Producer Member of the Month: Palmetto Corp Highlights Longevity and Passion in the Asphalt Industry
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Q and A with Ray Mothershead, Plant Operations Division Manager, Palmetto Corp
Like his father and uncle before him, Ray Mothershead planned on going into the towing business, and eventually owning his own towing company. But his path changed when he was 17 years old and his (then) girlfriend’s father offered him a job cleaning around the asphalt plant where he worked. That job sparked a passion for the asphalt industry that has stuck with Ray through his successful 30+ years career.
Q: What do you love most about your work?
A: Everything. I am not sure I can really explain it other than to say I love everything about it. The people. The production. Even the maintenance. I have from day one. Years ago, I walked away from it for a while. I was working in a large corporate environment that had become impersonal. There was too much red tape, too many channels to go through to get anything done. So, I quit. My plan was to retire from asphalt, work at a couple of side businesses I had going, and travel with my wife. A few weeks in, we were on the road, and she looked over at me and said, “You don’t seem happy.” I said, “I’m not. I miss my career. I miss doing what I love.” We were traveling through South Carolina at the time, and I saw a sign for Palmetto Corp. I gave them a call. The timing was perfect. They were expanding into the Midlands area at the time and needed someone to get the plant going.
Q: Your sons are both in the industry, working alongside you at Palmetto Corp. (Ray Mothershead, Jr. as Midlands Plant Manager, and Mark Mothershead as a grading operator). Were they naturally interested in construction or was that a result of your influence?
A: Oh, I most definitely influenced them. [chuckles] Of course, they could have followed whatever path they chose, but no doubt I strongly encouraged the asphalt industry. It has been so good to me. I have met great people, had opportunities to grow and advance. I wanted them to be as fortunate in their career(s) as I have been in mine. They are not my only relatives working with us. My cousin, Butch, works at the plant in Lugoff, and his son, Patrick, does as well.
Q: Speaking of encouraging young people to consider a career in asphalt, how can we do a better job of attracting young people to the industry?
A: Education and exposure is key. We need to be in the schools, talking to kids, talking to their parents. Sharing the many opportunities our industry provides. We need to offer internships to expose young people to the work we do. But we need to get that right. Not just bring them in to do the paper pushing or the grunt work. We need to expose them to the fun parts of the job. Take them out in the field, show them how to measure up a job, put them on a roller or a screed. Let them see firsthand all the technology that now exists in our industry.
Q: As an employee, what sets Palmetto Corp apart?
A: I think it is the personal leadership. We are a large company with significant resources, but we are still nimble. Leadership all the way to the top is accessible. I am trusted in the work I do. If I say I need something to do my job better, new equipment, more hands, etc., I just need to make one call, and I get what I need.
Q: What currently excites you most about your work?
A: The growth. We are expanding into the Upstate with plans for additional asphalt plants and new plant division team members. I love the challenge of growing and leading operations at multiple plant sites. It is an exciting time.
Thank you, Palmetto Corp, for being SCAPA's Featured Producer Member of the Month and for your continued support!
