Ajax Paving's Quarter 1 Newsletter

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

Mike Horan, CEO

Honoring Five Decades of Leadership, Commitment, and Building Futures

Few milestones carry the meaning or impact of 50 years of service We are proud to celebrate this extraordinary achievement and recognize Mike Horan for five decades of dedication, leadership, and commitment to our people and our company

Throughout his career, Mike has helped shape Ajax Paving Industries through steady leadership, forward thinking, and a deep respect for the individuals who make our work possible His focus on quality, integrity, and long-term relationships has guided our growth and strengthened a culture built on pride, accountability, and teamwork

Under Mike’s leadership, Ajax has continued to invest in its employees, its communities, and the future of the construction industry. His influence extends far beyond projects and milestones it lives in the teams he has inspired, and the generations who continue to build on the foundation he helped create.

Please join us in congratulating Mike on this remarkable milestone and in thanking him for 50 years of service, leadership, and dedication to Ajax Paving Industries

Sandy Philipps HR Director

If you happen to see Megan Jackson visiting job sites with her video camera, there s a good reason for it. As the driving force behind Ajax’s one-woman marketing department, Megan is launching an ambitious mission for 2026: authentically portraying the Ajax experience through a brand-new “Gen Z” content series In today’s competitive recruiting and retention environment, Megan’s goal is to highlight what truly makes Ajax unique our dedicated people, the wide variety of roles they fill, and the ways their contributions keep the company running smoothly every day

Central to this initiative is a flagship project: Day in the Life videos. Megan will spend time with employees throughout the company roller operators, paver operators, estimators, engineers, foremen, superintendents, and office staff to capture genuine, unscripted moments. These videos will show what it really looks like to build roads, run crews, solve challenges, and keep Florida moving. Each 60–90 second reel will be tailored for social media, recruiting, and company presentations, creating a growing library of stories that showcase the full range of roles at Ajax

This year, Ajax’s marketing strategy focuses on authenticity and putting people first With Megan leading the way, the company can demonstrate what sets Ajax apart: its hardworking workforce and the real experiences of its employees So if you see Megan on-site with her camera and microphone, just be yourself She’s committed to capturing stories that highlight the talent at Ajax Her mission is to showcase the individuals who make a difference every day, celebrating their unique contributions and the impact they have on the company

If you know someone who would be a good candidate to star in one of these videos, reach out to Megan directly (mjackson@ajaxpaving com)!

Scott Pittman Executive Vice President of Marketing & Gov’t Affairs

The first quarter of 2026 was a busy and productive period for the Estimating Department, as our team continued to work diligently to secure work in an increasingly competitive market. Even with fewer opportunities and more aggressive competition, our estimators stayed focused, working hard to position Ajax for success and continue adding quality work to our backlog

As a department, we have concentrated on discipline through consistent weekly Estimator Meetings, Monthly Strategy Development Meetings, bid reviews, tracking market conditions, and ensuring detailed job handoffs to the construction team. A major focus this quarter was the continued rollout and discussion of our 2026 Estimating Department Plan, reinforcing clear processes, accountability, and alignment with companywide strategic initiatives.

Thanks to the persistence and teamwork of our estimating staff, we are proud to share several recent wins and upcoming projects across all areas These awards reflect the team’s hard work, responsiveness, and commitment to securing quality work for Ajax as we move into the second quarter and beyond

Christie Alvaro VP of Estimating

Recent Wins & Projects

T1925 US 301 Sarasota County Resurfacing

Design-Build I-75 from SR 777 to SR 681 Milling & Resurfacing

Lakewood Ranch Roadway Repair Projects Village D West Lake Paving Wellen Park

T1919 US 17 Charlotte County Resurfacing

SR 78 (Lee County)

Parkway

Venice & Fort Myers Division

Mark Slomski and Ariel Ortiz are actively sharing their expertise to support the ongoing growth of Curtis Theus and Austin Reardon. As highly skilled technicians, Mark and Ariel continue to mentor Curtis and Austin, who are making impressive progress and developing into outstanding technicians themselves. The busy schedules at the Ft. Myers and Punta Gorda airports have kept Mark and Curtis engaged, further reinforcing their commitment to excellence in their roles.

