocahontas Press. They can also get an audio version soon. It’s not out yet. The audio version is coming. I talked to my editor this weekend. So if somebody’s looking for an audio version, if they’ll just be patient. That is coming to a theater near you soon.

Michal Freeze: Alright and this is a – the book itself as Ernie was saying, is a life lesson but it’s centered on the trucking and transportation industry, so it’s a great read. Ernie, thank you very much for joining us.

Ernie Hamilton: Michael, thank you so much for having me. And I hope you have a wonderful day with your family.

Colleen Moore joined the Associated Asphalt family 17 years ago at our Greensboro terminal. Colleen worked in banking for six years before joining the team until she decided it was time to start a new chapter. She saw an open Administrative Assistant position and was eager to apply, as she had the necessary experience and skills. Her only concern was that she didn’t have a background in the asphalt industry. However, Colleen applied and quickly found herself at home. “My initial thought was, ‘I don’t know anything about asphalt. But I picked it up right off the bat,” She continues, “I didn’t know what I was getting into, and now I love it. I can’t imagine life without it.”

Since the beginning, Colleen’s diligence hasn’t gone unnoticed. She transitioned into an Administrative Coordinator role in 2016, and just last year, she was promoted to Logistics Manager. Colleen shared that in her time with Associated Asphalt, she’s had the chance to meet so many friendly folks in and outside the company, making her experience remarkable. “I felt comfortable right from the get-go. There isn’t anybody that you couldn’t reach out to answer your questions. They’re always there to help,” she says, “Even at the corporate level, you can still pick up the phone and know they’re going to answer.”

As that old saying goes, “There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team.’ At Associated Asphalt, we help each other out because we want the best for our team and our customers. Colleen says, “We strive for excellence. It is ingrained in us. All throughout the team, we want each other to succeed. We want success as a company.” The best way to accomplish any goal in our eyes is by working together. Colleen says, “We always watch out for one another like we’re our brothers’ keepers.” This is especially important because there are many hazards at an asphalt terminal. Safety is one of our values that is the top priority.

A great example of this camaraderie among the team was when there was an asphalt spill in Greensboro. “There was an urgent matter, and I ended up out on the rail line, which isn’t something I do,” Colleen says. “We knew we had to act fast to ensure everyone’s safety. I was toting sandbags along with all the guys to contain a spill.” By coming together, they successfully stopped the spill and prevented anyone from getting hurt. “There was nothing that was stopping us that day from ensuring everyone was okay,” Colleen says.

Some things that stand out to Colleen about Associated Asphalt are the family-oriented culture and appreciation shown on every level. She shared that she has met some of her dearest friends working here. Colleen shares, “To establish those relationships and to have that integrity behind it, to know that people stand with you versus ahead or in front of you, it makes all the difference.” It all comes down to the team upholding our core values. Colleen says, “We live the culture out each day rather than just talking about it.”

For Colleen, working at Associated Asphalt has been a journey. She noted that she’s not typically outspoken. But in time, she’s gained confidence and felt empowered to voice her thoughts on important matters. “I seek out innovative ways to advance the company. I learned that I can speak up on these ideas. I found my brave.”

Speaking of growth, Associated Asphalt has countless opportunities throughout the company. We aim to support our current team members and newcomers. Colleen says, “Nothing’s ever out of reach. There’s always room to advance, and they’ll help you to succeed with everything. The sky’s the limit!”

Colleen is such an asset to our team at Associated Asphalt! All of our employees bring a range of skills, values, and experiences to the team! You can read more employee spotlights here. Interested in starting a career at Associated Asphalt? Apply today!

Bobbi Mullins’ story begins in Clay County, West Virginia. She worked at a local post office for a couple of years until she made the decision to start a new life in Salisbury, North Carolina. That’s where Bobbi found Associated Asphalt. “I could’ve transferred to the post office in Greensboro, but it wasn’t as fulfilling as I wanted it to be,” she said. What’s more, Bobbi was searching for a place to call her own where she could flourish in her career. She goes on to say, “I joined the team during the Associated Asphalt transition in March of 1997. I was very lucky to be a part of the team and grow with the company.”

Bobbi has been a part of the Associated Asphalt team for 25 years. She began her story as an administrative assistant at the Salisbury, North Carolina terminal, then transitioned from working on supply transportation to becoming a Senior Logistics Manager. “I’ve been here half my life,” Bobbi happily says. “It’s a great company to work for. I have shown my worth so they’ve promoted me within.”

But not only is it the advancement opportunities that have kept Bobbi with Associated Asphalt. “It’s been a career for me. They take very good care of me.” And it’s reciprocal. We strive to do the best we can each day for everyone’s sake. Bobbi says, “We want everyone to go home safe, the way they arrived to work. We never want anyone hurt. We have had some accidents, but we all look out for each other and take care of one another.”

It’s the close bond that Bobbi shares with her teammates that has made working at Associated Asphalt a unique and meaningful experience for her. “We’re just a tight-knit family. I’ve established some of my lifelong friends within this company.” Bobbi used to train all the administrators, so she has become well-acquainted with almost everybody at Associated Asphalt. “It’s the people that make this place the best place to work,” she says.

Her love for her company grew even stronger when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Bobbi and some of her fellow coworkers had to begin working remotely, which was an adjustment. But Bobbi says it showed just how much faith Associated Asphalt has in their employees. “They trust us to work to the best of our abilities and to accomplish what we need to accomplish every day.”

We value each member of our team and believe in showing appreciation for our staff members’ dedication. Bobbi says, “I’m proof of this. If you’re willing to put the hard work in, you have a chance to rise with the company. You can make it a career. I’ve made it a career!”

We are so pleased to call Bobbi a part of the Associated Asphalt family! All of our employees bring a range of skills, values, and experiences to the team! You can read more employee spotlights here. Interested in starting a career at Associated Asphalt? Apply today!