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Ajax Paving's Quarter 2 Newsletter

Page 1

AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

x a j A n O g n i d i R s I e r u t u F The

APRIL - JUNE 2026


IN THIS QUARTER NWZAW 2026

03

Positioning for Future Success

05

Strategic Design-Build Pursuits

06

Project Spotlights

07

Project Spotlights Cont.

09

Mental Health Year-Round

18

Florida’s Property Tax Debate

20

Quarter 2 Choice Employees

21

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 01


The Standard is in the Details Recently, I watched a video about the standards inside the University of Michigan football weight room. What stood out was the attention given to even the smallest details. Players were expected to wear the proper attire. Equipment had designated locations. Weight plates were aligned in the same direction, bars were stripped after use, and everything was returned exactly where it belonged. Does the direction of a weight plate help a team win? Not by itself. The plate is not the point. The point is building the discipline to meet a standard every time, even when the detail seems small and no one is watching. I shared this message with our foremen during one of our midyear safety meetings, but it applies to every level of our company. Whether we are senior leaders, department heads, office employees, plant operators, equipment technicians, truck drivers, or field employees, each of us helps define the Ajax standard. High standards are reflected in our preparation, decisions, communication, safety, equipment care, and quality of work. They are also reflected in whether we address problems or simply walk past them. What we tolerate eventually becomes our standard. Holding ourselves and others to a high standard does not mean expecting perfection. It means taking ownership, correcting mistakes, learning from them, and remaining committed to doing things the right way. Our vision is to be the Employer, Contractor, and Partner of Choice. We earn that reputation through the standards we demonstrate every day in the boardroom, the office, the shop, the plant, and the field. The direction of a weight plate may seem insignificant. The discipline behind placing it correctly is not, and as we enter a tougher market, it will matter more than ever. So, ask yourself: Am I holding myself to a high standard? What can I do each day to contribute to the safety, quality, and production that drive our company?

Andy Decraene Executive Vice President of Operations QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 02


Ajax Paving Recognizes National Work Zone Awareness Week Each year, Ajax Paving proudly participates in National Work Zone Awareness Week, a nationwide campaign that brings attention to the importance of keeping roadway workers, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe in and around work zones. The 2026 campaign was held April 20–24 and was hosted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation with the theme “Safe Actions Save Lives.” Throughout the week, organizations across the country joined together to promote safer choices behind the wheel and stronger awareness on jobsites. The national observance included Work Zone Safety Training Day, the kickoff event and press conference, Go Orange Day, a social media storm, and a Moment of Silence to honor those lost in work zone incidents. On Wednesday, Ajax employees companywide wore orange for Go Orange Day to show their support for work zone safety. Orange serves as a visible reminder of the men and women who work near live traffic every day—and of every driver’s responsibility to slow down, stay alert, and respect the work zone.

On Friday, April 24, Ajax held a Moment of Silence in tribute to those who lost their lives in work zone incidents. We especially remember Ajax employees Bill Huff, John Markle, and Michele Capadivilla. Their memory reminds us why this awareness week matters and why every safe action counts. QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 03


During the week of May 4, 2026, Ajax also recognized Construction Safety Week. Our project managers and regional vice presidents went out to our jobs to deliver a safety talk and to hand out a travel cup to thank Ajax employees. This year’s message builds on the idea that we are all in this together. Safety depends on three important actions: recognize, respond and respect. We must recognize hazards before they become incidents, respond quickly when something does not look right, and respect every person working in and traveling through a work zone. Recognizing hazards on every project site is essential to reducing the risks that can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. At Ajax, that means speaking up when something appears unsafe, correcting hazards when we see them, and staying focused on the high-energy, high-hazard work that can cause life-changing harm. Recognize hazards and correct them. If you see something, say something. Stay focused on STCKY hazards—the “stuff that can kill you”—and use the tools and training available to control those risks. Plan for Florida heat. Stay hydrated, add electrolytes when needed, and review the heat stress wallet card for signs and symptoms of heat illness. Heat illness prevention starts the day before the shift. The construction industry has made significant progress in safety over the years, but serious injuries and fatalities continue to occur on jobsites across the nation. National work zone safety data shows that hundreds of people still lose their lives in work zones each year, and construction’s leading fatal hazards continue to include falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between hazards. These incidents are preventable when we plan the work, recognize the risks and take action together. Ajax asks every employee to join in recognizing the hazards we face each day. Each of us has the responsibility and the authority to speak up if something does not look safe or correct. By working as a team and looking out for one another, we help ensure that everyone can put their boots on at the start of the day and take them off safely at the end of the shift.

