“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
Encompassed within that quote is a perfect description of how Hunter Franklin has paved his way to his new promotion title, Paving Foreman. When we asked his team to share what traits led Hunter down this pathway to success, every single person stated the same trait: Hunter is an ever-constant learner.
When Hunter joined our family of companies in 2013, he did so as an entry-level employee. Michael Ellis (VP of Construction) shared, “It wasn’t long before Hunter was running the transfer machine. He’s obviously a quick learner… Now, he can pretty much run any type of equipment.”
In his role as Foreman, Hunter will be responsible for directing, teaching, and managing all onsite team members while supervising subcontractors and equipment. In addition, he will be responsible for understanding DOT measures and quality control guidelines while balancing safety standards and construction deadlines.
Michael went on to add, “He’s really hungry for any feedback and training we can give him. Hunter just really invites that mindset of ‘let me know how I can get better,’ and I think part of that is his humility… He gives you permission to give him some critical feedback.”
David Houston, a Project Manager who has regularly worked with Hunter, agreed. He said, “Ever since Hunter started, he’s always tried to pick up every skill he could.”
“You never saw him just standing around. When there was a chance to learn, he took it. He joined the company with no intention of sitting still,” he added.
David added, “Even now that he’s gotten the promotion, him and his team always try to deliver on what you ask for. Every job they go to, he wants it to be the best because they have to put their signature on it.”
Perhaps what aids Hunter’s ability to balance learning and constructive feedback is his display of company core values. Woody Franklin (Assistant Superintendent) remarked, “Continuous improvement and relationships are his strong suits. He’s always wanted to do better and has always been a critic of his own. Yet, he’s great at motivating others.”
Michael added, “Hunter has a deep passion for the people on his crew. That’s his leadership style – The love and respect he has for the people he works with. I think he’s going to do a good job of balancing the production aspect with the relational aspect.”
As Hunter looks ahead to projects on the horizon, he does so with full support from the crew and company as a whole. Woody closed by saying, “Hunter has had a few challenging paving jobs thrown his way so far and has done a great job. We look forward to watching him and his team work on an upcoming interstate job for Panola County.”
Jeremy Ramberg (Senior VP of Construction) closed with, “I am thrilled to usher in a new era with Hunter’s stepping into the Foreman role. Hunter is far more than a leader – He is a force of inspiration, armed with a potent mix of expertise, acumen, and an innate care for his team. This is more than filling a role; it’s embracing an individual who exemplifies everything our company stands for. We are not just welcoming a new Foreman; we are celebrating the arrival of a leader. I am excited to witness Hunter’s growth and see all that he is capable of. Bravo Zulu, Hunter!”
