Doing Right in the Driver’s Seat

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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.

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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.

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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.”

Our Industry Involvement

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A Commitment to the Industries We Serve

Ergon has made a commitment to be actively involved in the industries we serve. This involvement is important because our subject matter experts have a wealth of knowledge to contribute to their respective fields. The Ergon family’s participation in the advancement of our industries further emphasizes and extends our core value of Purposeful Growth and our knowledge-sharing culture for a greater impact. The following are just a few of many associations in which employees across Ergon business segments are a part.

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Leaders within Ergon’s Energy & Specialty Solutions (ESS) and Integrated Services & Logistics business segments are involved with a variety of associations, including but not limited to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) trade association, the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International and the International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA).

AFPM

AFPM is the leading trade association representing fuels, petrochemicals and midstream companies. Through AFPM, members have access to information and updates on how to ensure improved, safer and more sustainable products that keep America moving forward. Ergon is proud to contribute to the pool of industry leaders dedicated to advocating and establishing guidelines to help businesses navigate the petroleum refining and petrochemical sectors well into the future.

ASTM International

Leaders of companies within Ergon’s ESS business segment serve on committees and subcommittees for ASTM International, which is an association that publishes production and testing standards covering a variety of materials, systems and products to encourage safety and consistency among manufacturers. Learn about Ergon’s Dr. Griffin Burk and his appointment as Chair of the ASTM D27.01 subcommittee here: https://ergon.com/updates/ergons-griffin-burk-named-chair-of-astm-d2701-subcommittee-27-01-23.

ILTA

Members of Ergon’s Integrated Services & Logistics (ISL) business segment are actively involved within ILTA, an organization that serves as an advocate and asset for the liquid terminal industry. ILTA represents the interests of this industry in Congress and federal agencies. Joel Pastorek, Executive Vice President – Integrated Services & Logistics for Ergon Inc., is one of a few active members of ILTA. Read his spotlight feature here: https://www.ilta.org/News-Resources/Press-Releases/ArtMID/15134/ArticleID/2508/Member-Feature-Joel-Pastorek.

Improving America’s Infrastructure

Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions employees are involved and hold positions within various city, county, state and national roadway infrastructure associations. Additionally, these leaders have been instrumental in advocating for pavement preservation across the United States since the 1990s. This advocacy includes contributing time, knowledge and resources to various associations committed to helping agencies understand pavement preservation principles and adopt the strategic and cost-effective approach to improving their roadway networks. Such organizations include FP2, formerly known as the Foundation for Pavement Preservation, of which Ergon’s Mark Ishee is President, the Asphalt Institute, of which Ergon’s Baxter Burns and Patrick Nation are past Chairs, the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association, the International Slurry Surfacing Association and the Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association, to name a few. By utilizing pavement preservation treatments, agencies can extend road life, save tax dollars and improve quality of life for residents. We are happy to encourage and help agencies start their preservation journeys.

The Ergon family’s involvement spans across countless industries and impacts millions of lives. Organizations featured here only scratch the surface of our commitment to being an asset in the industries we serve. If you are interested in working for a place that encourages employees to get involved and make an impact, visit our careers page at https://ergon.com/ergonCareers.

Let Us Count The Ways: Meet Amy McRaney, Accounting Director

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At Ergon, our people drive our mission to meet needs, support families and serve customers. And we take every opportunity to show our appreciation for a job well done. On this International Accounting Day, we celebrate a valuable member of the Ergon family, Amy McRaney.

“Amy is dependable, prompt, friendly and accurate in her work,” said Nan Reeves, Office Manager at Ergon Inc. “She deserves a big kudos for all she does to support Ergon and our vendors.”

Amy is an Accounting Director for Ergon Inc. and oversees Accounts Payable Department activities, administration for Concur and Onbase/Apache and the accounting for Ergon Terminaling Inc. and Ergon-Baton Rouge Inc. She joined the Ergon family in August, 1995 as a Cost Accountant where she was eventually promoted to Accounting Director.

Amy attended Mississippi State University (MSU), where she earned her Bachelor of Accounting and Master of Business Administration degrees. “I came to work for Ergon directly after graduating from MSU. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work on various projects with different departments and with different Ergon companies. Meeting and working with others in the Ergon family is my favorite part of my job. I love being able to help solve a problem or answer questions for those in the field, knowing it took some worry or frustration out of their day,” said Amy.

