AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
x a j A n O g n i d The Future Is Ri OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2025
A MESSAGE FROM MIKE Come this March 2026, I will have worked for Ajax Paving Industries for 40 years, and have been the Owner of the Florida Company for 10 years. Yes, that is a total of 50 years. Ajax, as a Company in Michigan, will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2026. A major mile stone for the Jacob family business. Florida will be celebrating our 45th Anniversary. Both companies continue to be family owned and operated. In my view the reason we are successful is because we have brought the values, work ethic, and character of our families into the way we manage and run the company. My Family means more to me than life itself. Thanks to my wife, Carol, our kids turned out to be solid, honest, hard-working people who understand and believe that it is our employees that make this Company great. I trust them to run this Company the right way, well into the future. I assure you that we understand the importance of our employees and their families' wellbeing. This Company and the people who have worked for me, past and present, mean everything in the world to me. The word “LOVE” gets used a lot, even when folks don’t mean it. But I just want to say I love this business, building roads. I love the people in it, the plants, the trucks and equipment, our partners and suppliers, and everything that makes the action happen. I truly mean what I say. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing your contributions as the foundation of our success, and we’re very thankful that you chose our company as your work home. 2025 was our best year in the history of Florida. We celebrate your hard work, dedication, and commitment as we continue to strive to be the best. Thank you all! Two things we all can control and have in common are “Effort and Attitude”. Let’s continue to work together as a TEAM, and remember it’s more satisfying and fulfilling to do the difficult thing that’s right than an easy thing that’s wrong. When your conscience speaks, listen. God Bless and have a wonderful Holiday season.
Mike Horan, P.E. CEO
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
As we wrap up another successful quarter, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to Mike Horan for his unwavering leadership and genuine care for our team. Mike’s commitment to both our people and our mission has been the cornerstone of Ajax Paving’s success. His approach reminds us that great companies are built not just on projects, but on relationships and values. I’m also excited to share that the next generation of leadership is already making its mark. Mike’s son, Matt, and daughter, Natalie, are working with Mike as a mentor and are learning firsthand what it means to be an owner, not just an employee. Under Mike’s guidance, they are gaining the insight, responsibility, and vision required to carry forward the legacy of excellence that defines Ajax Paving. As we look to the future, all I can tell you is that the future is bright. While the mentoring and training are underway, the transition from Mike to his kids is years away. This transition, when it happens, will represent more than continuity—it will represent a commitment to maintain the Ajax family culture while staying true to the principles that brought us here. I want to thank you all for your hard work and dedication this past year. Together, we’re building not only roads but a lasting foundation for generations to come. After all, as we say, “The Future is Riding on Ajax.”
Dr. Vince Hafeli, D.B.A. President
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
LOOKING AHEAD:
WHAT 2025 SET UP FOR AJAX IN 2026 As we wrap up 2025, it’s clear that Florida’s commitment to transportation investment remains as strong as ever. Legislative actions this year reinforced stable funding for infrastructure and continued to support efficient project delivery across the state. From our perspective at Ajax, that consistency matters. It allows contractors, suppliers, and FDOT alike to plan with confidence and invest in people, equipment, and innovation, knowing the work will be there. The FDOT work program continues to be one of the strongest in the nation, with a deep pipeline of projects programmed across every district. Of particular importance are the “Moving Florida Forward” initiatives, many of which are fully funded but have not yet reached the construction phase. That means the opportunity in front of us is not just what we see on the street today, but what is coming behind it over the next several years. These projects will drive sustained demand for asphalt paving and construction services well into 2026 and