Lane Fullerton and Chris Deese remain dedicated to managing operations in Area 1, focusing on projects in Sarasota and Charlotte County. Both Lane and Chris have taken on additional responsibilities, handling double duty assignments. Their hard work, commitment, and dedication are greatly appreciated by the team and contribute significantly to the continued success of these projects.

Tampa & Lake Wales Division

We want to take a moment to share some recent developments and highlight the progress we’ve been making. We’ve been actively performing trial runs with OnStation, Compactica, TotalPave and Wirtgen Group, testing upcoming new software and sensor-enabled roller technologies. The aim is to enhance the consistency of our results, which in turn will improve our asphalt placements and profitability. This initiative represents a continued investment in emerging tools that drive Ajax forward and contribute to our ongoing pursuit of innovation.

We’re also thrilled to announce that we have welcomed an additional QC Field Technician in Area 3—keep an eye out for the green vest on site, so we all go home safe! Alongside this, we are eager to promote from within in Area 4, with plans to advance one of our paving crew members to a QC Field Technician role. These additions and promotions underscore our commitment to strengthening our team and supporting professional growth.

CLARK ROAD

FDOT T1893

The Clark Road project (FDOT T1893) started with a traffic diversion to create a work zone protected by barrier wall. In order to construct the diversion, the existing median was removed to accommodate three lanes of travel heading east bound. We had to remove and replace 591 LF of forty-eight-inch pipe and 150 LF of forty-two-inch pipe. These areas were then reconstructed with a new base, structural asphalt, and a new friction layer. The traffic diversion was removed after replacing the median traffic separator to its original location. All other existing lanes were milled and paved to varying depths per the plan. There was some minor ITS, signalization work, signage, and sodding to complete this project. The project was let with 200 days and with allowable weather days, it was completed in the adjusted contract time of 249 days.

Justin Kramer Project Manager

SFWMD C-43 West Basin Reservoir

A first for Ajax Paving to work directly for South Florida Water Management District. The C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir (WBSR) was designed to store approximately 170,000 acre-feet of local basin stormwater runoff and releases from Lake Okeechobee. The projected cost of the C-43 Basin is $850 million.

The project is envisioned to provide public access and recreational opportunities, as well as maintain the allocated water supply to the local agricultural areas adjacent to the reservoir. A $2.3 million dollar milling and paving contract, Ajax was selected to pave the shell rock ramps and soil cement landings ahead of Governor DeSantis ' ribbon-cutting ceremony of the primary gate used for water control during periods of high and low water levels to the surrounding area.

Ajax partnered with South Florida Milling to ensure quality milling and cleanup of 28,000 square yards of soil cement. Ajax leveled and installed 10,100 tons of structural asphalt on the shell rock ramps and soil cement landings. Robby Popielarz II, Chris Ance, and Lee Lamb were instrumental to the success of the project due to their planning and execution of work around the physical limitations of existing equipment and vertical concrete barriers. The District has expressed their satisfaction with the project quality and would like to continue working with Ajax for their future 26-mile paving project of the soil cement “raceway” atop the basin’s walls.

Joniel Diaz, E.I. Project Manager

E7U16 DALE MABRY

The Dale Mabry project has been a strong example of teamwork, growth, and execution from start to finish. Justin Evans, serving as Superintendent, took on this project with only a few projects under his belt in that role with our team, and has grown tremendously throughout the job. On the paving side, Foreman Brian Taylor and his crew delivered exceptional results, maintaining low deficiencies and excellent spread rates. The finished product rides extremely well and reflects the pride the crew took in their work. Maintenance of Traffic was handled by James Haywood, Jason Goley, and Joe Blake, and the effort showed. During the most recent job audit, Eric Green specifically commented on how good the MOT looked.

Concrete operations were led by Foremen Egy Hernandez, James Sirmons, and Fredy Garay. While much of the work progressed smoothly, Structure S 4 presented a significant challenge. What was originally planned as a simple collar and top replacement revealed multiple leaks and unforeseen pipes, requiring additional excavation beyond the original scope. This change also necessitated the use of a special trench box and a higher level of technical expertise. Through strong problem solving and teamwork, Dave Brower and Fredy Garay successfully worked through these issues and kept the project moving forward safely and efficiently.