To unwind after her workweek, Amy enjoys spending time outside. “Growing up, I rode horses in local shows. I even have a couple of belt buckles to prove it. The barn is my happy place. As strange as it may sound, brushing the horses and cleaning the stalls is good for me mentally and physically,” said Amy.

Amy has been married to her high school sweetheart, Todd, for 27 years. They have two daughters, Katie Rose and Sarah. The McRaney’s are avid animal lovers with two dogs, Manning and Blaze, two cats, Bob the Barn Cat and Obi-Wan, two horses, Peggy Sue and Rattle, and two goats, Roxy and Lou Lou. “Our home is close to having zoo status,” said Amy.

Thank you, Amy, for all you do for the Ergon family. We appreciate you!

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Want to work for a company that recognizes the value in every employee? Visit ergon.com/careers.

Meet Chanita Ward — Ergon Driver and Breast Cancer Survivor

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In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we are featuring a breast cancer survivor who has recently found a home among the Ergon family and is living life to the fullest while encouraging others to do the same.

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MEET CHANITA WARD

Ward is a driver for Ergon Trucking in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She joined the Ergon family in 2022 and agrees it is of the best career decisions she has made. “They actually treat you like family,” said Ward. “I love driving anyway, but as far as the company, this is the best company I’ve ever worked for.” Ward has been driving trucks for 18 years, beginning with flatbed trucks and eventually transitioning to tankers.

In 2013, Ward was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy, one year of chemotherapy and 45 radiation treatments before going into remission in 2015. When asked her perspective following her stint with the disease, Ward said: “It makes you appreciate life a whole lot more. There were a lot of days I could barely even get out of bed. It makes you appreciate the little things like being able to cook, clean and take showers by yourself and having hair. It’s those little things you appreciate in life after you beat it.”

Now, in addition to participating in breast cancer awareness walks and other fundraisers, Ward encourages others to get regular checkups. “I try to encourage people to get mammograms and checkups for early detection,” she said. Ward is also part of a group that shares helpful tips for going through chemotherapy. “If you give somebody an idea of things that worked for you when you went through it, it may help them,” said Ward.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Ward moved to Mississippi from Arkansas to work for Ergon Trucking. She has been overwhelmed by the support and family she has gained. She is also grateful to work for a company with a heart of service that puts forth consistent efforts to help others, including helping to fund the fight against breast cancer.

Since 2020, under the leadership of our Ambassador of Breast Cancer Awareness Larry Tomkins, the Ergon family has supported the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative, helping to fund research for a cure as well as partnering with companies to provide transportation for cancer patients who need treatments.

This year, Ergon has a goal to reach $175,500 in donations on behalf of the organization. If you’d like to join us in our efforts, consider donating here: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/ltomkins.

Ergon Celebrates Customer Service Week

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This week is National Customer Service Week, so we wanted to highlight a few of our amazing Customer Support Specialists.

Spencer Cole

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Customer Support Specialist Spencer Cole attended Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he studied business administration with a concentration in management. Spencer was a collegiate runner and now tries to turn his active lifestyle into family activities. Spencer and his wife, Lindsey, have been married for six years and have two boys, ages three and two, with a baby girl on the way.

“In this role, I am a point of contact for our customers, supporting them from the point of sale to delivery,” said Spencer. “It is my goal to help each order go as smoothly as possible to ensure our customers have exceptional experiences with Ergon.”

“I love my job because I get to help people each day,” Spencer added. ‘United by Service. Driven by Solutions.’ is not just a slogan at Ergon; it is key to my daily function. I am driven to find solutions for our customers, and I am part of a great team that exemplifies top-tier service.”

Thank you, Spencer, for your continued dedication to the Ergon family and our customers. We appreciate you!

Jorge Ackerman

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Jorge Ackerman is one of our amazing Latin America Logistics and Support Specialists for Ergon Refining Inc.

Jorge earned a bachelor’s degree in mining and engineering from National University of Engineering in Lima, Peru, a master’s in mineral economics from the University of Arizona and a Master of Business Administration from Millsaps College.

Jorge is married with four adult children and two granddaughters. He loves hiking, visiting the sea and participating in outdoor sports.

When asked about his job, Jorge said, “My favorite part is providing win-win solutions for Ergon and the customer.”