beyond. Legislatively, Florida remains focused on protecting transportation dollars, streamlining delivery, and encouraging innovation. Those priorities align directly with how Ajax operates. As delivery methods evolve and schedules accelerate, our ability to quickly pivot while executing safely, efficiently, and at scale becomes even more critical. The groundwork laid in 2025 positions our industry, and Ajax in particular, to continue playing a leading role in delivering complex projects across the state. Looking ahead to 2026, we see a busy and opportunity-filled year. This starts in the first week of 2026 with Interviews scheduled for I-75 from Golden Gate to Corkscrew (IROX 2.0), a Modified Phased Design Build (MPDB), with more major corridor improvements on the horizon. For Ajax, this means continued investment in our people, plants, and equipment, and a focus on executing at a high level. Florida is moving forward, and we are proud to help build the infrastructure that keeps it moving. None of this happens without our people. As the work program continues to grow, our focus remains on building and taking care of our people while delivering quality projects that make Florida the envy of the Country. Scott Pittman Executive Vice President of Marketing & Gov’t Affairs
AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
THE CHOICE IS YOURS: IT STARTS WITH YOU. As 2025 wraps up and we conclude our year-long journey into worldview, thank you to everyone who took the time to read these articles; I hope each article offered some takeaways. Over the past year, we examined how our worldview influences how we see and understand others, communicate and lead, respond to change and uncertainty, and define success both personally and professionally. These are not just ideas; they shape how we show up for each other every day. And they are essential to build the type of culture we want at Ajax. The Employer of Choice, The Contractor of Choice, The Partner of Choice. It’s easy to talk about culture and display a poster with your values or quotes. We’ve all seen these, and we have them. But culture is what happens when no one is looking. It’s the way you leave the jobsite. It’s the tone you set in the morning huddle. It’s the pride you have when you do what you say you’ll do. And it starts with you, so bring solutions and not excuses. Here’s how it looks in real life: Here’s how it looks in real life: When we take the time to understand someone’s view, we build respect. When we communicate clearly and listen to feedback, we build trust. When we support people through changes, we build loyalty. When we help people define and pursue their own version of success, we build engagement. QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
This is the kind of culture that lasts. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, our challenge is to create a culture that reflects the kind of people we want to be, not just the projects we finish. That means putting into practice what we’ve learned: Lead with understanding, not assumption. Speak with clarity, not confusion. Respond with confidence, not fear. Pursue growth, not goals. “Culture is built in the quiet moments, in the standards you refuse to lower, in the people you choose to believe in.” Jim Murphy, Inner Excellence Let’s be those people. Let’s build that type of culture. Let’s choose to be The Choice.
Andy Decraene Executive Vice President of Operations
SAFETY FIRST As 2025 comes to a close, the Safety Department would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all Ajax employees for your dedication to safety this year. We truly appreciate your feedback, suggestions, and active participation in our safety program. We’ve had several positive milestones this year, including the company-wide switch to Studson Helmets. We’re happy to report that in three separate instances, these helmets performed exactly as they were designed to, helping prevent injuries. Our training programs this year were also a success, with events like Safety Day, the Midseason Safety Meeting, the OSHA 10-Hour Class, Smith System Driver Training, and numerous other valuable sessions. Your commitment to safety training is an essential part of keeping our workplace safe.
We look forward to seeing everyone at Safety Day 2026! In the meantime, enjoy a well-deserved break during the shutdown. Please have a safe holiday season, and let's continue to make safety a top priority in the year ahead. Thank you for your hard work, and stay safe. Ajax Paving Florida Safety Department Mandy Kustra, Eric Green, Bob Kern, Chad Winn, Kathy Ranisate, and Charlie McCleaf QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
Q4 CHOICE EMPLOYEES Please join us in congratulating these A-Team members for going above and beyond!
