RockTalk the Podcast

Ever wondered how to pull off a monumental celebration like Graniterock's 125-year anniversary? Join us as we invite Paul Cianciarulo, the leadership behind the 15 team member planning event, to share his insights on organizing an unforgettable night. From a strolling dinner amidst stunning marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to thrilling casino games and a unique movie screening of 125 the Movie, get an insider's look at the meticulous planning that ensures every detail is just right. Listen in as we promise you a peek into the smooth logistics of transportation and accommodations, crucial for making the evening seamless for all attendees. 

Dive into the nitty-gritty of prepping for this grand occasion which is on February 22, 2025, with valuable contributions from celebration team members, Jeff Williams and Chandra Palacios. Discover what awaits you at the check-in, where you'll be greeted with name tags, drink tickets, and a convenient coat check. With only ten weeks to go, anticipation is building, and we couldn't have done it without the dedication of our incredible team. Whether you're part of the Graniterock family or a valued community member, this episode serves as your ultimate guide to ensuring you enjoy every moment of this historic celebration.

Hosted by Abbie Gordon

For questions about this event, please contact us at [email protected]

In this episode of RockTalk the Podcast, we dive into the work of Graniterock's Human Resources team with Casey Messersmith and Manny Garcia.

The two discuss efforts made to recruit talented individuals who align with the Company culture. With a strong emphasis on finding the right fit, the HR team works to ensure every candidate who joins Graniterock shares our commitment to teamwork, safety and excellence.

One area of focus is college recruiting, where the team actively engages with students and recent graduates, offering opportunities for internships and entry-level positions.

“We look for candidates who not only have the skills but who are a cultural fit, people who understand and embrace the Graniterock way,” Casey said.

The interview process is designed to be thorough yet welcoming, allowing candidates to showcase their strengths while also learning about the company. From initial phone screens to in-person interviews with team leaders, the process helps ensure new hires are well-equipped to thrive at Graniterock.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more about recruiting strategies and how the HR team is building the future of Graniterock.

Hosted by Graniterock's accounts payable manager Abbie Gordon, we get the scoop on plans for the Company's 125-year birthday party taking place Feb. 22, 2025.
 
Donita Granado from the materials sales team and HR's Manny Garcia join the show for a look into what to expect for our 125th celebration at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

Donita sheds light on hotel rooms secured, including room blocks at the Marriott Monterey and Monterey Plaza Hotel. 
Plus, with shuttle services from other hotels, team members can arrive stress-free.

Manny ramps up the excitement by revealing the fun elements in store, including photo booths, a 360 video booth with playful props and a roving photographer to capture the party's candid moments. 

Got questions? 
Email the celebration team at [email protected] and stay tuned for our final podcast in December. 

A huge thanks to Donita and Manny for their willingness to jump on the microphone!

Curious about what it's like to work as a summer intern at Graniterock? 

Tune into this episode of RockTalk the Podcast!
 
Hosted by Ciera Puente, a marketing intern and business major at San Diego State, she chats with fellow interns Rayven Bedolla and Jose Meza Munoz about their roles and experiences this summer. 

Rayven, an environmental services specialist and environmental science major at University of Hawaii Manoa, dives into the world of environmental permits and inspections.
Jose, a construction management major at CSU East Bay, shares what he's learned from the hands-on work and how it translates classroom knowledge into engineering solutions. 

From daily routines to the invaluable lessons learned, this show provides a glimpse of intern life at Graniterock.

We wrap up with what these three enjoy grabbing from the free vending machine at the corporate office. 
Thanks for listening!

Being the new guy or gal at Graniterock isn’t easy.

When it comes to landing a job as a project engineer or project manager in the Construction Group, there is a lot of information and processes to master.

Sometimes it would be nice to have a cheat sheet!

Thanks to Construction Manager Matt Christie and Business Manager Angie Melnikoff there is a new PM/PE playbook that helps team members learn how everything works around here.

This podcast explains how the playbook helps project engineers and project managers do their jobs and how you can get your hands on one.

