ACPA Operator of the Year: Steve Thomas

Experience and an exemplary safety record are valuable qualities that every employer hopes to gain in his concrete pump operators. But what sets an outstanding operator apart from all the others is not just in his ability to perform, but the ability to inspire and encourage others to perform at their best as well. That is why Steve Thomas of Southwest Concrete Pumping, Englewood, Colorado, was selected as this year’s ACPA Outstanding Operator of the Year.

Steve has been a valuable member of the concrete pump industry for nearly 32 years, and an ACPA Certified Pump Operator for 28 years. For the past 17 years of his tenure at Southwest, he has pumped literally thousands of jobs, operating a variety of equipment including line pumps, boom pumps ranging from 17 meters all the way up to 61 meters and placing booms. Most recently, Steve was the lead operator on four of Southwest’s high-rise projects. All four were completed on time and under budget but more importantly, they were completed safely.

At his company’s monthly safety meetings, Steve is the first one to stand up and share his experiences or offer tips and suggestions on how to pump concrete safely. He is never afraid to walk over to a fellow operator, mechanic, worker or even a boss on the job site and point out an unsafe act. But even better, Steve takes the time to teach them the correct, safe way to complete the job. He is a mentor to many of the younger, less experienced operators and an example for even the more mature operators to look up to, always finding the time to help them out when needed.

Steve and his wife of 31 years, Sharon, reside in Littleton, Colorado and have three children: Nicole, Derrick and Tiffany. They love the mountains of Colorado and enjoy shooting guns, traveling and attending Colorado Rockies baseball games. In recognition of his award, Steve received roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for two, plus $500 in spending money, to attend this year’s World of Concrete, compliments of Putzmeister America, Schwing America and Sany America.

Other nominees included:
Richard Coburn—Berkeley Concrete Pumping
Dominic Haight—Peak Concrete Pumping
Brad Haug—Meyer Material Company
Don Gregory—Savage Concrete Pumping
Bryan Guevremont—Vista Ridge Concrete Pumping
Ronnie Tipton—Concrete Pump Partners