This project also benefited from outstanding subcontractor support. RWH completed pier protection on 35 columns under the Crosstown, Nortex performed 41,000 pounds of grout injection to fill underground voids, Croc installed a liner in a 60 inch pipe and completed crack repairs, and Mill It completed milling work, marking their first job with us in many years. MPG handled signalization under new ownership, completing their work much faster than anticipated. Traffic Control Products installed all new signage, Southeast Highway completed guardrail and handrail work, McShea performed striping, and Sunbelt installed sod. All subcontractors were responsive and produced high-quality work that helped keep the project on track. One of the biggest scheduling challenges was coordinating work within the CSX right of way, which required a flagger and months of coordination beginning last June. Once secured, the team successfully completed milling and paving of the structural lift in early February and transitioned directly into friction. The project was bid at $6.5 million for 250 days, and despite weather- and job-related delays, the team remains on track to finish on time and on budget.

Spencer Wadsworth Project Manager

SR‐60

Saddlebag Lake Rd to east of Tiger Lake Rd

Ajax Paving is proud to partner with FDOT on Project T1892, improving SR 60 from Saddlebag Lake Rd to east of Tiger Lake Rd in Polk County. The work includes 46,000 tons of asphalt resurfacing, lighting, drainage upgrades, and is the first FDOT project in Florida to feature longitudinal asphalt grooving—a key feature that enhances wet weather friction and helps reduce hydroplaning. Another step forward in delivering safer, smoother, longer lasting roadways for Florida’s drivers. A big shout-out to Miguel Perez’s paving crew for paving this project with ZERO straight-edge deficiencies!

Elliott Kresse Project Manager

The Trucking Department had a strong and successful first quarter of 2026. Our team remained committed to keeping operations running smoothly, managing freight efficiently, and maintaining strong communication with drivers, carriers, and brokers. Despite ongoing challenges such as fuel costs and scheduling demands, the department continued to perform well and meet operational goals

Please join us in welcoming Rickey Coons to our department

We are excited to have him join our team as Transport Superintendent. Rickey has been a transport driver here at Ajax for over 2 years now. He brings valuable experience and a great attitude, and we look forward to working together and supporting him in this new role. Welcome to the team! We’re happy to have you with us!

Overall, this quarter was a positive start to the year, and we look forward to continued growth and success in the months ahead

We began the year by selling approximately $500,000 in equipment through auctions, with earthmoving equipment generating the strongest returns. This supports Ajax’s broader strategy to maintain a reliable, low hour, and modern fleet as we position the company for a strong CapEx year.

As part of the 2026 business plan, we also made progress on facility upgrades The Lake Wales shop completed a new storage space, and improvements to the Tampa shop are planned and underway

Training remains a key focus area. We are actively developing programs with our dealership partners, with an emphasis on big trucks, to expand our in house repair capabilities and strengthen technicians' skill sets. Also, over 130 employees have participated in Operator Care Training.

Operationally, the team completed over 1,400 work orders and 117 audits in Q1, and we remain focused on keeping our crews operating safely and efficiently, with minimal downtime, as we move through the rest of the year.

Dan Maitland Fleet Manager

Ajax Paving held its annual safety meeting in January, dividing the company into two separate gatherings to accommodate employees from various regions. Our Venice and Fort Myers divisions convened at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center, while Tampa and Lake Wales met at T. Pepin Hospitality Center in Tampa. This approach ensured that all staff could participate in important safety discussions and receive consistent information, regardless of location.

The event started with an engaging morning session, where attendees had the opportunity to visit a variety of vendor booths. These included Red Wing Boots, which provided information on footwear options and safety gear; representatives sharing details about 401K plans and health insurance; Ajax Warriors and mental health advocates; and the Women Raising the Bar initiative, which focuses on empowering women within the company and the construction industry. This vendor fair gave employees a chance to gather resources, ask questions about their benefits, and learn about support programs available to them.

The formal meeting began with a stirring performance of the national anthem by Eddie Purnell, the trucking superintendent from the Fort Myers Area office. His rendition set a respectful and patriotic tone for the day. Following this, Mike Horan and Vince Hafeli delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of safety, teamwork, and continued improvement within the organization.