CHRIS STEWART CONSTRUCTION MANAGER “Chris has been vitally important to our success as an Area. Chris is always focusing on his folks for Choice Employee of the Quarter, but I feel it is appropriate that he deserves that recognition to close out the year. Congratulations to Chris!” -Matt Horan, Regional VP Venice
MIKE CARTER PROJECT SUPERINTENDENT “Joining Ajax in May 2021, Mike brought with him a wealth of paving experience from Illinois. His expertise was immediately put to the test when he was assigned to the Colonial Boulevard Diverging Diamond Project—a $52 million design-build initiative. One of Mike’s key responsibilities was overseeing the milling and paving operations, which were among the most complex aspects of the project. Since completing Colonial, Mike has taken on another challenge: an $80+ million airport expansion project. This project will be a true challenge, but there is no doubt we have the right man for the job. In addition to his normal responsibilities, Mike has contributed to the TPR team, consistently demonstrating his willingness to step in and support wherever needed. Mike is someone we can truly count on, and his dedication does not go unnoticed. Keep up the great work, Mike—we appreciate everything you do!” -Garrett Fons, Construction Manager
CODY PATSEY FOREMAN FOR CLEAN UP CREW / PAVER OPERATOR “Cody has always been a model employee for Ajax. He is a great team player and will do whatever is asked of him. Throughout this last quarter, while we were shorthanded on the paving crew we asked Cody to be the operator of the paver again. Without any hesitation he hopped back on and kept the crew and Ajax moving forward. We can all learn from the way Cody acts and performs on the job. Thank you, Cody, for being such a valuable member of the Ateam.” -Joe Minich, Regional VP Tampa
JUAN GUERRERO LEADMAN “Juan communicates with all his team members to ensure all work is done to Ajax’s standards. Juan has a great work ethic and a commitment to excellence. We’re grateful that he is part of the A-Team. Thanks, Juan!” -Clay Cross, Regional VP Lake Wales
ESTIMATING DEPARTMENT: 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW As we wrap up 2025, the Estimating Department celebrates a year of precision, collaboration, and success. Our team’s commitment to accurate bids and strategic pricing has helped secure projects that strengthen our position in the Southwest Florida contracting industry.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 1,000+ bid proposals submitted across public and private sectors. 12% Hit Rate – a strong average for our market area. Focused handoff meetings with Operations and Project Management for smooth transitions from bid to build. Active participation in company-wide job reviews to share lessons learned and align estimated vs. actual costs.
MAJOR PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS Harney Pond Road - Seminole Tribe of Florida Negotiated scope contract based on Ajax’s strong prequalification in road construction. A collaboration between Design-Build and Estimating to deliver the best combination of price and schedule. Currently under construction in Fort Myers. Resurfacing Lorraine Road & Other North County Roads - Sarasota County Milling and resurfacing, base work, ADA improvements, and pavement markings. Our most recent acquisition adds 28,000 tons to the backlog. 75th Street West Improvements - Halfacre Construction Roadway widening and reconstruction in Manatee County for a Construction Manager at Risk. Currently relocating major utilities and preparing for storm drainage construction. Asphalt Rehabilitation of Runway 10-28 - Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Asphalt rehabilitation at Tampa International Airport, including concrete slab replacement and miscellaneous grading. E7R76 - SR574/Dr MLK Jr Blvd From MP 7.62 To MP 12.291 - FDOT District 7 Low Bid Design-Build project replacing FC-5 friction course with FC-12.5 along SR 574 in Hillsborough County. T1918 - SR 35 (US 98) AT LYLE PKWY AND FROM N OF SR 60 - FDOT Milling, resurfacing, widening, drainage, signalization, and lighting from north of SR 60 to north of CR 540A in Polk County. Looking Ahead In 2026, we’ll continue refining processes, leveraging technology, and fostering teamwork to maintain our reputation for excellence. Thank you to every member of the Estimating Department—your dedication is the foundation of our success!
Christie Alvaro VP of Estimating QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
DESIGN-BUILD PROJECTS: 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW & 2026 OUTLOOK 2025 marked a record-breaking year for Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC. Our company successfully delivered three major I-75 design-build projects, completed the Sanibel Causeway Phased Design-Build, and achieved the final configuration of the Pine Island Phased Design-Build. Ajax also made significant progress on US-301 at Gibsonton and on SR 60 at SR 39 concrete intersection projects, as well as on three Prince Contracting Joint Venture projects on US-98 and US-301 across Polk, Pasco, and Hernando Counties. The SR 31 Phased Design-Build project in Charlotte and Lee Counties also made notable progress. This was Ajax’s most successful year ever in design-build, thanks to the dedication and expertise of our field and plant professionals, estimators, construction managers, and engineering managers. Their commitment and teamwork have set new standards for excellence and innovation in our industry. Looking ahead to 2026, Ajax is poised for even greater achievements. Ajax is pursuing three major Modified Phased Design-Build projects: the I-75 Express Lane Widening in Collier and Lee Counties, I-4 Express Lane Widening at US 27 in Polk County, and I-4 Express Lanes Widening in Hillsborough County. Our proven track record and experience with similar projects give us confidence in our ability to estimate, manage, and construct these complex undertakings. With our talented team and strong foundation, Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC is ready to embrace new challenges and continue driving progress across Florida’s infrastructure.
