A Captain’s Career — Meet Magnolia Marine Transport’s David Hays

Captain David Hays is retiring from Ergon’s Magnolia Marine Transport Company (MMT) after over 45 years of service. Read about his journey from Green Deckhand to retired Captain.

test

“My dad paid $90 for me to go to Deckhand school in Greenville, Mississippi. After I finished, MMT called me and offered me a job on a petroleum barge,” said Captain David Hays.

Captain Hays has been on the water almost his entire life, but his journey with MMT began on February 27, 1978, along the Arkansas River with a busted suitcase.

“The first boat I stepped on was at Lock No. 4 on the Arkansas River. I threw my suitcase on the boat, and it busted wide open,” Hays said, foreshadowing the difficulties he would face while adjusting to life as a 19-year-old Deckhand.

“After my first stint on the water, I called my dad and told him it wasn’t for me, and he said, ‘You can handle it,’” said Hays. His father’s words were motivation enough for him to continue tow boating, which turned out to be a lucrative career that has taken him far, figuratively and literally speaking. “I’ve been just about everywhere you can take a towboat with Magnolia Marine,” said Hays.

By 1992, Hays had advanced to the position of Captain, steering the M/V Dorothy Lee. “As Captain, I was responsible for everything, including company equipment, crew welfare and safety, and boat and tow safety for 24 hours a day, six hours on, six hours off,” he said.

Hays held the position of Captain for 31 years and is a testament to MMT’s commitment to purposeful employee growth. Those who want to advance in their careers at MMT are put on a clear path from Green Deckhand to Captain/Pilot.

When asked about his experience with MMT, Hays responded, “I think Magnolia Marine is an excellent company. They will do anything to make your job better, easier and safer. They have taken care of me over the years.”

Now, 45 years later, Hays is sailing into a well-deserved retirement. He made his final voyage recently and exited the M/V Mari Lampton for the last time as Captain in Cairo, Illinois. We’re proud to have been a part of this chapter in Hays’s life and wish him well.

_________________

Reflecting on a Career Well Spent

According to Hays, his favorite river to travel is either the Ohio or Tennessee River because of the calmer atmosphere of the journey and the beautiful views of nature. His favorite day on the water was steak day each Saturday.

When asked what advice he would give to Green Deckhands aspiring to be a Captain one day, Hays said, “If you’re having trouble adjusting, hang in there, because things change and you’ll get new opportunities.”

Hays’s legacy lives strong in the lives of those he impacted during his tenure as Captain for over three decades. He is looking forward to a relaxing retirement in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

If you are interested in a career with MMT, visit magnoliamarine.com/careers/.

Message from Ergon CEO Kris Patrick

test

As we head into the new year, I’d like to reflect on Ergon’s work as we continue to lead with compassion, expertise and care for our employees around the world, the industries we serve and the communities we support:

  • We continue to develop, produce and provide long-lasting, high-value solutions for our customers, improving the performance of products people around the world use every day.
  • Our asphalt solutions continue to strengthen and extend the life of North American roadways.
  • Our logistics companies continue to be essential to the manufacturing supply chain.

I’m looking forward to leading this company into 2024 as we continue our work toward being the world’s preferred partner for innovative and specialized solutions that drive our customers’ success.

Thank you, to the Ergon family for another year of success, to our clients for their invaluable trust in us, and to our communities for being an inspiration to us. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!

Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Purchases Associated Asphalt Companies

Ergon family,

I am pleased to announce that on December 15, 2023, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc. purchased the Associated Asphalt family of companies (Associated). The acquired companies will continue to operate under the Associated Asphalt name. See full press release here: https://ergon.com/updates/ergon-asphalt-amp-emulsions-purchases-associated-asphalt-companies-15-12-23.

This acquisition positions Ergon to serve new markets and support and meet the needs of current and future customers throughout the Atlantic Coast region.

The Associated acquisition is part of Ergon’s ongoing commitment to strategic growth and innovation across our business segments. All of our efforts are centered on the mission that has and will continue to sustain our organization well into the future: meet needs, support families, serve customers.

Thank you,

Kris Patrick
President & CEO
Ergon Inc.

