RockTalk the Podcast

In this Episode we hear sisters, Linda and Ricki, share their stories about a family rich in Graniterock's history. Tales of climbing behind the wheel of their Dad's big rig and being taught the ropes of old school down-shifting! Ricki shares her story of driving onto a rail car and slowly dropping ballast along the tracks from above. Linda shares her story on the importance of a good team! 

CFO Steve Snodgrass tells the story of answering a "CFO wanted ad" for Graniterock in the Wall Street Journal in 1995.
While he would be hired to serve as controller in 1995, Steve eventually made his way to CFO in 2005.
He also served as Graniterock's chief information officer for many years.
Now as Steve is set to retire on April 1, the avid runner and budding politician looks back on a career that had its share of ups and downs, including taking the Company through the Great Recession. 
Thanks Steve, and best of luck in your Monterey County supervisor race in the June 7 primary! 

Here's a review of Graniterock's successes and challenges in 2021 as we continued navigating the ups and downs of a global pandemic.
This podcast is taken from a video shown at the Company's Leadership Conference on Feb. 3, including interviews with Rich Sacher, Henry Ramirez, Rodney Jenny, Mike McGrath, Jeff Lindsey, Stuart Mager, Peter Lemon, Don Barrett and John Torres.

To all the team members who helped Graniterock rise above the headwinds of inflation, supply chain delays and other setbacks in 2021 to ensure our industry leadership holds strong, thank YOU!

We have Graniterock owner Rose Ann Woolpert on the podcast on this special date of 2/22/22 to talk a little about Graniterock's 122-year history and our state contractor's license No. 22.
There's a story here that involves dried coconut and weevils that you probably haven't heard before, but plays big role in our history.

John Torres has the classic story of someone who started their Graniterock career as a college intern, worked hard and moved up the ranks.

John moved from Chico State graduate to Graniterock intern, to project manager and estimator to eventually San Francisco Bay Area Private Area Manager for the Construction Division.

He joins the podcast to share some of his background and what's in store for the private construction market in 2022!

Here is the CCS team - Keith Severson, Shanna Crigger, Robert Ellenwood and Janae Thomas.
A fun conversation where they pull back the curtain on Graniterock communications, community and sales support.
This is the team that works to keep team members connected through strong Company communications and often works outside Graniterock to build our reputation in the community.
Plus, they're here to help you better serve your customer, whether that's through industry-related educational events or handing out Graniterock hats.
You'll get the skinny on what goes into Graniterock's great video productions, why community is so important to the Company and the work that goes into keeping loyal customers.

Mike Baker made his first in-person visit to Graniterock since early 2020, and we were able to snag him to join the podcast.
Mike, with his southern accent strong as ever, talks with Shanna Crigger on how the Working Together leadership training fits with Graniterock's culture and why this leadership model works on job sites and Company branches.
If you haven't attended a Working Together weekend training, this episode will give you a good baseline of what to expect when we can return to training together in person.
It truly sets the "context and purpose" for the importance of strong leadership.
Mike also shares some of his classic Working Together stories from his years as an executive in the world of aluminum manufacturing in Kentucky.

Welcome back, Mike! We hope to see you soon for a Working Together refresher.

In this episode, it's sister time! 
Stephanie Kniffin, Jennifer Alvarez and Jessica Snow chat with host Robert Ellenwood about family and their careers at Graniterock. 
They all started their careers, learning the Company and the industry, on the receptionist desk at the corporate office and worked their way up.
Stephanie, with 17 years at the Company, serves as Graniterock's wellness services and workers comp administrator.
Jessica, a photographer on the side, has held several positions, including her current role as contract administrator with the Construction Division's custom team.
Jessica has been with the Company for 15 years.
Jennifer, 11 years at Graniterock, is on the Accounting Department's accounts receivable deposit desk.

A great example of how a fantastic company can recruit three rising stars from the same family!

Also, as a bonus, they talk about celebrating the holidays as a big family, and share some of what's on their holiday menus!

In this episode, Reiner, Hans and Juergen talk about their journey in construction and how all three brothers ended up at Graniterock. The brothers also talk about their most challenging projects and the ones they really enjoyed. 

Listen to the end for a surprise twist on a Thanksgiving meal!

In this episode, Mike shares with us how technology has vastly improved the Concrete Division efficiency and helps set up Graniterock as an industry leader in customer service.

The conversation includes:
Telematics
GPS
BCMI/Material Now
Environmental Product Declaration Generator (EPD = nutrition label for concrete)
Tableau - Real-time analytics and data
Verify Real-Time Batch - Product Quality Control (GCP)
Company input helps Technology Partners
Future technology will bridge the material resource gap

We end this episode with a fun chat about Mike's football career at UC Berkeley and the upcoming Big Game - Stanford v. Cal!
Who does Mike think will win this year?