Ohio Ready Mix is a family-owned company that was founded in 1968. The operation began with Duff Quarry, a limestone company, and then they quickly extended their services to ready mix concrete. They started out plants in Huntsville and Bellefontaine, Ohio, and quickly grew to four locations and six total plants. They have a fleet of 38 ready mix trucks, and they rely on their drivers to build relationships with their customers and ensure they have an exceptional experience.
We were able to catch up with Steve Shoe, who currently drives for Ohio Ready Mix, and has been driving mixer trucks for 26 years!
Can you describe a typical day for a ready mix truck driver?
On a typical day, I clock in and do pre-trip on my truck and then either get in line to get loaded, or do some work around the plant. If I’m loaded for a job, I check the load and wash down the truck before leaving the yard and then deliver the load and return for the next load.
What attracted you to this line of work?
I’ve previously worked construction for a contractor, and I was always fascinated by the concrete delivery. I felt like I could do well at driving and operating the truck. Twenty six years later, I still enjoy it and enjoy all of my associates.
How does your job impact your organization as a whole?
All ready mix drivers should know that their job performance directly affects how their company can satisfy its contractors. If they cannot perform well, they will lose the concrete sale. It’s extremely important to deliver a good experience and fit the needs of the customer to build that relationship and ensure they continue to buy from you.
Tell me about the most fun you’ve had while on the job?
Fun can be defined as having performed your job well and not caused any conflicts with the contractors. When I receive a “Thank You” or “Good Job” from the customer, it makes for a fun and good day.
What kind of challenges do you experience on the job?
Challenges may include negotiating how to maneuver around a job site to satisfy a contractor’s needs and not put the truck in any unsafe positions that may cause difficulties for the contractor or the driver.
How does the use of technology help you to perform your job well?
Technology has come a long way in 26 years. I have an automatic transmission truck and a remote control where I can operate the truck outside with the contractors. The truck tracking has GPS to make it easier to get to and from the job.
What sort of goals do you set for yourself that help you to perform your job well?
I always strive to maintain a clean truck. That helps with the daily operation; if anything breaks, it is easy to locate and get fixed. The mechanics also appreciate this. I always write down any issues on our pre-trip logs to get any problems fixed.
What is your greatest achievement inside of work and outside of work?
My greatest achievement inside of work is contributing to the company as a whole by relaying suggestions and ideas to help save money and work safely on the job and at the plant. I always do my best to help new drivers with suggestions on how to make our jobs easier and safer.
What character traits would your friends use to describe you?
Honest, trustworthy, dependable, always willing to listen and help others, oldest driver, and “O.C.D complex.”
When thinking about character traits that I strive for, or ways that I want to live my life, I follow a list I acquired from Author Og Mandino from the book The Greatest Salesman in the World:
- Always Perform your best at anything you do.
- Always examine what you did each day end.
- Never belittle myself or anyone else.
- Never be disagreeable to anyone else.
- Always maintain contact through prayer with your creator
- Don’t be the problem, be the solution.
What do you like to do for fun?
I have fun just relaxing and vacationing with my wife and family.
We know Ohio Ready Mix has to be proud to call Steve a team member. His hard work and dedication sets him apart to his customers, and his positive attitude helps to make sure Ohio Ready Mix cultivates more determined drivers like himself.
