The weather was perfect for American Asphalt Company’s customer appreciation day and equipment rodeo, held May 2, 2015, at its Burlington, N.J., plant.
Guests arrived to find a festive atmosphere with activities sure to please all that attended, including kids’ areas, a lunch area, equipment challenge area, plant tours and even a tour through the asphalt lab.
The company’s 25 Mack triaxle dump truck fleet surrounded some areas like a wagon train and local police, ambulance and fire companies sent apparatus for all to see. Parking was no problem for these guests and American Asphalt had several parking shuttle buses drive guests to and from the designated parking lot.
Many customers brought their families, who were excited to watch “Dad” in action competing on a Cat backhoe, Cat skid steer and a Cat roller. Giles and Ransome brought the equipment for the competition and was on hand with both paving equipment and technical staff available to answer questions on features and models.
The best operators received trophies for their talents. Winning customers included Anthony Volz, APCON; Brian Ostner, Garden State Services LLC; Santiago Macareno, Bencardino; and Matt Troutman BCAP.
Guided tours of the asphalt plant allowed everyone from novice to expert to see how hot mix asphalt is made and how recycled products are used. Kids were all over the rock-climbing wall and moon bounce and then got face painting and prizes including hardhats. Other suppliers showing off their goods included MJF Trucking with its brand new natural gas powered triaxles, South Jersey truck repair and Bergey’s Tire Center.
American Asphalt prides itself on its relationships with its customers and suppliers. This event furthered its cause by allowing people from throughout the various companies represented to meet and greet each other. American Asphalt’s employees were on hand in great numbers, dressed in matching Red shirts making it easy for customers to ask questions and meet the people they rely on for asphalt supply.
“The biggest pleasure was watching wives and children see their dad in action, showing off his skills in the rodeo events. Not many family members ever get a chance to watch, in a safe environment, what their Dad does day in and out,” company owner Bob Brown said.
Jim Voytko, VP of operations, was responsible for pulling it all together.
“After all the planning, on the day of the event all I had to do was take some pictures from 100 feet above the site, courtesy of the Burlington Township Fire Department, and meet our customers,” Voytko said.
The event was run by staff members Chris Jennings, Chrissy Chiaravalloti, Marianne Busler, George Mellon, Dawn Turner, Bob Moncrief, Pete Sanchez, Dave Sulkin and Patty Bemesderfer.
Dave Sulkin, VP of sales, was happy to introduce clients to estimators and production staff, who many times never actually meet the customers they know by phone weekly.
“It was a great opportunity to build relationships with customers. This event is another example of how American Asphalt Company separates itself from competitors, doing things different. We’re looking forward to next year’s event and hope to see our event double in size,” Sulkin said.
Bob Moncrief, VP of construction, had his field personnel monitor safety for the events, and keep time and judge the equipment competitions.
“Our employees were more than willing, able and ready for the event and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity,” he said.
American Asphalt Company already has next year’s customer appreciation day scheduled for April 30, 2016.
For more information, contact Marianne Busler at [email protected].
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