Mandy Kustra Safety Director QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 04


Building Tomorrow’s Backlog Today As we move through 2026, the Estimating Department remains focused on what we do best—positioning Ajax for future success by securing quality work and building a strong backlog for our operations teams. Every project we pursue represents an opportunity to keep our crews working, our equipment productive, and our company growing. Success is not simply measured by wins, but by pursuing the right opportunities, understanding risk, and providing our construction teams with the information they need to execute projects successfully from day one. One of the biggest challenges we're navigating this year has been volatility in fuel and energy markets. Because asphalt cement is a petroleum-based product, fluctuations in crude oil prices, refinery operations, transportation costs, and fuel surcharges have created greater uncertainty in asphalt mix pricing than we've experienced in recent years. At the same time, fuel impacts trucking, plant operations, and construction equipment costs, causing contractors to manage risk differently. The result has been increased variability in both supplier quotes and competitor bids, making market intelligence and strong supplier relationships more important than ever. In today's environment, winning work requires far more than accurate quantity takeoffs and competitive pricing. Our estimators must continuously monitor market conditions, maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors, and evaluate risks that can impact a project's success long after the contract is awarded. Through weekly estimator meetings, strategy discussions, bid reviews, and detailed project handoffs, our team remains committed to making informed decisions and positioning Ajax for success. Just as important, feedback from our operations teams helps us refine future estimates and strengthen the connection between estimating and construction. As we enter the second half of the year, our focus remains on identifying quality opportunities, understanding changing market conditions, and supporting our operations teams with well-developed projects. By staying disciplined, working together, and maintaining a customer-focused approach, we will continue building the backlog that drives Ajax's success for years to come.

Christie Alvaro Vice President of Estimating

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 05


Engineering Division

BUILDING MOMENTUM THROUGH STRATEGIC DESIGN-BUILD PURSUITS The first half of 2026 has been an exciting and productive period for the Engineering Division, as our team continues to strengthen our position in Florida’s transportation market through innovation and collaboration. Positioning Ajax to be a contender on a pipeline of future design-build opportunities. One of our most significant pursuits this year was E1Y31 I-75 Modified Phased Design-Build from Golden Gate Blvd to Corkscrew Blvd in Southwest Florida. Working closely with our Joint Venture partner, the Engineering team developed creative solutions that challenged conventional approaches, including innovative ideas for Maintenance of Traffic Phasing, typical section, and pavement design. While our team ultimately was not selected for the project, the pursuit showcased Ajax’s technical expertise, forwardthinking mindset, and commitment to delivering value-driven solutions for our clients. The lessons learned and relationships strengthened through this effort will continue to benefit future pursuits. Looking ahead, the engineering division is actively pursuing E1Y75 SR 31 from SR 78 to SR 80 Phased DesignBuild project in the Fort Myers region. The project includes a major bridge crossing over water and a connection to State Road 80, representing a significant infrastructure investment for Southwest Florida. Procurement activities begin in late July, with selection anticipated by October 2026. The team is optimistic about this opportunity, particularly given Ajax’s successful performance on the adjacent SR 31 project immediately to the north. Our existing experience in the corridor positions us well to understand the region’s challenges and deliver practical, innovative solutions. Beyond SR 31, the Engineering Division is already preparing for additional high-profile opportunities that will shape our growth in the coming years. This fall, the team will begin pursuing the I-4/US 27 Modified Phase Design-Build in Polk County, which will add express lanes along a critical segment of the I-4 corridor. The project is expected to be a transformative improvement for one of Florida’s busiest transportation networks and aligns well with Ajax’s strengths in complex transportation infrastructure. The momentum continues into 2027 as the division prepares for another major opportunity in District 7— the I-4 Modified Phased Design-Build project in Hillsborough County, which will add express lanes to this highly congested corridor. Anticipated to be advertised in the first quarter of 2027, this pursuit represents another opportunity for Ajax Paving to demonstrate the innovative engineering and construction solutions that have become hallmarks of our organization. As we move through the second half of the year, the Engineering Division remains focused on delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and pursuing strategic opportunities that support Ajax’s long-term growth. With an impressive pipeline of work ahead and a talented team committed to success, the future continues to look bright for engineering at Ajax.