The Safety Department then took the stage to present a comprehensive recap of the year 2025. Topics included an overview of safety incidents and achievements, as well as an introduction to the Samsara vehicle camera program, a tool designed to monitor driving behavior and enhance safety on the roads. The department celebrated the accomplishments of drivers who achieved a perfect safety record, earning a score of 100 for 2025. Congratulations were extended to Jason Goley, Brian Belgarde, Harry Hoxsie, Lloyd Henderson, Alberto Rocha, and Tommy Richardson for their exemplary performance. In addition, the Safety Department provided practical demonstrations on how to safely retrieve stuck equipment and outlined effective strategies to prevent equipment collisions, especially within lane closures, reinforcing the company's proactive approach to accident prevention and hands-on training.

The Human Resources team followed with an update on upcoming changes to the health insurance program, aiming to improve coverage and employee satisfaction. They also introduced a new mobile app designed to consolidate all employee resources in an easily accessible location. This initiative will streamline communication and ensure that team members can find the information they need quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, Human Resources presented "Ajax University," a new internal training program focused on supporting employees in advancing their education, job skills, and safety knowledge. This program underscores Ajax Paving's commitment to both professional growth and onthe-job safety.

Ajax Warriors, a company group dedicated to wellness and community support, contributed valuable tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They highlighted upcoming training and volunteer opportunities, including the "Hike for Hope" event—a suicide prevention walk to raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives in the construction industry. The walk will take place on April 25, with registration beginning at 9:00 AM and the walk starting at 10:00 AM in both Tampa (Rowlett Park) and Lehigh Acres (Veterans Community Park). Both walks start at 10:00 AM, and families and friends are encouraged to participate. To register, attendees were directed to supporting.afsp.org/flconstruction. These initiatives reflect Ajax Paving's dedication not only to physical safety but also to mental wellness and community involvement.

The final hour of the morning session was highlighted by keynote speaker Jim Trombley of Leadership HSE. Trombley delivered an inspiring address on the "Safety Pyramid," encouraging all employees to remain vigilant and to speak up whenever they notice potential safety hazards. His message resonated with the audience and reinforced the importance of open communication and individual responsibility in maintaining a safe workplace. The morning concluded with a celebration of employees reaching significant service milestones, with congratulations extended to those marking 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years with the company. These acknowledgments honored the dedication and commitment of Ajax Paving's workforce.

After a break for lunch, the afternoon sessions shifted focus to departmental meetings, where teams from Transportation, Quality Control, Plant/Manufacturing, and construction management (foremen and above) gathered for in-depth discussions. These sessions were designed to provide targeted information, share operational updates, and address specific challenges faced within each department. Lively and productive conversations ensued, with team members exchanging ideas and best practices. Many actionable insights and solutions were identified, ensuring that everyone left with a clear understanding of expectations, new knowledge, and practical steps to implement on the job.

Overall, the annual safety meeting was a comprehensive event that not only reinforced Ajax Paving's commitment to safety and professional development but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among employees. From hands-on demonstrations and resource fairs to inspiring speakers and departmental workshops, the day provided valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and recognition. As the company heads into another year, the lessons and initiatives from this meeting are set to enhance both safety culture and overall performance across all teams.

The Finance team remains focused on strengthening financial processes, improving efficiency, and supporting Ajax’s continued growth. This quarter, meaningful progress was made on initiatives designed to enhance controls, reduce manual effort, and better support our project teams and subcontractor partners.

One of the most impactful developments has been the continued rollout of GC Pay. The Finance department is coordinating closely with our subcontractors and Contract Administrators to ensure a smooth transition and consistent adoption across projects GC Pay offers several key benefits, including automated lien waivers and compliance management, elimination of manual data entry, enhanced financial security through electronic payments, and faster payments to subcontractors through EFT helping improve both efficiency and cash flow across the organization

We are also pleased to welcome Bota Tsoy to the Finance team as a new Staff Accountant Bota brings valuable experience in the accounting field and has already been a great addition, supporting day to day accounting functions and contributing to the team’s continued focus on accuracy, consistency, and responsiveness.

Looking ahead, the Finance department will continue prioritizing technology adoption, process improvements, and collaboration with internal and external partners These efforts are aimed at delivering faster, more transparent financial processes while maintaining the strong controls and service mindset that support Ajax’s long term success

A new year brings new opportunities for Women Raising the Bar! We were excited to host a booth at Safety Day this year, where we introduced our new sponsorship opportunities for girls’ organizations. Women Raising the Bar recognizes that many girls’ sports teams and STEM organizations are underfunded and often rely heavily on parental support to operate. Ajax has empowered our group to support a limited number of these organizations, and we are still looking for opportunities to give back. If you have a daughter involved in an organization in need of funding, please email us at womenraisingthebar@ajaxpaving.com.

