2026 Pub. 8 Issue 1

Executive Committee PresidentJonas StakerStaker Parson Materials & Construction Past President Victor JohnsonGeneva Rock Products President Elect Tim NevennerQuikrete TreasurerSkyler DroubayDouble D Distribution Inc. SecretaryRich MuirbrookMorgan Pavement Board of Directors Bradley SchmitzHF Sinclair Danny MarujiCampbell Companies — Wheeler Machinery Dean GarrettNu Rock Asphalt Coatings Derrick PackStaker Parson Materials & Construction Gene ChrisenberyMountain States Asphalt Jason KlaumannGranite […]

ELRUS Aggregate Systems elrus.com ATMAX Equipment Co. mowermax.com NuStream, Inc. nustreaminc.com Madsen Striping, LLC madsenstriping.com SLC Corp slc.gov Juab Count juabcounty.gov Clearfield City clearfield.city

Avetta is a global supply chain risk management platform that connects companies with pre-qualified contractors and suppliers through a rigorous certification and compliance process. Companies that achieve Avetta compliance have demonstrated that they meet established safety, regulatory, insurance and financial standards designed to reduce risk across construction and industrial projects.

Larry Dee Brown, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away on April 2, 2026, in Erda, Utah, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on March 30, 1951, in Murray, Utah, to Doug and Bee Brown of Riverton. He was one of seven siblings and was the oldest boy among two brothers and four sisters. Larry graduated from Bingham High School in 1969 and married his high school sweetheart, Deborah Ann Bluemel of South Jordan, on June 4, 1970. They were married for almost 56 years.

There is a misconception that men completely dominate the construction industry. It is true that men do outnumber women in the construction workforce, but there are ambitious women trailblazers who are affecting the traditional dynamic.

Construction and asphalt projects pose significant safety risks, including fatal falls, struck-by incidents from heavy equipment, electrocution, and caught-in-between hazards. Asphalt work specifically carries risks of severe burns, respiratory issues from fumes, and skin irritations, demanding rigorous PPE and safety protocols. Approximately 1,000+ construction workers die annually in the U.S. (1,075 in 2023), with paving and road construction being particularly dangerous. Road construction specifically causes about 89 worker deaths annually, while paving operators face a high fatal injury rate of 46.7 per 100,000 workers, 13 times higher than average.

As the current workforce ages out, a shortage of well over 500,000 skilled trade workers has created high demand in the field of construction. Many skilled workers can earn six-figure incomes without the burden of student debt. Yet, trends show that more people are leaving the construction field than entering it. Studies show that for every seven workers who leave the field, only one worker enters the field. Given the need for more construction workers — including the asphalt pavement field — UAPA is collaborating with local schools to introduce construction-related careers to high school students.

Students from the new Civil Construction course in the Jordan School District presented a safety meeting module as part of a class project. The course is taught by our own UAPA team member, Gary Lindley, and to say he was proud of his students would be an understatement.

Construction is one of the most demanding and underappreciated industries. Workers often face high-stress environments, long hours, and chronic physical pain. Constant physical labor can lead to ongoing pain and injury, which in turn may contribute to depression, addiction, and even suicide.

The construction industry plays a vital role in driving economic growth, developing essential infrastructure, and providing employment opportunities for a large workforce. Despite its importance, mental health challenges within the industry often remain overlooked. In fact, 83% of construction workers report having experienced a mental health issue at some point in their careers.

The workforce is changing. Younger generations are becoming more strategic about their career decisions. Many would rather work smarter than harder, and the days of working solely for a paycheck are largely in the past. Today, people expect more from their employers — they want flexible schedules, a healthy work-life balance, and strong benefits.

Miriam Call and Paige Neuenschwander presented on the current workforce challenges facing the construction industry. As the industry continues to grow, it is projected to require hundreds of thousands of additional workers. However, the workforce gap continues to widen, with more individuals leaving the field than entering it. Currently, for every seven workers who leave the industry, only one new worker joins.

One of the most common causes of workplace injuries is a lack of situational awareness. Situational awareness means understanding what is happening around you, recognizing its significance, anticipating potential risks, and taking action before those risks become real issues.