Felipe Jaramillo Vice President of Engineering/Alternative Delivery QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 06


STATE ROAD 64 TE1X85 was a mill and overlay project from Grand Harbor Parkway to Lena Road on State Road 64 in Bradenton. The plan was to mill off one inch of existing asphalt and place a new surface layer of FC-5. FDOT has been piloting small projects with a recently approved new mix design called FC-7. Ajax proposed testing this new mix design on project E1X85 since it was a simple resurfacing project and the roadway could benefit more from this newly approved mix design. FC-7 has a finer aggregate gradation and uses more binder content to combat raveling while providing a smooth surface. FDOT approved the new mix for use, and the roadway turned out great. The remainder of the scope included striping and loop installation.

Justin Kramer Project Manager

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 07


BURNT STORE RD. INTERIM SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS This Lee County Department of Transportation contract is an interim safety improvement project along a 5-mile, twolane segment of Burnt Store Road in Cape Coral, Florida. The project includes construction of 4 foot wide paved shoulders on both sides of the roadway, a new right and left turn lane at Caloosa Parkway, edge line and centerline rumble strips, guardrail installation, roadway signage, and pavement markings. Burnt Store Road serves as a critical north / south corridor connecting U.S. 41 and Interstate 75. These improvements are designed to enhance roadway safety, accommodate projected growth, and support emergency evacuation efforts while Lee County advances plans for a future four lane widening of the entire corridor. This project provides important safety enhancements to the existing two lane roadway until the long-term expansion can be completed. Ajax Paving continues to successfully deliver this ongoing contract. Field operations are being managed by Tim Smith, with Maintenance of Traffic support provided by Chris Cook and Jonathan Rivera. Thank you to Tim, Chris, Jonathan, and the entire project team for your continued hard work and dedication to delivering a safer roadway for the traveling public. Keep up the great work!

Danielle Bentivegna Project Manager

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 08


I-4 TRUCK PARKING FACILITY Ajax Paving is proud to partner with FDOT on the I-4 Truck Parking Facility Design Build Project at County Line Road, a first of its kind for Ajax. I like to say we’re now a vertical contractor as well. On a 22-acre site in east Hillsborough County, we are building a 158-stall truck parking lot, complete with bathroom facilities, maintenance garage, security building, a lunch pavilion, and 4 drainage ponds. In addition, we recently executed a supplemental agreement to add a 175’ tall flagpole with a US flag and Florida state flag. That flag was installed and flying high and proud for the July 4th holiday in order to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. Along with the parking lot and facilities, this project also adds two signalized intersections, one new, tying in the I-4 ramps and County Line Road. We will also be widening both the I-4 eastbound and westbound off-ramps and adding drainage improvements throughout. The two portions of the project are running concurrently. We are planning on bringing this $29.3M project to completion late this fall.