“A hard-working atmosphere is part of the Ergon culture,” he said “At Ergon, everyone shows respect for each other and assists each other whenever they need to. It is a family-oriented culture, and I am proud of the work we do together.”

Thank you, Jorge, for your hard work. We appreciate you!

Cameron Shows

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Cameron Shows is another one of our Customer Support Specialists for Ergon Refining Inc.

Cameron attended Mississippi State University where he studied business administration with a major in marketing and a minor in business management. He has been married for four years to his wife, Kimmie. They recently welcomed their first child, Palmer, into their family. They are avid Mississippi State University fans and have their very own bulldog named Duncan.

“My favorite part of my job is the people I get to work with every day — the Ergon family and our customers,” said Cameron. “The amount of support I receive internally from everyone has a huge impact on how effective I can be at my job. I’m constantly learning something new and gaining insights about how to better serve our customers and our company.”

“Ergon truly is a family,” Cameron added. “Since my first day two years ago, everyone I’ve worked with has never hesitated to answer any of my questions or offer up assistance.”

Thank you, Cameron, for your hardworking efforts. We appreciate you!

Frandy Oberto

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Meet Frandy Oberto, one of our amazing Latin America Logistics and Support Specialists for Ergon Refining Inc.

Frandy attended Virginia College where she studied business administration and management. In her position, she is responsible for optimizing the logistical operations to ensure the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout our Brownsville, Texas, terminals by coordinating, scheduling and monitoring the distribution of specialty oils.

“Ergon’s company culture is one that values strong relationships and family,” said Frandy. “Ergon is mission-driven, with relentless focus on excellent customer service while embodying the values we want to see in the workplace. With international offices and a robust team, we are able to work with passionate, growth-minded experts from around the world.”

Aside from working with amazing customers and colleagues from across the world, Frandy’s favorite part about working for Ergon is knowing she works for a family-owned company that shares the same culture, mission, vision and core values as she does.

Thank you, Frandy, for all you do. The Ergon Family appreciates you!

Ty Baker

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Next, we’d like to highlight Ty Baker, Senior Customer Support Specialist for Ergon Refining Inc.

Ty attended the University of Mississippi where he studied marketing and political science. He spends most of his weekends traveling the Southeast, playing guitar in his friend’s band. Ty also has a recording studio at home where he writes and produces music.

Ty came to Ergon after working at Raymond James in Memphis, Tennessee, in Private Client Wealth Management as a Financial Advisor. Since joining Ergon, Ty says, “I love working in a dynamic environment. Our team interacts with so many different internal and external stakeholders. We are constantly faced with new opportunities to learn, and that in itself is rewarding.”

Ty shared that he loves working for a company that puts its people first. “I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad day at Ergon, and I credit that to the people and the culture,” he said. “This company treats you like family from day one, and that is not something you will find everywhere. Ergon embodies a culture that leads others to do things the right way regardless of circumstances.”

Thank you, Ty, for your dedication to the Ergon Family. We appreciate all you do!

Luke Robinson

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Meet Luke Robinson! Luke is a Customer Support Specialist for Ergon Refining Inc.

Luke attended Mississippi State University where he studied marketing. He has been married to his wife, Maddie, for five years. They have a two-year-old daughter, Eva, and a black lab named Charlie. Luke enjoys hunting when he is not spending time with his family and friends.

Luke started his Ergon journey as a Logistics Coordinator for Ergon Trucking. After learning the ropes there, a position opened within Ergon’s Customer Service Department, and Luke jumped at the opportunity to advance. Now, Luke works as part of a team that receives customer orders for lube oils and coordinates deliveries with various bulk carriers and Ergon’s rail team.

“Ergon still values true leadership and mentorship, and I appreciate that as an employee,” said Luke. “Since being at Ergon, I feel that you can learn something from everyone you speak to. With Ergon being so multifaceted, you gain perspective from people across multiple backgrounds with expertise in different fields.”

Thank you, Luke, for your loyalty to the Ergon Family. We appreciate you and your hard work!

Tameka Moore

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Tameka Moore is one of our wonderful Ergon Refining Inc.’s Customer Support Specialists.

Tameka attended Jacksonville State University where she studied accounting. Within her position at Ergon, Tameka receives customers’ orders, schedules loads with the terminals, dispatches orders to trucking, generates service reports and helps troubleshoot customer issues that may arise.