Chad Hymas is a globally recognized motivational speaker, bestselling author, and safety advocate whose life story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, purpose, and transformation. After a ranching accident left him paralyzed from the chest down, Chad refused to accept limitations. Instead, he turned adversity into opportunity, wheeling 513 miles in a world-record journey and becoming one of the youngest individuals ever inducted into the National Speaker Hall of Fame.

Most people start their day on autopilot. Leaders don’t have that luxury.

Intentional leadership begins the moment your feet hit the floor in the morning, not when you arrive at the office or job site.

Sydne Jacques is the CEO of Next Level Leadership near Salt Lake City, Utah, and she is an engineer turned professional speaker and consultant who’s known as “the engineer with a personality.” She has built an award-winning company with clients from Brazil to Japan, and all across the United States. She has trained more than 20,000 people and worked with over 600 construction teams worldwide.

Our members work long hours, especially now that paving season is starting. Hosting a “family night” as part of the annual conference not only gave our members time with their families but also provided an opportunity to expose their children to professional environments, hopefully inspiring future career goals and fostering an understanding of their parents’ work.

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UAPA’s Excellence in Safety Award is now in its second year and is an initiative that the UAPA Safety Committee is proud to have facilitated to recognize our industry leaders for outstanding safety efforts and achievements.

This $2,130,289 project consisted of widening the road and overlaying 2400 East 2400 South with half-inch HMA. The widening added a six-foot shoulder to each side of the road at a depth of three inches. The overlay was at a depth of two inches, and the existing asphalt was prepared with a variable-depth rototiller. One manhole, two drainage structures, signage and striping were added after paving was completed. Asphalt and concrete driveways were also replaced as part of the project.

The UDOT I-15 Arizona State Line Pavement Preservation Project showcased a strategic approach to extending pavement life along a critical, high-volume corridor. Spanning 19.6 miles, the project used microsurfacing to fill ruts, improve ride quality, enhance skid resistance, and extend pavement life by an estimated five years.

The US-191 Realignment Near Simplot Project delivered a safer and more efficient transportation corridor through northeastern Utah while showcasing successful collaboration between public agencies, private industry, and local stakeholders.

Mathews Lane is a full roadway and utility reconstruction project that demonstrates how well-executed asphalt can drive economic growth, improve safety, and deliver lasting public value. This project deserves recognition because it does more than move traffic; it shapes the future of an entire community.

Dan began his construction career in 1986, building his expertise through hands-on experience while earning multiple ACI and ICC certifications and developing a strong background in QA/QC. Since joining Geneva Rock in 2012, he has advanced to his current role as Construction and Quality Control Manager, where he oversees asphalt and aggregate production.

Lyndon serves as Director of Construction Engineering at Jones & DeMille Engineering and has dedicated his career to supporting asphalt paving and transportation infrastructure projects across Utah. A graduate of Utah State University, he is both a registered Professional Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor.

Saige has been an exceptional partner to UAPA. She worked closely with us to develop a new Civil Construction curriculum, resulting in two pilot courses now being taught within the Jordan School District. Once finalized, this curriculum will be available statewide, introducing high school students to careers in horizontal construction — including asphalt — and creating a clear pathway into our industry.

For several years, Scott has been one of UAPA’s key contacts at UDOT, playing an important leadership role in our quarterly UDOT-UAPA meetings. He consistently approaches the relationship between government and industry with a collaborative mindset, recognizing that when the industry succeeds, UDOT succeeds — and when the industry faces challenges, UDOT does as well.

Wayne Nielson has been the driving force behind Nielson Construction for most of his adult life, leading the family-owned company with integrity, dedication, and a strong commitment to people. In February at UAC ‘26, his lifelong contributions were recognized with his induction into the UAPA Hall of Fame.

The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association annual dinner serves as the kickoff to our annual conference each year, bringing together representation from every age group and level of experience across the industry. Families attend alongside industry professionals, creating an atmosphere that reflects the strong community within Utah’s asphalt industry. High school and college scholarship recipients join us as they begin their career journeys, while many other attendees are in the midst of their own asphalt careers, serving in both the private and public sectors.