Felipe Jaramillo, PE, DBIA Engineering Director
INSIDE I.T. Celebrating Progress, Teamwork, and a Future-Focused Approach As we wrap up another vibrant quarter, the IT department is proud to reflect on the progress we've made together. Throughout Q4, our focus remained on strengthening the foundation that keeps the A-Team connected, secure, and ahead of the curve. From infrastructure investments to team milestones, every achievement is a testament to our shared commitment and collaboration. This year, our team prioritized meaningful upgrades to our network infrastructure, ensuring faster, more reliable connections across the organization. These enhancements have not only improved overall performance but have also laid the groundwork for future growth and innovation. Equally important were our strides in physical security. By introducing advanced access controls and refining onsite safety protocols, we're fostering a safer environment for all employees and safeguarding our critical assets. These improvements reflect our ongoing dedication to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive with confidence. Q4 marked an exciting chapter in our journey toward innovation. The IT department actively explored and began implementing a range of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions designed to streamline operations and enhance user experiences. We look forward to expanding these efforts to further empower the A-Team in the months ahead. Our accomplishments this quarter would not be possible without the people behind the technology. We were thrilled to welcome Keegan Reep to the IT department as our new Technical Support Specialist. We also proudly celebrated Jonathan Tiffany's 5-year anniversary as Business Solutions Analyst. Jonathan’s expertise and dedication have been instrumental in driving continuous improvement and delivering exceptional support to our colleagues. Please join us in congratulating Jonathan on this significant milestone! As we close out Q4, we remain energized by our mission to serve the A-Team with excellence and innovation. With a strengthened infrastructure, enhanced security, and a talented, dedicated team, we're poised for another successful year ahead. Thank you for your partnership, trust, and collaboration. Together, we look forward to tackling new challenges and celebrating even greater achievements in the coming months.
Craig Powers IT Director
VENICE DIVISION
2025 Recap
As we close out another year, I’ve taken time to reflect on what our Venice area has achieved. If 2024 was defined by stability, then 2025 was defined by consistency. This year, we worked hard to dial in our key performance metrics for asphalt paving. As a result, we’ve strengthened our daily start times, improved truck scheduling and ordering, aligned field production with tonnage ordered, and delivered consistent quality across all three crews. It has been a privilege to watch our entire team push together to improve our performance. From the Construction Manager to every crew member, the progress we’ve made is a direct result of communication, discipline, and a commitment to working as one. That teamwork is what distinguishes a quality asphalt paving contractor. I want to express my sincere appreciation to every member of our Area 1 Team and to the Ajax Departments that supported us along the way. We tackled several difficult projects this year, and we would not have reached the finish line without the persistence and focus of our people. Tough jobs build tough teams, and those experiences only make us stronger as a company. Finally, I’d like to congratulate Nate Hassler as he steps into the role of Regional Vice President for the North Venice Area. His tenure begins in February, and it has been a pleasure working with him over the past few months to ensure a smooth transition. I look forward to watching this Area rally under his leadership and continue raising the bar. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Matt Horan Regional VP Venice
FT. MYERS DIVISION
2025 Recap
2025 was a year of success for Fort Myers across many facets of our work. We experienced growth while continuing to strengthen our core business. A key part of that core is ensuring our equipment runs smoothly, and I want to extend my gratitude to our Mechanics, TPR leads, and everyone involved in keeping our equipment in top condition. Our area was continuously leading the way in all the benchmarks of the TPR program and Equipment Maintenance. This year also marked the completion of several major projects. The Colonial Interchange Design-Build project was fully opened and completed, our SR 31 project is progressing strongly, and numerous fast-paced POP (Pavement Only Projects) were successfully delivered. Central Florida was home to many additional achievements, including projects in partnership with Glades and Hendry counties and the Seminole Tribe. We also launched new initiatives, including the Function Unified Network Events. These gatherings bring together employees from each department within Fort Myers for an afternoon of connection outside the daily work environment, encouraging idea-sharing and collaboration. The program has already proven successful, and we look forward to hosting four events in 2026. Looking ahead, 2026 promises to build on the momentum of 2025 with fresh ideas and a focus on the small details that drive big results. Our backlog is strong, thanks to the dedication of our estimating staff and our history of innovation and excellence. Airport work will continue to thrive, with another project at Punta Gorda Airport and significant progress on the RSW Airport Terminal Expansion. Our Fort Myers division remains the “company to call” for new owners and general contractors seeking pavement work—made possible by the pursuit of opportunities from our Estimating and Design-Build teams and the outstanding quality delivered by our crews.
