“I’m very proud of my job. I boast about it a lot to people,” says Luther Scales.
Luther began his story with Associated Asphalt almost 20 years ago. As a young man beginning his career with a good work ethic and honest character, Luther said that he did not know a single thing about asphalt prior to joining the Associated Asphalt family. Starting as a rookie on the rail, Luther worked his way up the ladder and is now a Polymer Modified Asphalt Operator at our Greensboro terminal. Over the last two decades, Luther has acquired an array of skills and fallen in love with everything his job offers, “It’s more than a job to me. This is my life and I love it.”
Before Luther joined our team, he spent many years working in warehousing and distribution positions. He was drawn to Associated Asphalt because he was seeking something greater, something with more meaning; a company he could grow with. One of the major things he factored into taking the position at Associated Asphalt was the team, “I love the people that work here, they’re my second family.”
Our company’s core values are aligned with Luther’s personal beliefs. Integrity and safety are very important qualities to everyone on our team. Luther was brought up with the values that Associated Asphalt upholds each day. “If you do a job right and to the best of your abilities, you’ll be rewarded. I like the sense of accomplishment when I do something on my own. I feel good every night when I leave my job knowing I accomplished my goals.” Because of the nature of the work, it is essential to complete tasks at a steady pace rather than rushing through, simply trying to check boxes. “I tell the new hires all the time to ‘just take your time and you’ll eventually get it, and you’ll develop your own way of doing it safely.'” Luther says.
Luther appreciates the camaraderie, character, and overall respect that is given when the team comes together in a crisis. “There was an asphalt spill out on the rails, everybody including our office administrator Colleen, went outside to help stop and contain the spill. I was genuinely amazed seeing her spring into action, lugging sandbags outside even though it wasn’t her job.” He goes on to say, “Even though she didn’t need to come out and help us, she felt that she needed to, and she really did help us. It’s like a well-oiled machine here. When we all work together, it’s beautiful.”
Luther believes that the most valuable thing he’s learned working at Associated Asphalt is how we work as a team. “At my other jobs, it was like everyone was out for themselves. There was no working together,” he says. “At Associated Asphalt, I’m not treated like a robot, I’m treated like a person. I’m producing modified asphalt for a purpose.”
But that’s not the only perk of becoming a part of the Associated Asphalt team, according to Luther. He noted that although we continue to grow, we’re still family-based. At Associated Asphalt, you’ll have the opportunity to constantly learn from the people around you and form strong connections with your team members. “I haven’t seen a person come through here yet that wasn’t liked and given a chance to do what they can do,” Luther says. “You’ll have a home here.”
When Luther isn’t working, he loves spending time with his family. “It’s me and my son, and he has two of the most beautiful grandchildren you’ve ever seen in your life. They’re the reason I keep coming to work.” Being a “country boy” and lover of the great outdoors, you may also find Luther going fishing with his loved ones.
We are so glad to have Luther on 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!