“A few days ago, I went to collect an asphalt sample at Plant 5. My sample rack has a hinged drawbridge that lowers from the main deck. This allows me to get closer to the mix without being in the path of the asphalt haul truck as it approaches. When I pulled the drawbridge back to the up position, I found a bolt from one of the hinges needed replacing. As I went to replace the bolt, I realized that the design of the drawbridge didn’t allow for easy replacement… I placed a call up the chain of command to request our maintenance team come take a look.
The thing is, it was to be an extremely busy morning at the plant. This was the first QC sample of at least 3 we had to collect. That mix was already made and in the silo. However, I couldn’t safely collect it without that rack being in operation.”
“I called John Whipple, Leadman, in the scalehouse about my predicament. I know John’s reputation as being quite [resourceful], but I called just to pick his brain about an alternative way to collect the sample.
Next thing I know, I see John up on the sample rack assessing the situation. He tells me, ‘I’ll be right back.’ A few minutes later, he was up working on the drawbridge. He had drilled out the old bolt, replaced it, and welded a cap on. All without being asked! He [put himself in the shoes] of the maintenance department and knew that I needed to properly collect the asphalt mix.
Later, I was running a sample and wondering how I was going to collect the next one. Shortly after, he came into the lab drenched in sweat from the heat [with the problem solved]. When I thanked him for going above and beyond, he simply responded, ‘No problem. You’re good, bud.’
John Whipple didn’t tell me what he thought I should do. Rather, he walked down on his own volition and [made it happen].
That’s more of a volunteer than I could have asked for.”
Kudos to John for this display of our core value of stewardship!