Our annual meeting was once again held on March 5, 2026, during Women in Construction Week at the Ajax Barn. Mickey Cox and Max Linn provided our group with a tour of Plant 1, helping us better understand the asphalt production process. We also had the chance to practice our golf swings using a mobile simulator. This event offered a fun and engaging way to gain golf exposure while connecting with women from different departments across the company. We sincerely thank Ajax management and employees for their continued support of the female workforce and for making it possible to attend this annual event.

Our support of Girl Scouts continues in 2026 with our participation in Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s STEMapalooza on April 11 at Hillsborough College. This event provides scouts with the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, engaging workshops, and inspiring panels featuring women in STEM. Our booth will include demonstrations by our field team, Ajax equipment displays, and hands-on activities focused on asphalt mix designs and manufacturing. Additional upcoming Q2 events include a volunteer day at the TWIG Warehouse in Venice on June 6 and a Touch-A-Truck event in Area 1 on April 18. We are always looking for volunteers for events that strengthen teamwork and support our communities. Please email womenraisingthebar@ajaxpaving.com if you are interested!

Pleasejoinusincongratulatingth membersforgoingaboveandbe

Zach Bonynge, Project Superinte

“He has been an integral part of our team. He just successfully completed the FDOT - SR 72 Project and is doing very well as a superintendent and has a bright future here. Keep up the good work Zach , we are glad to have you on the team!”

-Nate

Hassler, Regional VP Venice

Lee Strauss, Estimator

“Lee began his career with Ajax as a roadway quality control technician, a role he proudly held for many years before advancing to private estimator and, most recently, estimator. As a roadway technician, Lee took tremendous pride in ensuring Ajax consistently delivered a highquality product to its customers. He was never afraid to ruffle a few feathers to make sure the crews were doing things the right way—a trait that continues to serve him well today. Lee’s hands-on field experience has been a major asset in his current role. He is able to identify potential issues early and provide customers with practical options, often saving them money while earning their trust. It is common to see Lee out on his projects, making sure customers are 100% satisfied. This commitment has been key to generating repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. On many of Lee’s projects, Ajax is not the low bidder, yet we still win the work based on our reputation, something Lee has played a significant role in building and maintaining. Lee, we truly appreciate everything you bring to the team. Keep up the great work!”

-Garrett

Fons, Construction Manager

Ike Gant, Paver Operator

“Ajax has been very fortunate to have had Ike Gant as an employee for the last 37 years. In that time he has trained at least 6 other employees who went on to become paving foreman and 3 who became asphalt superintendents for Ajax. Additionally, he imparted wisdom to innumerable young men who went on to become paver or screed operators. Ike is a legend in area 3 having begun his career in the days when pavers were pulled by horses. Long before TPR was a formal process Ike was known for keeping his paver clean and well maintained. He has always been a loyal and dependable member of the A team executing any task with a good attitude that spreads through whatever crew he is working with. Ike’s influence on our culture and paving success is impossible to measure. I have a saying I use that certainly applies to Ike. We all have a bucket and everyone you come in contact either takes something from your bucket or adds something to it. Every time I interact with Ike he puts something in my bucket. Ajax is grateful for everything Ike has done for the company and I am grateful for all of the wisdom I have gained from him.”

-Mike

Morgan, Regional Director of Operations

Miguel Perez, Paving Foreman

“Miguel's crew just finished the FC-5 on our SR 60 project. Miguel and his crew received compliments from FDOT and the public. Congrats to Miguel and his team for a job well done. Thanks and keep up the great work.”

-Clay Cross, Regional VP Lake Wales

Cody Kolifrath, Class A CDL Flowboy Driver

“Cody is young, impressionable, willing to listen and learn. He always comes in when he is scheduled, on time, respectable, safe, and reliable. Those are the things I expect him to be, but he also does more to help others around him, picks up extra shifts when needed, and even have done things like cancel events on his personal schedule to come to work and help out. Also, he has been here at Ajax for over a year now and has 0 accidents and 0 incidents.”

-Eddie Purnell, Truck Superintendent