Alpena Hosts our Largest Customer

Last week, we saw a steady influx of visitors for our Alpena facilities. Monday kicked off with a group of 14 representatives from our largest customer, Oldcastle, APG. The halls of the World Center for Concrete Technology were filled with Presidents, VPs, Directors, and Regional Managers who were enrolled in a personalized Executive Blockmakers Session, presented by Doug Rozema, Duane Rondeau, Ron Gunderman, Rodney Lang, Bruce Muenchow, and Robert Amos.

The specialized agenda consisted of an Operations Boot Camp, Introduction to Concrete Technology, Block and Paver 101, Preventive and Predictive Maintenance, Production of Concrete Products, and LEAN Thinking. Between the training, facility tours, and round-table discussions, the group was left with just enough time to enjoy a bit of Alpena with a customer reception at NOAA Great Lakes Heritage Center and a sunset shipwreck tour on Glass Bottom Boat. The last presentation of the day was, what we hope, the most meaningful: WHY BESSER? Duane explained why we feel Besser and its employees are the best value in the business. From quality and innovation to customer service and outstanding employees, it wasn't a hard sell.

Some of the comments left by our visitors left us feeling exceptionally proud of our week-long accomplishments, with the overwhelming theme of, "exceeded expectations," voiced at the graduation dinner. Kathie Hayes, Director of Operational Performance for Oldcastle, was the push behind getting this group together. She believes in Besser and our longstanding partnership with Oldcastle and wanted others on her team to experience Besser first-hand so they could decide for themselves. Already several members of Oldcastle leadership, including Tim Ortman (President, Oldcastle APG) and Craig Belasco (President of Operational Performance), reached out to Kevin Curtis to personally thank us for the excellent training experience.

Also in Alpena last week were Sten Sjoberg (Chairman of the Besser Board of Directors) and Rick Lund (previous Chairman). They were eager to show their support to the Oldcastle group and learn more about our customer base and their expectations of Besser.

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