The 2024 year-end episode of “Drilling Deeper” welcomes in two leaders from the aggregate industry’s producer ranks: John Sather, vice president of aggregates at Utah-based Whitaker Construction; and Cody Ladd, president and COO of Minnesota-based Kraemer Mining & Materials. Sather discusses a variety of topics during his visit, including the regulatory environment, solutions to workforce challenges, Whitaker Construction’s ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) model, and what’s driving construction materials demand in Salt Lake City. Ladd, meanwhile, touches on how Kraemer Mining & Materials fared in 2024, as well as the role inclement weather plays in aggregates. Additionally, Ladd discusses the positive pricing momentum the industry has experienced in the last couple of years, as well as the rate of growth that he sees as the most sustainable.

Timestamps:
John Sather Interview: 4:39 – 23:57
Cody Ladd Interview: 30:46 – 43:03

For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at industry conferences and meetings.
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