Drawing inspiration from the aggregate industry

I’m not a guy who typically draws inspiration from famous quotes, but I came across one recently that gave me pause for a moment of reflection.

Former President Harry S. Truman spoke the words that struck me, stating: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” The words gave me pause for a few reasons.

My first thought was about my own nature. Am I the guy who continuously has to get the credit for accomplishments big and small? I suppose it’s human nature for some people to operate in such a way. Reinforcement or recognition of good deeds can surely further our development.

But how are the greatest accomplishments truly achieved? Are they achieved as a means to an end? Or, are they achieved through concerted efforts, the kind through which leaders get satisfaction in the success of others?

Getting credit for a job well done is a nice reward. But seeing others succeed, celebrating their achievements and giving away the credit can be even more rewarding. Aggregate producers absolutely go about business this way, and it’s one of the things I appreciate about our industry.

When visiting quarries, site leaders often take the time to introduce me to their longtime employees – the 30-, 40- and 50-year veterans who are essential to daily operations. Managers and executives get that their company’s success depends on the men and women who “get dirty” every day and meet the high demands of the job.

The people in this industry don’t care about who gets the credit. Producers illustrate this in how they approach safety, dispelling any notion of credit in the name of getting everyone home safely at the end of each workday.

This really is a selfless industry. It’s one that follows the rules, quietly goes about its business and takes the safety of everyone involved seriously. This industry shares many of my values, and it’s one that’s also helped to shape my values along the way.

A look ahead

This, obviously, is the first time you’re seeing my face in this particular space of the magazine, as it’s my first appearance as Pit & Quarry’s editor-in-chief. I’ve been fortunate to meet some of you over the last five years, and I look forward to serving all of you as the editorial guide of our 101-year-old publication.

I look forward, too, to collaborating with my friend and colleague Darren Constantino, who has played a key role on Pit & Quarry’s editorial team since 1997, garnering the industry’s trust through a focus on editorial integrity and accuracy.

And while I’m not the guy who typically draws inspiration from famous quotes, I look forward to drawing further inspiration from you, the aggregate industry, as our editorial team shapes the future of Pit & Quarry.