“My favorite part of my job is working with a supportive team and collaborating to deliver exceptional service. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to gain experience, which keeps the job interesting and helps me grow professionally. I enjoy working for Ergon because the company fosters a positive and inclusive work culture where employees are treated with respect and kindness. Ergon provides many opportunities for professional development and advancement, which keeps me motivated.”

When asked what advice she would give to someone who wants to pursue a career in customer service, Tameka said, “A career in customer service can be rewarding. It allows you to make a difference in people’s lives by providing assistance and solving problems. The Customer Service Specialist needs to be well-versed in the product or service they are supporting, and they must always prioritize the customer’s needs and satisfaction.”

Thank you, Tameka, for all of your hard work. The Ergon Family appreciates you!

Lincoln Kern

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Lincoln Kern is an outstanding Operations Specialist within Ergon Refining Inc.’s Customer Service Department.

Lincoln attended Mississippi State where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history. He then went on to earn both a master’s degree in higher education administration and a master’s degree in administration of justice from Mississippi College. Lincoln has been happily married for five years and has a three-year-old child.

“My favorite part of my job is the interdepartmental work that I get to do,” said Lincoln. “Working through the challenges of bringing different groups together to accomplish a common goal — I get to learn more and more each day about different departments, even the ones outside of the Specialty Oils division.”

When asked how he came to Ergon, Lincoln said, “I interviewed and was offered the job which turned out to be the best decision of my life to get to work under Maribel Melo and to be empowered by her — to find myself and my passion for the work that I do today.”

Thank you, Lincoln, for all you do for the Ergon Family. We appreciate you!

Alma Delacruz

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Alma Delacruz is another one of our amazing Latin America Logistics and Support Specialists for Ergon Refining Inc.

Alma attended Hinds Community College where she initially studied nursing, but changed her path and got her degree in business. Alma is originally from Cleveland, Tennessee, and has been married for six years. She has three children and a goldendoodle. Alma enjoys traveling with her family and takes her kids on many adventures. She also likes vlogging and sharing videos of what motherhood looks like in addition to things her family enjoys during the weekends.

“I enjoy interacting and building relationships with customers,” said Alma. “Because I work on the Latin America side, I get to interact with a lot of people who share the same language and culture as I do, and that makes me feel at home at times. This position involves a lot of problem solving that I also enjoy as well.  Overall, in customer service, I truly appreciate how we all help each other out so we can all be better and learn more instead of competing against one another.”

Thank you, Alma, for your dedication to the Ergon Family. We appreciate you!

Michelle Pickett

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Meet Michelle Pickett, another one of our incredible Customer Support Specialists for Ergon Refining Inc.

Michelle attended Mississippi Delta Community College where she studied communications. She started her professional career in banking, where she built strong relationships throughout the years that eventually led her to Ergon.

“When a position became available in customer service, I was lucky enough to be thought of as someone who could be an asset to the company and was referred as a possible candidate for the job.”

After deciding to change her career path after 20 years in the banking industry, Michelle had to rely on the people around her to teach her, slowly learning from them, asking for help when needed and hearing feedback when given. “While I’ve learned a lot from the people in my department and all the team members outside the office that I get to work with throughout the day, I still have more opportunity for growth, and I can’t think of a better group of individuals to share in the experience with me,” said Michelle.

Thank you, Michelle, for all of your hard work. We appreciate you!

Andi Pugh

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Meet Andi Pugh, Ergon Customer Support Specialist for Ergon Refining Inc.

Andi attended Hinds Community College where she studied communications. She is a mother of two, with a 12-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son, and she also has two dogs. Andi loves going to the gym, and she enjoys the outdoors — mainly fishing, hunting and traveling.

“My favorite part of my job is my coworkers/work family. Having a work family that has welcomed me with open arms and embraced me in the way that Ty Bailey and my team have makes it more enjoyable. The sales team, the customers and the camaraderie that comes with it make my job much easier. I can say for once, I love coming to work.”

Thank you, Andi, for all you do for the Ergon Family. We appreciate you!

Jacob Lord

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Our final Customer Service Week highlight is Jacob Lord, a Customer Support Specialist for Ergon Refining Inc.

Jacob attended Mississippi College where he studied business administration. He has been married to his wife, Sarah, since 2019, and they share a daughter, Magnolia Grace. They also have a Corgi named Bennie. Jacob loves spending time with his family, and he is also an avid fan of several sports teams: New Orleans Saints, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Braves and the Florida State Seminoles.