Plus, Angie shares how she started as a receptionist at a small construction company and grew to her current role as the Construction Group's business manager, while Matt takes us through his evolution from a summer intern from Chico State in 2007 to becoming one of Graniterock's construction managers in public works. 

Thanks for listening! 

What if you could step into history while celebrating a monumental milestone? Join us as host Abbie Gordon chats with committee members Jeff Williams, Chandra Palacios, and Casey Messersmith about Graniterock's 125th anniversary celebration at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. From the unique strolling dinner to the exciting casino games, dancing, and 360 camera experiences, Chandra dishes on all the event's highlights. Plus, don't miss the special 125th-anniversary movie screening and tips on the semi-formal attire expected for the evening. This episode promises a night to remember, blending fun activities with a touch of elegance.

Our dedicated 15-member planning committee has been hard at work, and Casey shares insider details on the behind-the-scenes efforts, including regular bi-weekly meetings and coordinated logistics. We discuss convenient lodging options, with room blocks at nearby hotels and potential shuttle services to make your visit seamless. Whether you're excited about the historic venue or looking forward to reconnecting with team members, this episode covers everything you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable celebration. Bring your dancing shoes and a plus one – we can't wait to celebrate with you!

There were several questions we couldn’t get to during the recent 2024 Leadership Conference town hall, so we saved them for the podcast.

This episode is hosted by Keith Severson with Vice President and Chief People Officer Bill Miller and Human Resources Director Jamie Agnello fielding questions.

There’s something for every team member in this show!

Show notes:
Jacob Young Financial: [email protected]
Graniterock Ethics Hotline: 888-948-4472
Jamie Agnello: [email protected]
Bill Miller:  [email protected]
Peter Lemon: [email protected]

In this episode, members of the Graniterock safety team – Vice President Paul Cianciarulo, Daisy Kwan and David Leffel give us a rundown on how the Company performed in 2023 when it comes to keeping team members safe at work.
 
We talk briefly about their individual personal journeys into safety and how they've helped build a culture of safety at Graniterock. 

Our conversation focuses on the positive safety trends at Graniterock in 2023. 
We also discuss some of the hot-button safety topics at Graniterock: Safety helmets and telematics.  
Despite initial resistance, these initiatives have improved overall safety and driving behavior at Graniterock.

We welcome your feedback.
Send us a note at [email protected].
Thanks for listening! 

One of the ways Graniterock supports philanthropy is through the Graniterock Cares Committee. 
Graniterock Cares is a dedicated team overseeing the Company's philanthropic endeavors, managing the many donation requests that pour in – an average of one each day! 
From supporting local charities, schools, sports teams, Scouts and various community events, Graniterock Cares ensures that our giving spirit makes a meaningful impact.

We invited Amy Nama, Keith Severson and Abbie Gordon to join the podcast to pull back the curtain on the inner workings of the Cares team. 
They talk about how donation requests get prioritized, managing budget constraints and the hard part...saying "no" to worthy causes. 
In all, Granniterock Cares has made 60 contributions in 2023. 

Graniterock's director of geology and sustainability Jon Erskine had the summer adventure most people never dream about, running 55 miles in South Africa!

This conversation takes us near Cape Town for the Comrades Marathon with Jon, a dedicated long-distance runner outside of work.
Get immersed in the rich history of the world's oldest ultramarathon that pays homage to South Africa's fallen World War I soldiers, and discover the challenges that come with it, such as running on dirt roads and digesting curry chicken mid-race. 

Further into the conversation, we uncover Nelson Mandela's influence on the Comrades Race. We'll paint a vibrant picture of the race's captivating energy, from the stirring South African National Anthem to the symbolic rooster crow signaling the start of the race. 
Hang on tight as we recount Jon's arduous travel from San Francisco to Cape Town, the buzzing energy at the race hotel. Extra leg room, of course, for the journey! 

You'll be intrigued by Jon's encounter with the local Cub Scouts at the medical tent after his triumphant, yet painful, journey to the finish line. 
Join us for an adventure that is sure to inspire, as we celebrate Jon's achievement and the powerful human spirit that pushes us beyond our limits.