Matt Desotell Regional VP Fort Myers
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
TAMPA DIVISION
2025 Recap
2025 in the Tampa area was a very busy year. We started out the year wrapping up many of our hurricane repair jobs from 2024 and then rolled right into some major design-build jobs. Our crews performed great on these high-profile, time-sensitive jobs in the area, including US 301 & Gibsonton Drive, SR 60 & 39, and Tampa International Airport. Our team was challenged with many major roadway closures, and everyone worked to meet deadlines for those closures. This year we had our challenges too, but this group is always willing to step in, roll up their sleeves, and help where needed. Workmanship and quality will be at the forefront of our focus for 2026. The plants and paving crews in the Tampa area have already shown remarkable improvements in mix consistency and density over the last few months. We need to continue with that momentum into 2026. Thank you to everyone involved in the success of our Area and have a safe and happy holiday season.
Joe Minich Regional VP Tampa
LAKE WALES DIVISION
2025 Recap
We are grateful and humble for the success we’ve had since breaking ground in the fall of 2020. Special thanks go to our Project & Paving Superintendents, Paving Crews, Grade Crews, MOT Crews, Quality Control, Mechanics, Trucking, Plant Operations, Estimating, and Project Management. Without our people, our success would not have been possible. We have again set records for growth in the Lake Wales (Heartland) market. We’re closing out our second Design-Build project, produced a record amount of asphalt, increased our team by 26 new hires in 2025 and several Ajax internal transfers from other areas. Continued to grow our people professionally and several team members have been promoted internally into management positions. Thank you to all our Lake Wales employees for our success thus far and in the future. We wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Please stay safe and enjoy your time with family and friends – make memories! We’re looking forward to a great 2026 – Thanks to all!
Clay Cross Regional VP Lake Wales QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
PLANT DIVISION SUCCESS IN 2025 The year 2025 has been exceptionally successful, with production at our facilities exceeding expectations. We have seen an increase of approximately 20% in tonnage compared to 2024, achieving record levels for both Ajax and FOB sales. This milestone reflects not only the strong market conditions in Florida but also the outstanding collaboration and dedication of the entire Ajax team. I would like to formally acknowledge the contributions of several key departments- Sales, Maintenance, Quality Control, and Plant Operations. The FOB sales team, led by Sales Manager Steve Waczak and supported by Roger Owens and Sonny Webb, has demonstrated consistent performance, strong customer relationships, and dedication, all of which were pivotal to our record-breaking FOB sales. Our maintenance team, under the leadership of Hector Arroyo, has implemented significant upgrades at multiple facilities this year, notably completing a major project at Plant 2 Punta Gorda during the July shutdown. Additionally, preparations are underway for extensive upgrades at Plant 5 Odessa scheduled for December shutdown, which will include the installation of a larger drum, upgraded drag slat, and a taller silo to align with existing infrastructure. These improvements necessitate modifications to our current plant layout, ultimately supporting increased production capacity and improved quality. The contributions of both mechanics and electricians have been instrumental to the successful execution of these major upgrades, as well as ongoing maintenance across all plants. Plant employees, overseen by Mike Woody, have ensured the efficient production of asphalt to meet all customer requirements through exceptional communication, coordination, and commitment to quality standards. The implementation of our preventative maintenance program last year has delivered measurable improvements in plant uptime, enabling us to reliably fulfill customer needs and contributing significantly to operational success.