Dee Rodriguez Project Manager

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 09


US 17

9th St to Oak Hammock

The improvements under this Contract consisted of resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation (RRR), including milling and resurfacing of the existing pavement, new four-foot paved inside shoulder construction, guardrail replacement, concrete curb and gutter, concrete sidewalk and curb ramp replacement, signing and pavement markings, replacement of signal vehicle detection loops, improvements to pedestrian signals, and intersection lighting on State Road 35 from 9th Street NW to North of Oak Hammock Loop in Polk County. Notice to Proceed was issued on October 22, 2024. During the 90-day Flex Time period, we negotiated a major change order that added approximately $3.2 million and replaced the FC-5 scope with FC-12.5. The project began on January 20, 2025, with 310 contract days. A second major change added approximately $600,000 in box culvert repairs, which were tracked as Time and Materials after a Notice to Proceed was issued. The project received Final Acceptance on February 23, 2026, on contract day 400, with additional days granted for the change orders. The project was successful and profitable thanks to the Lake Wales team, including our Earthwork, Asphalt, Grading, Pipe, and MOT superintendents, foremen, and crews; at one point or another, every single one of our crews contributed to the completion of this project.

Juan Miguel Arce Project Manager

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 10


Plants Division

STRONG START, STRONGER FUTURE The Plants Division remains strong and well‑positioned to meet our customer's asphalt needs. All of our asphalt plants continue to see heavy demand through the first half of 2026. While production needs have tapered off at a few locations, others have experienced substantial increases. Fort Myers Plant 4 and Tampa Plant 6 have both sustained significant growth in total sales, and all remaining plants—including Plant 95— continue to operate at production levels well above previous years. Throughout the first half of 2026, we have focused on upgrading our facilities, refining our organizational structure, and meeting the needs of both internal and external customers. Following the December 2025 installation of a new drum, drag slat conveyor, and silos at Plant 5 in Odessa, the maintenance team has executed numerous major projects across the division. At Plant 1 in North Venice, the team installed a secondary gas burner to help control baghouse temperatures while reducing main burner demand, ultimately lowering overall gas usage. At Plants 3 (Palmetto) and 7 (Largo), our electricians have laid the electrical infrastructure for upgrading to the MINDS blending and control system, with full implementation expected before the end of 2026. Plant 5 (Odessa) also received seven new cold feed bins and feeders during the summer shutdown period. At Plant 8 (Lake Wales), mechanics and electricians installed a second truck scale and erected three new silos, transfers, and a drag slat conveyor—more than doubling asphalt storage capacity and giving operators greater flexibility in mix production. We have also expanded predictive maintenance capabilities through remote sensors enhanced with artificial intelligence monitoring. These systems detect abnormal vibration and temperature changes, allowing us to identify potential failures. Already this year, we have avoided several impending plant breakdowns by identifying bearings that were on their way to failure. The Asphalt Plant Maintenance team is led by Hector Arroyo. Plant Maintenance Supervisors - Mike Eaton, Barney Dominguez, and Pete Lemay - coordinate the entire plant maintenance team to make the work happen. We’ve made several adjustments to our plant management structure during the first half of 2026. Bobby Gibson accepted the role of Southern Regional Plant Manager for Plants 1, 2, 3, and 4, while Shane Williamson continues as Northern Regional Plant Manager for Plants 5, 6, 7, and 8. Max Linn now manages Plant 95 in addition to serving as Plant Safety Manager. Duane Rushing continues as Facilities Manager while assisting with plant‑related operations across the division. Our asphalt plant teams are led by capable foremen who consistently meet the production needs despite the constant changes and challenges of the construction and production industry. Our ability to meet both Ajax and outside customer demands is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment of our plant division employees. Their dedication ensures our high production rates are met and reinforces the reliability of our plants. Ajax's asphalt plants and material operations are ready to continue a successful second half of 2026.

