AIM Magazine 2016 | Page 67

Crews load up and head to jobsites where concrete trucks parade through pouring yard after yard of mud . A crew may be at the U of A one day and pouring concrete in a plant the next .
Backus said he looks for workers who aren ’ t afraid of a tough job .
“ We like challenging jobs ,” Backus said . “ We ’ re the ones that will work weekends and holidays to get something done .”
“ We have a rare bunch of guys ,” Backus said . “ We all make sacrifices and are dedicated to this company .”
Backus is in the field alongside of the other workers . “ I ’ m a field guy ,” Backus said . “ I ’ ll be on the site . I ’ ll take the job where I can make the most difference . That is usually the most challenging job .”
The company caters to industrial work and Backus can handle the most complex concrete projects .
“ I ’ m not sugar-coating the job ,” Backus said . “ Jobs here are a lot of things but boring isn ’ t one of them . We are growing the business at high speed . We have a lot of potential and a lot of opportunities here .”
The company does not have much turnover . “ I suppose that says a lot about the business ,” Backus said . “ We have high expectations to continue our growth . We won ’ t just fill a position because we create a new one . We have to have the right person .”
The right person needs a good driving record . Tickets could keep you from getting hired .
You should also take pride in your appearance , Sims added .
Employees should be respectful and professional . Backus Concrete gets calls for jobs because future customers see how professional they are at another job .
“ You should show up interested in the job , willing to listen and willing to learn ,” Sims said .
Math and communication skills are important . So is not being afraid of hard work , Backus said .
“ In high school you should take basic agriculture and construction classes ,” Salinas said . “ Things like basic electrical courses or how to use a micrometer .” A micrometer is a gauge that measures small distances or thicknesses .
Oral communication classes would also help when talking to fellow employees or calling vendors , Salinas said .
Backus started the company in a garage 10 years ago , after working for two other construction companies . In the last two years , Backus Concrete has grown from 10 employees to 30 , Sims said .
The company cares about the people that work there , Ruiz said .
“ If you have a problem , talk to the supervisor ,” Ruiz said . “ They will listen to you . They will take care of you .”
The company rewards its employees with above average pay for the industry and bonuses for those who demonstrate outstanding work performance throughout the year . Backus also invests in the best equipment and tools for his employees .
The Backus Concrete crew and their families also get together for fun . They have enjoyed an evening at a Naturals game with their families or a party with pizza and bowling .
“ Our employees look forward to coming in and building here . They are elite employees . They work with me , not for me ,” Backus said .
If you are interested in joining that elite team , you can apply online at backusconcrete . com / employment .
“ We are looking to be the best construction business , not the biggest ,” Backus said .
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