“My favorite part about working for Ergon is the workplace environment. It truly feels like a second family.” said Jacob.

“I took note of Ergon’s company culture from the first time I stepped through the door,” Jacob added. “From day one, Ergon has shown me what it is like to work for a first-class company who values their employees each and every day. Ergon truly cares about you as a person, and the family atmosphere further proves that Ergon is trending as one of the best places to work.”

Thank you, Jacob, for all of your hard work. The Ergon Family is happy to have you!

Paul Wentz – Regional Operator Exchange Program

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At Ergon, Purposeful Growth is a core value we strive to live out every day. Ergon management is committed to creating opportunities to further develop employees and set them up for professional and personal advancement. As part of efforts to support employee success, Ergon Terminaling Inc. (ETI) has developed the Regional Operator Exchange Program (ROEP).

The ROEP was initiated by ETI as a way to broaden the experiences of Operators by exposing them to the innerworkings of various terminaling locations. Through this program, Operators can acquire new skills and develop a well-rounded perspective of terminal operations, as one terminal may operate differently from another. Not only does this training help during emergency situations where employees may be needed at various locations, but it is a good opportunity for employees wanting to advance in their careers.

The first Operator to complete the program was Paul Wentz, Operator II, from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Wentz participated in the program for three days at ETI’s Knoxville, Tennessee, terminal. The goal for his exchange was for him to learn enough about the Knoxville terminal to be able to act as a temporary Operator if the need ever arises. During his time in the ROEP, Wentz participated in pump maintenance and replacement, including learning to replace an additive pump, asphalt loading, transfers and shutdown.

Wentz shared that he feels more confident and more equipped for his job because of the program, and that this experience reaffirmed his goal to one day become a Terminal Manager. Wentz commented, “I feel like even though operations may be slightly different at each terminal, the one constant is our commitment to keeping everyone safe and getting the product to customers as quickly and safely as we can.”

Additionally, Wentz felt fully supported by management during his experience and is now working closely with his manager, David Ogletree, to polish some of the smaller details of the program to make it a smoother process for future Operators who want to participate. Ogletree said, “This program is a great opportunity for our Senior Operators to experience the operations of other Ergon facilities and expand their knowledge and skills.”

If you want to learn, Ergon is willing to provide opportunities for you to broaden your horizons. That’s how we support purposeful employee growth.

Ergon’s Emergency Response Teams

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Learn how the Emergency Response Team volunteers from Ergon Refining Inc. (ERI) and Ergon – West Virginia Inc. (EWV) are furthering their training to help ensure the safety and well-being of refinery employees and the communities we serve. We are grateful for their commitment to safety and their willingness to protect their peers.

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Emergency Response Teams are Doing Right by Saving Lives

Ergon Refining Inc. (ERI) and Ergon – West Virginia Inc. (EWV) have on-site volunteers who serve on Emergency Response Teams (ERTs), which were created as part of an ongoing commitment to health and safety at Ergon facilities. ERT members undergo necessary training on strategic processes in emergency situations and ways to mitigate risks of injuries and illnesses to the Ergon family.

At EWV, the ERT consists of 48 volunteers who respond to several types of emergencies, both within the facility and in the community. These ERT members receive medical training at the first responder level, and some volunteers are also trained in many facets of technical rescue, including high-angle, confined-space, trench and water rescue. Many EWV ERT volunteers have also obtained basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), advanced EMT and paramedic certifications.

At ERI, the newly established ERT consists of 25 volunteers, and they are actively recruiting more members. ERT members receive fire, hazardous materials and medical emergency response training. In the future, the team will participate in more extensive firefighting training and will also train in confined space, trench and water rescue. Ensuring health and safety and saving lives is the top priority for these Ergon Emergency Response Teams, and we are grateful for the efforts of our family of volunteers.

This initiative is one of many we embrace as part of efforts to ensure a safe work environment. Our goal is for every employee to return home safe, healthy and whole every day. The ERTs are important for quick response in the event of an emergency. This safety initiative puts actions to words and makes our workplace safer each day.

The Ergon Way – Message From the CEO

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Ergon was incorporated on July 1, 1970, bringing the family of companies we’ve developed since 1954 and beyond under one organization. As we celebrate the 53rd year of operating as One Ergon: United by Service, Driven by Solutions, Ergon President and CEO Kris Patrick reflects on the values that drive Ergon’s success.