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Our QC division, directed by Shane Williamson and Rusty Reynolds, remains integral to our achievements. QC techs conduct extensive testing on all mixes produced throughout the year. To ensure we have a good mix of certain projects, we now require pretesting of plant-produced asphalt to verify that the asphalt meets specified criteria. This testing increases demands on our QC staff. I extend my appreciation for their diligence and dedication, which continually position Ajax as a leader in quality. As we continue to address both opportunities and challenges ahead, our priorities remain focused on delivering high quality asphalt, maintaining operational excellence, and sustaining our commitment to customer satisfaction. I am sincerely grateful to all plant personnel whose efforts drive our ongoing success at Ajax. I am excited to see what the future brings and how Ajax can lead the way.
Mickey Cox Vice President of Plants & Materials
QUALITY CONTROL UPDATE 2025 has been a year of significant growth for the QC group. We’ve welcomed several new inspectors to meet increasing paving demands, added a new laboratory technician, and strengthened our management team. The entire group continues to work diligently to ensure Ajax remains a leader in the industry. This expansion, paired with consistent, effective cross-area collaboration has played a key role in our ongoing success. Under the guidance of our QC Managers, John Maw and Bobby Gibson, our field QC Technicians are receiving thorough training to uphold the principles of the Ajax way while working collectively toward our shared goals. Meanwhile, our Quality Manager, Alfredo Castro, continues to expand the asphalt laboratory to enhance our mix design, binder, and tack testing capabilities. In 2025, we also sharpened our focus on attention to detail and daily discipline, striving to get 1% better each shift through improved processes and procedures. Adjustments to our shift approach and communication practices have already made a meaningful impact. Success doesn’t come from what we do occasionally but from what we do consistently. Lastly, I’d like to wish each of our QC team members the very best at this time of year in the hopes of having the happiest of holidays. Thank you, TEAM for all you do!
John Savage Director of Quality Control QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
TRUCKING’S DOIN’ GOOD This past quarter has been a strong and successful one for our team. We wrapped up the year by celebrating together with a fun team-bonding event at the go-kart track, which was a great way to connect, recharge, and enjoy each other’s company. We will be celebrating our first Christmas in our new, beautiful office.
We are incredibly proud of everything the team accomplished over the last year. The hard work, dedication, and teamwork shown by everyone made this a very successful year for our company. As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited for new opportunities and continued growth. With the momentum we’ve built, we’re confident the coming year will be even better. Thank you to everyone for your outstanding contributions. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Rudy Rella Transportation Director
EQUIPMENT DIVISION 2025 RECAP This year has been a testament to the hard work and dedication of our maintenance department. Our staff and mechanics have put in the work to ensure Ajax’s equipment remains in optimal condition. The shop foremen have really stepped up and taken ownership of their areas. The equipment division is communicating on a high level, and we are responding to our customers urgently. Justin Scharping, our Equipment Maintenance Manager, has done a great job providing guidance and support for our shop foremen this year. Whether he’s fielding calls while traveling or on the shop floor, he’s always available. From the moment the part is in hand, you can trust that our shop is going to get the job done right. Shop Foremen Shoutouts Frank Wills has done an excellent job leading the Venice shop Area 1 to faster turnaround times for repairs. Harry Hoxsie represents Fort Myers with pride and continues to save money on key “repair vs outsource” decisions. Will Trout in Tampa led his team to a positive turnaround in one of the most challenging markets. Last but not least, Brian Belgarde has proven that knowledge, expertise, and hard work are a winning recipe for Lake Wales. Thank you to every mechanic and maintenance staff member for all your hard work. We cannot do this without you. Cheers to 2026!
Dan Maitland Fleet Manager
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
TPR SUCCESS The Ajax TPR division truly had a transformative and banner year for all of its active teams in 2025. With incredible dedication, hard work, and a solid focus on following well-established procedural guidelines, we were able to surpass all of our previous achievements and reach some very ambitious goals that we had set for ourselves. The individual team charters were also updated, refined, and expanded to include the procedures and deliverables needed to drive our anticipated achievements for 2025 and into 2026.
CLAIRE Team Headed up by Andres Lopez from Lake Wales and staffed by various representatives from all four area offices, the team had an amazing and incredibly productive year. In total, 5 individual area events were successfully completed with the direct involvement of many field operations, office, marketing, mechanics and management personnel. We all planed, worked hard, sweat and got our hands dirty together. The team also hosted our first ever all women’s CLAIRE event which was a by all accounts was very popular and a huge success. So much so, that we are now working on and planning another one for 2026.
