ACPA Honors Awards Recipients

On January 18, more than 150 ACPA members attending World of Concrete in Las Vegas started their day at ACPA’s Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation. Attendees enjoyed a free breakfast buffet and a moving tribute to industry members who have made outstanding contributions to concrete pumping. This year, four individuals were honored:

• Lifetime Achievement: Gary Brown
• Pioneer Award: Tony Tye
• Hall of Fame: Tom O’Malley
• Safe Operator of the Year: Dianne McCreary

Learn more about the awards and the honorees below.

Lifetime Achievement: Gary Brown

The ACPA presents Lifetime Achievement awards only in years when an individual or company stands out with utmost distinction. The award honors individuals or companies who have fostered and advanced the use of concrete pumping, have improved the conditions under which concrete pumping is performed, shared their knowledge and experiences with others in the industry, and promoted and practiced safe concrete pumping. This year, the award was presented to industry veteran and ACPA past president Gary Brown of R.L. McCoy.

2022 Lifetime Award winner Gary Brown (left) with 2012 winner Dennis Andrews (right)

Gary wanted to be a carpenter when he graduated from high school in the early 1970s, so he joined the Army Corps of Engineers to gain construction experience. That decision set him on a path leading to a career in concrete pumping.

After serving three years in active-duty military service, Gary left the Corps to attend Purdue University. While at Purdue, he continued to work in construction and was introduced to shotcrete techniques. He quickly saw the benefits of pumping concrete as opposed to the less-efficient means of placing concrete.

The idea of starting his own concrete pumping service started to take hold. In 1978, Gary leased and bought pumps through Cross Concrete Pumping to pursue that dream. His pumping business ultimately failed, but Gary did not lose his determination or his passion for the work. Instead, he convinced the Cross brothers to expand their pumping operations into Indiana and make him their general manager.

Early in his pumping career, Gary developed a relationship with Robert “Bob” McCoy of R.L. McCoy, a well-known bridge builder in Indiana. McCoy was one of the first bridge contractors to advocate for using a concrete pump as the best method for placing concrete. When Bob and his son Mark decided to buy their first pump in 1987, they consulted with Gary and offered him a job to help build their fleet. Gary turned them down. However, he did agree to continue lending his expertise about the equipment.

Gary introduced the McCoys to some of the top players in the industry and accompanied them on several trips to Seattle to buy used pumps from Brundage-Bone. After purchasing five additional concrete pumps, they again asked Gary to join R.L. McCoy in 1994. This time, he said yes — but only on the condition that he could remain in Indianapolis. He became general manager for McCoy’s newly developed concrete pumping division.

Now director of business development for the company, Gary says the McCoys share his beliefs that family comes first and integrity is your best asset. According to Gary, working for a family business with these values has been important because — as many in this industry can attest — concrete pumping can consume your life if left unchecked.

After more than 45 years in the industry, Gary has seen his share of mishaps from pumping concrete. Those experiences are the driving force behind his deep commitment to improving safety training across the industry. With a mission to raise the integrity of ACPA’s certification program and improve the industry’s safety culture, he won a seat on the ACPA Board of Directors in 2004. Since then, he has served as board president and as chair of the Safety and Certification Committee. He is currently a member of the ACPA Executive Board.

Under Gary’s leadership, ACPA’s training and certification program experienced many milestone achievements. These include an improved comprehensive operator training course, greater online access to training and certification materials, the launch of the Train the Trainer program, and elevated integrity of certification testing procedures, to name a few. Gary’s dedication to safety and his ability to connect with operators have made him a top presenter of ACPA Safety Seminars — a role he plans to continue even after his tenure as an Executive Board member ends.

Gary and his wife, Katrina, have been married for 49 years and have two children, Ben and Valerie, along with four granddaughters: Makenzie, Addison, Allison and Morgan.

Pioneer Award: Tony Tye

The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals whose contributions have helped foster and advance the concrete pumping industry, and whose willingness to share their knowledge has greatly enhanced the quality of our industry. In addition to sharing his vast expertise, this year’s winner offers several lighthearted nuggets of wisdom, such as: “The best pump is the one that doesn’t break down,” and “The best job is the one you get paid for.”

Tony Tye (left) was presented the Pioneer Award by long time friend and fellow Texan Wayne Allen of DY Concrete Pumps.

Tony Tye grew up on a cattle ranch in Del Rio, Texas — a small town on the Texas-Mexico border. He baled a lot of hay in those days, and for little pay. After graduating from high school in the late 1960s, Tony boarded a Greyhound bus headed to Houston to find work and make a living. His first job included driving a service truck for General Tire Company and changing truck tires before he enrolled in welding school and became a welder. He found no joy in the work or in living in a big city.

