Lauren Concrete is a leading provider of ready mix concrete in Austin, Texas. They have a large footprint with 23 plants spanning from Mason all the way to Waller. Their main market is in central Texas and in Austin. Lauren Concrete covers many different projects ranging from residential to commercial pours.
We were able to get in touch with Joe Quinonez, Ready Mix Driver at Lauren Concrete, to learn a little bit about what the mixer driver life is like!
Describe a typical day for a ready mix truck driver.
Generally, a ready mix driver works between 10-15 hours per day.
Starting off, we pre-trip inspection on trucks for safety, and we must always wear our PPE; making deliveries to our customers and checking jobsites for obstacles that may be in the way of delivery; talking with customers and communicating with other drivers.
We also do a mid-day trip inspection on our trucks to make sure there are no low tires, or any type of fluid leaks, or lights that may have gone out. At the end of the day, we do a post trip inspection so that we can be ready for the next day.
What attracted you to this line of work?
Driving around town and watching our city grow. I’ve have always enjoyed riding big trucks since I was 18.
How does your job impact your organization as a whole?
Being a driver trainer, I help make their job easier by teaching them 100% of their duties.
Tell me about the most fun you’ve had while on the job?
From time to time, we will have a BBQ and take some time to just have a little bit of fun with one another.
What kind of challenges do you experience on the job?
Learning new technology installed in our trucks and having to train other drivers of how to use it. Additionally, training new drivers/inexperienced drivers to drive a ready mix truck can come with a few challenges.
How does the use of technology help you to perform your job well?
The new technology in our trucks help us pre and post trip our trucks and eliminates the paper logs. We also have COMMANDassurance now, which makes it easy for us to monitor slump, volume, and temperature.
What sort of goals do you set for yourself that help you to perform your job well?
First, I always try to get plenty of rest the night before and try to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. I also always check and clean my PPE daily.
What is your greatest achievement inside of work and outside of work?
Inside of work, one of my greatest achievements is being a driver trainer and helping other drivers with any of their concerns. Outside of work, my greatest achievement is always being there for my children and watching them grow out of high school and into their career fields.
What character traits would your friends use to describe you?
Outgoing, willing to help anyone, hard worker, and fun to be around.
What do you like to do for fun?
Play music (drummer), BBQ for the family, and vacation with family.
Thanks to Joe for taking the time to chat with us and for what he does for the community! You can see the proof of his hard work in the buildings that form the heart of Lauren Concrete’s projects.