Auditing Team Led by Randy Moore from Lake Wales and similarly staffed by team members from all 4 areas, this team totally transformed all aspects auditing as we had previously known them and broke all of its own auditing records year after year. Starting in mid 2024, the team first recreated the way we tracked, recorded and reported on auditing. The team also changed every single audit form and revamped the individual item scoring range in order to produce more reliable and realistic audit score results. In 2024, the team finished the year with its till then highest ever audit count of 673 audits, which represented and increase of nearly 82% next best previous year in 2023. Now, for 2025, the total number of audits completed is expected to be nearly 900 completed audits. This will be a nearly 34% increase over our achievements in 2024.
Operator Care Team This team underwent some very meaningful and lasting transformational changes. Similar to all of our teams, this team is staffed with representatives from all four area offices. Originally introduced and implemented by Adriana Rahe, the team created an early QR code system for our operator care standards. This would, a short while later, become the backbone of employee access and all future training. A more comprehensive and accurate trainingtracking spreadsheet system was later created and implemented by Michael Carter when he assumed the role of team leader. As a result of the significant changes made by Rahe and Carter, along with the tireless efforts of our team members, the scheduling department, area mechanics, superintendents, and many others, Operator Care finally achieved a long-held goal that few thought was attainable. For the first time in the years long history our Operator Care program, we were able to achieve 100% recorded training for all of our scheduled teams in all 4 of our area offices.
I am as the teams coordinator, and we as a company, are all very proud of the dedication and efforts of our teams leaders, individual team members, our steering council and all others who directly or indirectly participated in what TPR was able to achieve in 2025. Going forward into 2026 and beyond, TPR will once again endeavor to grow and reimagine itself in order to become more efficient and achieve even greater success. For those of us who take on this challenge, continuous improvement is not just something we say, it is something we live by. Manny Valle TPR Coordinator
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR EMPLOYEES- THE A-TEAM As we wrap up 2025, we want to take a moment to say thank you to our amazing employees for making this another great year for Ajax. Your hard work, talent, and teamwork are what drive our success and help us reach important milestones every day. The dedication, resilience, and pride you bring to your work truly makes a difference, and we couldn’t do it without you. With great momentum behind us and exciting opportunities ahead, we’re feeling energized and optimistic about what 2026 will bring. Here’s to continued success and an even brighter year ahead- onward and upward! Empowering Our Workforce: UKG Implementation & Training Initiative We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Human Capital Management System—a major upgrade designed to make work life easier, more connected, and more efficient for every employee coming soon! This new system will:
Boost employee engagement Improve operational efficiency across the employee lifecycle Streamline scheduling, training, and payroll Offer mobile-friendly access to pay stubs, benefit elections, training resources, and career development Ajax University As part of this upgrade, we’re proud to also introduce Ajax University, a new hub for employees to grow and learn. With thousands of courses to choose from, Ajax University makes it easy to learn what matters to you- whether you want to pick up new skills, grow your career, or explore new ideas along the way. Built with accessibility, personalization, and inspiration in mind, Ajax University makes it easier to learn, grow, and succeed in your role. What to Expect Next
One place to find all your employee resources Training opportunities and rollout updates Support resources and how-to guides UKG isn’t just another tool—it will help keep us connected, informed, and engaged as one team. For questions or feedback, reach out to the HR Team, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Building Roads. Building Leaders. Building the Future of Ajax.
Sandy Philipps HR Director
WOMEN RAISING THE BAR As we reach the end of another meaningful and productive year, we want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. In February, we hosted our annual Women Raising the Bar meeting at the barn, where we had the pleasure of a guest speaker and we wrapped up the day with hands-on exploration and operation of various types of equipmenta fun and empowering way to close out the event.
