NRMCA Names Ohio Man 2023 Driver of the Year

NRMCA has named Robert Hackney of Ernst Concrete Inc., the 2023 Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery Professional Driver of the Year. A national panel of industry judges selected Mr. Hackney as the top driver from a near record number of outstanding applicants from across the United States. Mr. Hackney, whose home plant is located in Troy, OH, was honored for his career achievements, outstanding safety record, professionalism, driving competency and customer service skills. His extraordinary safety record includes a 28-year career with Ernst Concrete with no at-fault accidents, no on-the-job accidents, no dash-cam events and no at-fault rejected loads.

On Mr. Hackney’s application, company President John Ernst wrote, “Bob has tried to avoid the limelight for years. This year I approached him with my dream that he would allow me to submit him for Driver of the Year and he finally said 'maybe'," said Ernst Concrete President John Ernst. "That was good enough for me!”

The judges also selected three runners-up: Bill Gerber, from Silvi Concrete in Fairless Hills, PA; Jason Giard of CS-MA, LLC dba Construction Service, from Wilbraham, MA, and Dewayne Gootee of Dolese Bros. Co. from Moore, OK.

As the winner of the 2023 award, Mr. Hackney will receive a $5,000 check from the Truck Mixer Manufacturers Bureau. As runners-up, Mr. Gerber, Mr. Giard and Mr. Gootee will each receive a check for $1,000. The 2023 Driver of the Year winners will be honored at NRMCA’s Annual Convention held in March in Las Vegas, NV. The Chicago-based trade magazine Concrete Products is a cosponsor of the NRMCA Driver of the Year program.

Cllck here for more detailed information on each of the above award winners. For more information, contact Gary Mullings or Kevin Walgenbach.