Mike Woody General Manager of Plant Operations QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 11


Quality Control Updates VENICE & FORT MYERS DIVISION Our Quality Control team in Venice and Fort Myers continues to grow and strengthen, supporting our field operations with a strong focus on consistency, accountability, and overall quality performance. The team is made up of dedicated and hard-working QC Field Technicians: Ariel Ortiz, Chris Deese, Curtis Theus, Lane Fullerton, Mark Slomski, Robbi Hagarty, Roman Roberts, and Samson Ducleon. With this strong, growing team, the QC department is well positioned to expand field presence, strengthen quality oversight, and deliver faster feedback that supports high-quality work across all projects.

TAMPA & LAKE WALES DIVISION Tampa and Lake Wales demonstrated exceptional planning, communication, and execution on the shared US 98 projects. Their collaboration and commitment to excellence continue to drive successful project outcomes. As part of our ongoing investment in professional development, we are pleased to recognize two significant accomplishments within our Quality Control team: Jose Santana has successfully attained his Quality Control Manager Certification. Justin Marcos has successfully attained his Asphalt Field Quality Control Level 1 and Level 2 Certifications. We truly thank all team members and partners for their continued support and unwavering focus on maintaining Ajax’s highest quality standards.

John Savage Quality Control Director

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 12


Equipment Division Highlights Ajax’s Equipment Division is off to a great start in 2026. We’ve made a massive push to transition from costly, reactive repairs to a proactive maintenance strategy. This means we poured our efforts into catching small issues early before they turned into catastrophic breakdowns on the job. We emphasized training, doing more work “in-house”, and aggressively performing inspections and audits on our equipment. As we reviewed our fleet performance for the first half of 2026 compared to last year, we’re happy to report major cost savings. Direct Repair Costs are lower, and our equipment is more reliable than ever.

Here are the high-level takeaways from our YTD data: Operational Efficiency & Uptime: Our mechanics completed 32% more Preventive Maintenance (PM) services this year. Because we are catching issues earlier, emergency breakdowns have dropped by 77% (from 200 emergencies in 2025 to just 45 this year). Overall, corrective maintenance is down 11%. The Financial Impact: Our total direct repair costs went DOWN by nearly $368,000 compared to last year (from $3.18M to $2.81M). Key Notes: We invested about $184k more on labor (hired mechanics) to get those PMs and audits done. As a result, we spent $518,000 less on replacement parts. Doing More for Less: Our crews have put 77,188 hours on the equipment so far this year, a 17% increase in workload compared to 2025. Even with the fleet running harder, our proactive approach reduced our repair cost per operating hour by 24%, dropping it from $48.33/hr to $36.53/hr. The Bottom Line: Investing in scheduled downtime and mechanic labor is saving the company hundreds of thousands of dollars in parts and keeping our operations teams moving. A huge thank you to everyone—from the operators who communicated issues early to the mechanics who turned the wrenches—for making this a reality. Let’s keep prioritizing those PMs to hold this trend through the end of the year.

Dan Maitland Fleet Manager

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 14


How’s Transportation Doin’? The Transportation Department had a successful and productive quarter, with both aggregate and equipment hauling playing an important role in supporting our operations. Despite ongoing fluctuations in fuel prices, our team remained adaptable and worked diligently to manage both the highs and lows while continuing to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services. Through the dedication of our drivers, dispatchers, and support staff, we met project schedules and customer expectations while maintaining a strong focus on operational efficiency and communication. We appreciate everyone's hard work, flexibility, and commitment throughout the quarter and look forward to building on this success in the months ahead.

Rudy Rella Transportation Director

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 15


Women Raising The Bar

TRULY RAISED THE BAR DURING Q2! Our team proudly participated in STEMapalooza 2026, hosted by the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. This outstanding event attracted more than 1,500 attendees and featured exhibits from local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations dedicated to STEM education and career exploration. The Women Raising the Bar at Ajax booth was one of the event's most popular attractions. Visitors enjoyed our now-famous cookie road-building activity, an asphalt plant equipment matching game, construction career exploration activities, and a variety of fun giveaways. It was a fantastic opportunity to engage with young people and families while showcasing the many exciting career opportunities available in the construction industry.