Throughout the year, we continued to give back in ways that truly made a difference. We volunteered at The Twig warehouse and supported their Fostering Feet shoe drive. Thanks to our employees, community partners, and vendors, we collected 1,000 pairs of shoes—offering comfort and confidence to children and teens in foster care. We also spent an afternoon at All Faiths Food Bank, where we prepared “backpacks” filled with food for kids to take home during holiday breaks and weekends. In addition, we fulfilled the wish lists of two mothers and their children at Our Mother’s House, helping create a joyful and memorable season for these families. We were proud to participate in Girl Scout Fest, further strengthening our community connections and supporting the next generation of young leaders. Through our custom patch program, we continue to inspire girls by highlighting career opportunities for women in
Taylor Shaner Project Engineer
construction and demonstrating the vital role roads play in our communities. Together, we have built something meaningful, and together, we will continue to raise the bar. Thank you for an incredible year.
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
WARRIOR PROGRAM RECAP
Since our last update, Eric Green has been diligently conducting VitalCog trainings across multiple area locations. Additionally, Duncan McKillop led the training for Venice- thank you, Duncan! We are proud to share that approximately 90% of upper management and office staff have now completed VitalCog training. On Monday, November 17, we hosted a combined Mental Health First Aid and VitalCog Training at the Venice barn. As a result, we are excited to announce that 19 employees have joined the Ajax Warriors team! Please join us in congratulating and welcoming our newest Ajax Warriors: Jeffery Allen | Tyler Noble | Rusty Reynolds | Ariel Ortiz Austin Reardon | Cody Kolifrath | Robert Keller | Brett Besemer Angela Parkinson | Dee Rodriguez | Bobby Grayes | Lakisha Green Curt Selbak | Juliomar Garcia | Dawayne Keeney | Jacob Brumbach Megan Jackson | Trish Moore | Kathleen Ranisate Stayed Tuned for More Information About our Upcoming Events Ajax Warriors Quarterly Meeting VitalCog Training for Foremen – All areas Tour of the Tampa Bay Crisis Center Resources You Can Share One of the most impactful roles of the Ajax Warriors is connecting others to helpful resources. You never know when you, a colleague, or a loved one might need support. The Holiday season can also be a difficult time for some. Here are a few important resources: 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7 support) 211 – Speak confidentially with a crisis specialist 1-844-MyFLVet – Veterans Support Line 813-264-9955 – Trauma Counseling
Programs Available Through Ajax Youturn Health Peer Coaching Support Line: 1-888-520-1868 (Mon–Fri, 10 AM–12 AM ET) Register at https://now.youturnhealth.com/register Access 300+ educational videos on mental health and wellness (use Ajax as the registration code) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 800-316-2796 (24/7/365 support) Includes licensed professionals and three free counseling sessions per household. Your Warrior Leadership Board: Eric Green 941-650-2671 and Angela Wike 727-647-3703. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if anyone is stuggling. Your Warrior Leadership Board Eric Green: 941-650-2671 Angela Wike: 727-647-3703 Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if anyone is struggling. Together, We Make a Difference! We’re building a stronger, more supportive Ajax family. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for supporting mental health and wellness at Ajax. We hope that you and your families have a safe, happy and healthy holiday season! Ajax Warrior Board
Eric Green Safety Manager
Angela Wike Contract Admin
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
2025 Successes
Each year, we make it our mission to give back to the communities where we live, work, and thrive. Our 2025 accomplishments are a powerful testament to the core values that shape everything we do.
24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Thanks to our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers we raised over $150,000 this year to donate to over 30 local non-profit organizations.
Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive This year, we were able to donate over 4,300 pounds of food back into our community. We appreciate all of our employees, subcontractors, customers, communities, and vendors for getting involved and donating.
Back To School Supply Drive All area offices participate in collecting school supplies for the upcoming school year. This year, we donated over 150 pounds of school supplies.
Holiday Toy Drive Each December, we join forces with FTBA to spread joy at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. This year, we donated over 100 toys.
Fostering Feet Shoe Drive We are proud to participate in this event every year, collecting new and gently used shoes for children in foster care. Together, we were able to collect 1,000 pairs of shoes this year!
At Ajax, community involvement is at the heart of what we do. Whether you participated in these events or others throughout the year, thank you for your support and commitment. Together, we are making a difference and look forward to continuing to pave the way for an even stronger community in 2026.
Megan Jackson Marketing Manager QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
x a j A n O g n i The Future Is Rid