Doing Right in the Driver’s Seat

Ergon’s truck drivers do a remarkable job of representing our organization and driving our legacy of quality products and exceptional service. In recognition of December as National Giving Month, we highlight Ergon Trucking’s Randy Shelton and share how he exemplifies our core value of Selfless Leadership. He is a shining example of how our drivers go the extra mile for others.

test

Randy Shelton of Flowood, Mississippi, has been a professional truck driver for 32 years. It’s all he’s ever wanted to do. “I’ve wanted to do this since I was a child,” said Shelton. He joined Ergon Trucking in 2019 as a driver for the Vicksburg, Mississippi, terminal. “I love Ergon,” said Shelton. It’s a great company. I learned that firsthand. There are a lot of really good people who work here. We also have the best customers.”

While Shelton is quick to praise the generosity of his fellow coworkers, Ergon is equally as proud to have him as part of the family. Shelton has been praised by employers, coworkers and strangers for his giving heart. His desire to give back and help others is in keeping with Ergon’s mission to meet needs, support families and serve customers.

“I always try to give in a lot of areas in my life — I’m blessed,” said Shelton. “I try to take care of people when I can. When I’m provided with the opportunity to give back, I take it. The Lord and Ergon take care of me, so I can take care of others.”

As a driver, Shelton is provided with many opportunities to give back to people. And he has taken full advantage of these opportunities in recent weeks. Shelton was recently provided with a situation to give back when a wreck occurred on the road. He pulled over and stopped to help a group of women stay calm after the accident, and he changed their tire. He worked with the officer on the scene to transfer their groceries and call their loved ones for help.

From helping stranded motorists to honking the horn on his big rig and putting smiles on the faces of children he passes on the road, Shelton is able to connect his profession and passion for people, making for a fulfilling life. “You’re put in situations every day; it’s how you react in those situations that makes the best of it,” said Shelton.

When asked about advice he would give to the new generation of truck drivers, Shelton said, “Be courteous to the other drivers. Slow down, be cautious, be safe.”

Interested in working for Ergon Trucking where you’re guaranteed great pay, benefits and frequent home time? Visit driveforergon.com.

_____________

Shelton Off the Road

Shelton loves to drive through Arizona and the western United States. His favorite meal on the road is hamburger steak with potatoes and gravy. To pass time on the road, he listens to movie soundtracks.

When he is home, Shelton loves to spend time with his wife and practice his music. “I’m a musician, I love music and I’m an 80s child,” said Shelton. “I’ve been playing guitar since I was 14 years old. I can play bass guitar, piano and the drums.”

Ergon to Decrease Naphthenic Prices in North America

FLOWOOD, Miss. — Ergon has announced a decrease in pricing of naphthenic oils in the North American market effective Friday, December 15, 2023.

–   HyVolt Dielectric Fluids will be reduced by $0.15 per gallon

–   Ergon’s HyPrene Process Oils, HyGold Base Oils and HyPrint Ink Oils will be reduced by $0.20 per gallon

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under four primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Exploration & Production.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com |  ergonspecialtyoils.com

Juan Acosta Promoted to VP of Sales – Asia

Ergon has announced that Juan Acosta has been promoted to the position of VP of Sales – Asia for Ergon Refining Inc. In this role, Acosta will drive strategic initiatives to meet sales targets, develop distributor and supplier networks, identify opportunities to strengthen the company’s brand presence and establish regional market leadership in Asia.

Acosta joined Ergon in 2019 as Global Technical Marketing Manager – Dielectric Fluids. Prior to Ergon, he worked for Siemens for 15 years, holding various positions within the Energy Division in the U.S., Europe and Latin America. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration degree. Acosta is also a Certified Project Management Professional and has a certificate in Product Management from Cornell University and a Mastering Sales – Kellogg Credential.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies operating under four primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Exploration & Production. Within the Energy & Specialty Solutions business segment, Ergon Refining Inc. is the world’s leading producer of specialty naphthenic oils and Ergon – West Virginia Inc. is a major manufacturer of Group I and Group II paraffinic base oils. Product lines include HyGold base oils, HyPrene process oils, HyVolt dielectric fluids and HyPrint ink oils.

Contact
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
kathy.potts@ergon.com
601-933-3000 
ergon.com | ergonspecialtyoils.com