We also participated in four Touch-a-Truck events, one in each operating area, with tremendous support from our Trucking Department and Area Operations teams. Touch- a-Truck events are family- friendly community gatherings that allow children and families to explore vehicles and equipment up close- machines they would typically only see from a distance. These events provided an excellent opportunity to highlight Ajax's people, equipment, and culture while introducing the next generation to careers in construction. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and support. These events would not have been possible without your enthusiasm and dedication.

Natalie Woody Vice President of Business Affairs

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 16


Mental Health Awareness

A YEAR-ROUND PRIORITY

Although May Mental Health Awareness Month has come and gone, the importance of mental health does not end when the calendar changes. Mental health affects every aspect of our lives—our relationships, our work performance, our physical well-being, and our overall quality of life. Taking care of our mental health should be a year-round commitment, just like caring for our physical health. By continuing the conversation beyond May, we help create a culture where seeking support, practicing self-care, and looking out for one another becomes the norm rather than the exception. Self-care plays an essential role in maintaining good mental health. While self-care may look different for everyone, it includes activities that help us recharge, reduce stress, and maintain balance in our daily lives. Whether it's taking a walk, spending time with loved ones, exercising, reading, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking a break when needed, prioritizing self-care allows us to better manage life's challenges and build resilience. Taking time for yourself is not selfish; it is necessary. Just as important as caring for ourselves is recognizing when others may be struggling. Signs of mental health challenges can sometimes be subtle and may include changes in mood, withdrawal from social interactions, increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, or decreased productivity. While we may not always know what someone is experiencing, a simple check-in, a listening ear, or a kind word can make a meaningful difference. Creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and supported helps strengthen our workplaces, families, and communities. One of the most powerful ways we can support mental health is by talking openly about it. For far too long, mental health struggles have carried a stigma that prevents many people from seeking help when they need it most. By sharing experiences, encouraging conversations, and normalizing discussions about mental health, we help break down barriers and remind others that they are not alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and everyone deserves access to support without fear of judgment.

STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS Managing stress is an important part of protecting our mental well-being. Here are a few simple strategies that can help: Take short breaks throughout the day to reset and recharge. Prioritize sleep and aim for a consistent sleep schedule. Stay physically active, even with small amounts of daily movement. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness techniques. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you cannot. Stay connected with friends, family, and supportive colleagues. Set realistic goals and break large tasks into manageable steps. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Let us continue to prioritize self-care, recognize the signs when support is needed, and foster a culture of empathy and understanding. Together, we can make mental health a year-round conversation.

Ajax Warrior Board

HELPFUL RESOURCES Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 Crisis Center of Tampa Bay 211 Youturn Health 888-520-1868

Eric Green Safety Manager (941) 650-2671

Angela Wike Contract Admin (727) 647-3703

Employee Assistance Program 800-316-2796 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 18


ACAF’s District 1 Rural Road Builder of the Year! SANIBEL ISLAND ACCESS HURRICANE IAN EMERGENCY REPAIRS Congratulations to our Fort Myers division and all of the A-Team members involved for their outstanding effort and commitment in seeing this project through to a successful finish!

We were featured in a Transportation Builder article about this project! Scan to read!