Determined to find a job that he liked and would provide enough income to support a family, Tony answered an ad through a Texas unemployment office: “No experience needed. Will train. $3.50 per hour; 40 hours guaranteed. Call George Brock at Hercules Concrete Pumping.” Tony didn’t know what a concrete pump was, but he would soon find out.

Hercules owner George Brock hired Tony despite having reservations about his young age. In March 1971, Tony turned 21 on the deck of a Hercules concrete pump. Concrete pumping was hard work, but he says it was better than hauling hay. A fast learner, he was soon in charge of his own pump — and he loved the independence of being an operator.

“It reminded me of being a cowboy. My horse was a concrete pump, and my ranch was a job site,” says Tony.

He quickly moved up through the company’s ranks and was transferred to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to oversee a startup branch. In 1974, he and George became 50/50 partners of Hercules Dallas-Fort Worth Concrete Pumping. Their partnership lasted many years.

In 1975, they saw their first Schwing concrete pump at the inaugural World of Concrete in Houston. George bought one for their company and two for his Houston operation. Tony bought one, as well. As new markets opened in Texas, they continued to buy and sell Schwing concrete pumps. The 1980s began with a promise of good things to come. Tony bought out George to take on sole ownership of the business; however, construction later came to a standstill in the state.

“The concrete pumping business is fickle at best,” says Tony. “I went through tough times, but they got better again. I’ve been big in the pumping business, and l’ve been small. Today, I think our company is the right size — for us, anyway.”

In 1992, Tony bought his company’s first Putzmeister concrete pump and began a relationship with the manufacturer that included buying and helping to sell pumps in Texas over the next few years. He eventually moved his business to San Antonio and changed its name to Texas South Concrete Pumping. For the past 20 years, he has been running operations with his wife Patricia, and sons Phil and David.

Texas South Concrete Pumping operates Putzmeister and Alliance concrete pumps, which Tony calls good pumps and good people. He also has fond memories of the people at Schwing and Putzmeister. He credits ACPA and World of Concrete for bringing the industry together to network, learn and share ideas.

“I’ve met a lot of good men and women who built this industry. I have respect for all of them. A lot of them are no longer with us today, but their legacy should not be forgotten,” he says.

Tony has been involved in thousands of projects, big and small. He watched the industry grow from what he says was a crazy idea to what it is today. He says concrete pumps have changed construction forever and will continue to do so — along with the men and women in the business.

“The women do not get enough credit. From the operator’s wife who puts up with the crazy hours and crazy paychecks, to the administrative professional who holds everything together in the office, to the company president, to the executive director of the ACPA — my hat is off to all of them,” says Tony.

According to Tony, a good day for an operator is when your spouse wakes you with a hot cup of coffee and a kiss, lunch is made and waiting, and you get an early start on your commute. The gate is open at the yard, and the pump is serviced and ready to go. The job site is clean with a great place to set up — no power lines or trees in the way — and there is no rain. The superintendent says good morning and asks if you need help. The concrete pumps like it’s ice cream and you can reach everything with one setup. The job gets complete, with everyone happy — and it’s Friday!

Tony loves spending time with his family, whether at home or at parties and cookouts. He enjoys traveling with his wife and getting outdoors — especially hunting, fishing and sitting around a campfire telling his buddies to enjoy the simple things in life. He has some self-described crazy ideas, which include a Texas-shaped house he built for his wife in Spring Branch, Texas.

And, of course, he offers one last piece of advice: “Be safe, pump concrete — and make some money doing it!”

Hall of Fame: Tom O’Malley

Tom O’Malley of Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping joins ACPA’s list of Hall of Fame honorees who have helped shape the concrete pumping industry. The award recognizes individuals who joined the industry after its pioneering days and have made significant contributions to advancing the profession.

A graduate of Indiana University, Tom began his construction career in 1985 with Rotec Industries, outside of Chicago. He spent his early years with the concrete placing company operating conveyor systems for bridge decks and specialty concrete placing applications. After transitioning to sales, his work included making daily rental sales calls to Chicago prospects, during which Tom often showed up on a site after selling that job to operate the equipment. He eventually began selling truck-mounted telescopic conveyors, now known as Telebelts, throughout the Midwest.

Tom O’Malley (left) is presented with the Hall of Fame Award by Wayne Bylsma (right).

After 12 years at Rotec, Tom joined Schwing America as midwest regional manager in 1997. In this role, Tom covered a 12-state region selling truck-mounted boom pumps and line pumps to concrete pumping companies and contractors. In 2001, Schwing’s then-president Tom Anderson asked him to relocate to Minnesota for the newly created position of marketing manager. Over the next 20 years, Tom’s roles and responsibilities expanded to include director of national account sales, director of product development, national sales manager, and finally senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Tom has been active in the ACPA for more than 20 years and has served as a board member for six years. In fact, during his tenure, he has only missed one board meeting — to attend a wedding!

