Our greatest asset is our people. We believe the path to true success begins with hiring qualified men and women who will thrive in our culture. We have cultivated an environment that strives to attract and maintain loyal team members, some of whom have been with our team for 30 years or longer. In our “3-for-30” series, we gain better insight into those who have contributed so significantly to our team.
This month, we hear from Alvern Phipps, a long-time member of our Perry Plant team who currently serves as a heavy equipment operator. Site Foreman Carmichael Roberts shared glowing praise for Alvern and his work ethic, stating, “I would best describe Alvern as all four of our core values. He is a good steward, has a good relationship with everyone, and is humble.” He laughed, “I’m not sure how much more continuous improvement he can do after 30 years. He is one of the most reliable team members we have. He takes care of all his equipment, has a variety of talents, and is capable of so many things at the plant; he’s like a ‘Swiss Army Knife.'”
Director of Production Eddie Ragsdale added, “Alvern, better known as Pete, has been here for 30 years, in which he’s been a part of Memphis Stone’s stripping crew for a long time, and has since joined Perry Plant. He’s a very talented team member. He does an awesome job running all the equipment, and I know he would do anything [to help the team] without hesitation.”
Alvern “Pete” Phipps, Heavy Equipment Operator
How long have you been with the company?
30 years
What are your job responsibilities?
“I load the trucks and move around all the materials at Perry Plant.”
How did you get into this career?
“I came here because it was a better workplace than where I was at the time. Leaving a company with open cabs [on the equipment] to this one with closed cabs [on the equipment] made a huge difference for me.”
How have the operations of the company changed?
“From the time I got here, it has expanded. We have better equipment now, and it’s a better workplace all around.” He joked, “When I joined the team in 1995, everything looked antique.”
What is your favorite part about working with your team?
“I still enjoy working with my team and I love my job. I’ve been here since most of this team has started [their careers]. From time to time, I’ll teach the newer team members about operating equipment. I always remind them that [the skill] comes with time.”
What is the best piece of advice you can offer someone wanting to work here?
“My best advice is to be safe out here and to keep out of harm’s way. [I strive to do that] so that I can go home every day. Our industry practices safety a lot more now than we did back in the day. Back then, the goal was just to get the job done no matter what.”
Memphis Stone & Gravel is a wholly owned subsidiary of Granite Construction. Learn more at https://www.graniteconstruction.com/company/our-brands.