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 19


Florida’s Property Tax Debate A CONVERSATION WORTH HAVING

Over the next several months, you’re going to hear a lot about Florida’s proposed changes to property taxes. Regardless of where you stand politically, this issue will likely affect nearly every homeowner in our state, so I thought it was worth taking a few minutes to explain what it means in plain English. The proposal being discussed would increase the homestead property tax exemption for primary residences and could eventually eliminate much of the non-school portion of property taxes on those homes. It would not eliminate the taxes that fund our public schools, and it would not apply to rental properties, second homes, or most businesses. If Florida voters approve the constitutional amendment this November, the Legislature would then work through exactly how the changes would be implemented over the coming years. Like most major issues, there are good arguments on both sides. Supporters believe homeowners deserve meaningful tax relief, especially after years of rising home values, increasing insurance costs, and higher everyday expenses. Many also believe government should constantly look for ways to become more efficient, eliminate waste, and focus taxpayer dollars on the services that matter most. The idea is simple: when government has to do more with less, taxpayers often benefit. On the other hand, local governments depend heavily on property taxes to fund services we use every day: law enforcement, fire rescue, road maintenance, parks, libraries, and many other community services. Opponents worry that reducing this revenue too quickly could force difficult budget decisions or shift the tax burden somewhere else. Those are legitimate concerns that deserve thoughtful discussion as well. As someone who has spent much of my career working with state and local government, I believe healthy debate is a good thing. There is nothing wrong with asking whether government is spending taxpayer dollars as efficiently as possible, just as there is nothing wrong with asking how we continue providing the services our communities depend on. My hope is that each of us takes the time to understand the proposal, weighs both the benefits and the challenges, and makes an informed decision when it’s time to vote.

Scott Pittman Executive Vice President of Marketing & Gov’t Affairs QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 20


Q2 CHOICE EMPLOYEES Please join us in congratulating these A-Team members for going above and beyond!

Lauren Taylor, Private Estimator “Lauren Taylor has been a valued part of the Ajax team for 25 years, building a reputation as someone you can always count on. As a Private Estimator, she takes pride in finding and securing the work that keeps our crews moving—especially when it matters most. Lauren’s dedication, work ethic, and willingness to step up make a real difference every day, and her impact is felt across the entire team.”

-Chris Stewart, Construction Manager

Darin Brown, Project Manager “Darin has been an outstanding addition to the Area 2 team. As a senior-level Project Manager, he brings a wealth of experience across a diverse range of civil projects. His background and industry knowledge has made him a go to person in the office often mentoring those around him.‌ ‌Darin leads with integrity and is committed to building strong, long-term relationships with clients, partners, and team members alike. He has embraced every challenge that has come his way and is currently managing approximately $200 million worth of work. We truly appreciate everything you do, Darin. It is people like you who make Ajax the contractor of choice.”

-Garrett Fons, Construction Manager

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 21


Jason Goley, MOT Foreman “Jason Goley has been a great asset to Area 3 since he first came on board in June of 2022. He has recently been handling maintenance of traffic duties on our US 301 project from the Manatee-Hillsborough county line to 674 in Sun City.‌ ‌This is a very high volume, two-lane road with multiple side streets and heavy truck traffic presenting a challenging environment for traffic control. Jason and his crew have been outstanding keeping the traveling public moving through the project and providing a safe space for Ajax crews and subcontractors to perform their work. Closures have been set up quickly and efficiently allowing us to maximize our production. Thanks to Jason and his crew for rising to the challenge and keeping everyone safe.”

-Mike Morgan, Regional Director of Operations

Todd Landers, Leadman/Trainer “Todd communicates with all his team members to ensure all work is done to Ajax’s standards. Todd has a great work ethic and a commitment to excellence. We’re grateful that he is part of the A-Team.”

-Clay Cross, Regional VP Lake Wales

Wilfredo Diaz, QC Lab Technician “Wilfredo is the lead Quality Control Technician at Plant 6. He and the team at Plant 6 have done an outstanding job maintaining a 1.04 CPF through the first half of the year. This achievement reflects his commitment to quality, efficiency, and teamwork. Wilfredo's consistent performance and attention to detail have helped set a high standard for the operation. Great work, Wilfredo, and thank you for your dedication and hard work!”

-Shane Williamson, North Regional Plant Manager

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 22


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