As an ACPA Board member, Tom has served as chair of the Equipment and Safety Applications Committee and co-chair of the Communications Committee. Prior to joining the Board, Tom was active on the Promotion Committee and the Communication, Internet and Technology Committee. He also was an original committee member and driving force behind the ACPA’s Education Conference.

Always an enthusiastic and effective promoter of concrete pumping, Tom says one of his proudest achievements was writing and overseeing the creation of ACPA’s promotional video, “Concrete Pumping — The Future of Concrete Construction.” The video has so far garnered more than 700,000 views on YouTube. He also is a past president of the Concrete Pump Manufacturers Association.

In 2021, Tom made a significant career move and joined Brundage- Bone as senior vice president of sales and marketing. Always a family man, Tom credits much of his success to his work families at Rotec, Schwing and now Brundage-Bone. He is grateful for the support of ACPA. But most important, says Tom, is the never-ending support he receives from his wife of 31 years, Sue, and their two grown children, Chris and Ben.

Safe Operator of the Year: Dianne McCreary

Safety is one of ACPA’s highest priorities. Recognizing operators who exhibit exemplary practices is one way to foster a culture of safety at every level in the industry. Nominations were submitted by member companies and included at least one recommendation from a supervisor, co-worker or customer. As a condition of award consideration, all nominees held valid ACPA operator certifications. An independent safety consultant selected the winner according to the criteria of safety record, workforce development and a spirit of furthering the industry.

This year, Dianne McCreary of Blanchet Concrete Pumping received ACPA’s Safe Operator of the Year Award.

Executive director Christi Collins (left) presents the Safe Operator of the Year Award to Dianne McCready (right).

In April 2002, Dianne was working on a job site at the University of Maryland when J. Matt McDonald, president and CEO of Blanchet Concrete Pumping, handed her a business card and told her she should learn how to run a concrete pump. At the time, she was operating forklifts, backhoes and skid steers, and one of Blanchet’s concrete pump operators had spoken highly of her. According to Matt, Dianne’s charisma and drive to get the job done safely were obvious.

A few weeks later, Dianne showed up at the Blanchet office and told Matt, “You promised to teach me how to operate a concrete pump, and here I am.” She left that day as a new employee. By July 2002, she had obtained a CDL learner’s permit and entered the company’s training program to operate a trailer pump. Four months later, she had a CDL driver’s license.

“Looking back, that first day was a milestone for me,” says Dianne. Since joining Blanchet Concrete Pumping more than 20 years ago, she has pumped more than 644,000 yards of concrete.

Dianne has trained on and operated every size pump in the company’s fleet, including high-pressure pumps and placing booms. She was instrumental in the company’s success in operating the area’s first 31-meter pump truck. Currently, she operates a 47-meter pump truck. Notable projects she has worked on include the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters and the Australian Embassy, both in Washington, D.C. She is ACPA-certified, Hazmat-certified and CPR-certified.

Known for keeping her pumps looking brand new, Dianne takes pride in maintaining the condition of the equipment she operates. Because of her consistent day-to-day performance and attention to detail, she is the most requested operator in the company.

But more than that, Dianne’s positive attitude, knowledge, experience and communication style help to improve customer relations as well as enhance efficiencies and safety. Seth Randall, regional safety director of Clark Construction Group, says Dianne’s passion for safety is “worn on her vest.” From setup to placing decks, her commitment to the safety of every team member on the job site is demonstrated by example and over the radio. As a result, she has a perfect safety record.

Dianne is often sent to other yards to assist managers with training, sharing her deep knowledge about DOT regulations, safety, setup, pumping, cleanup and completing required paperwork. In 2019, she temporarily relocated from Maryland to North Carolina to help the company expand operations into new markets.

Tyler Resetar, North Carolina manager of Blanchet Concrete, says, “She is our best team player, training employees on the finer points of pump operation and turning out operators who are as reliable and growth-oriented as she.”

Dianne is a member of the National Association of Women in Construction, Greater Washington, D.C. Chapter. The organization works to strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry.

“Working in a male-dominated industry can pose challenges for female operators,” says Resetar. “This can include being questioned on your knowledge, qualifications and abilities. Dianne still faces obstacles and barriers as a female operator. In challenging situations where customers doubt her expertise, she is never discouraged and always shines.”

Safe Operator of the Year Nominees

The ACPA would like to thank every company that nominated a pumper for Safe Operator of the Year. Many exceptional candidates were nominated, including:

• David Baier: Cemstone Products Co., Mendota Heights, Minnesota
• Juan Flores: Encore Concrete Construction, LLC, Spring, Texas
• Axl Huertas: Bigfoot Concrete Pumping, Jarrell, Texas
• Derek Koscielniak: AVR, Inc., Apple Valley, Minnesota
• John Tinnin: Concrete Strategies, LLC, St. Louis, Missouri
• Joshua Whitesides: B & W Rental, Inc., Dickinson, North Dakota