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There is much excitement in the air surrounding all the opportunities that lie ahead for the Ergon organization. We are investing in innovation, in new avenues to provide the products our customers need to succeed and in the Ergon family of employees through education, training, growing our workforce and being intentional about safety every day.

With all of this exciting change, one thing that will remain consistent is who we are. Ergon is driven by our core values of Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership, Purposeful Growth and Respectful Relationships. We do things differently, and we do things right. We like to call it The Ergon Way.

We Want the Best for our Customers
We prioritize our customers. It is our goal to ensure they have competitive advantages, and that starts with attentiveness and genuine care for their well-being. Ergon customers are part of our family, and like family, we want what’s best for them.

Our Frontline Employees Are the Heart of Ergon
Customer success starts with employee success. Ergon’s frontline employees play a critical role in keeping Ergon moving forward. Leaders across our family of companies are committed to serving and setting our dedicated workforce up for success, enabling them to serve our customers to the best of their ability while achieving purposeful personal growth as well.

Our Legacy of Selfless Leadership and Service Remains Strong
We will never forget the strong legacy that Ergon Founder, Mr. Lampton, and his sons, Leslie, Lee, Bill and Robert, established for Ergon through their authentic and selfless leadership style. We are thankful for their leadership and their reinvestments back into the company and our people. What we do as a business is the direct result of the Lampton family’s continued support. They have provided the foundation and the blueprint that we will carry on for future generations.

As we continue to expand our horizons as an organization, our mission remains the same: meet needs, support families and serve our great customers. That’s who we are and who we will always be.

That’s the Ergon Way.

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If you’re interested in working the Ergon Way, visit our careers page to find out how you can join our family.

A Century of Asphalt Emulsions

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This year, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of modernized emulsified asphalt. Asphalt emulsions applied on the right road at the right time are critical factors in pavement preservation worldwide. And properly preserved, well-maintained roadways are crucial to ensuring safer routes to and from jobs, schools, homes, stores, entertainment and more. With such an important role in quality of life for all, we couldn’t let this year pass without saying Happy Birthday to Asphalt Emulsion! In this blog post, Dr. Gaylon Baumgardner, EVP – Technical Operations for Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions and President of the International Bitumen Emulsion Federation (IBEF), briefly walks us through the history of emulsions and how Ergon is taking advantage of opportunities to partner with associations, those in academia and others to research, innovate and develop strategies for the efficient and sustainable use of this material to improve infrastructure.

Ergon is proud of the work Dr. Baumgardner is overseeing as President of IBEF. He is a shining example of our commitment to using our technical expertise to advance the industries we serve.

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100 Years of Asphalt Emulsions

Emulsified asphalt, also referred to as liquid asphalt because of its liquid state at ambient temperatures, includes both cutback asphalt and asphalt emulsion. A cutback asphalt is made by adding a diluent, typically a petroleum distillate, to refined asphalt. Cutback asphalt has reportedly been used in road construction since the 1800s. And there was a major expansion of cutback asphalt from the 1930s through the 1970s. Although still utilized for various applications, new developments over time and ultimately a push to mitigate uncontrolled hydrocarbon emissions in the U.S. specifically led to a push for further development, education and use of the more sustainable emulsified asphalt — asphalt emulsion. Asphalt emulsion is a mixture of two normally immiscible components, asphalt and water, combined with an emulsifying agent often referred to as a surfactant. The following timeline of asphalt emulsion gives you a glimpse into its considerable advancement over the past century.

A Timeline of Asphalt Emulsion
The first reported use of asphalt emulsion in pavement construction was in 1903, with the first asphalt emulsion patents issued to Leonard Schade van Westrum in the United Kingdom and then in the United States in late 1903 and early 1904 (Ref UK No. 21,195 October 1903 and US No. 752,486 February 1904). Westrum was issued a later patent in 1911 as well (US No. 992,313 May 1911). Modern asphalt emulsions in use today were patented by Hugh Alan McKay with the UK patent No. 202,021 in August 1923.

Patented technology prior to 1923 primarily focused on oil emulsions for road applications; however, a distinction can be made. Westrum’s approach to emulsifying oil contained a greater component of water and a lesser component of oil/asphalt. In Westrum’s first work, the water component was more than 75%. Furthermore, the dispersed oil component was a blend of oil and asphalt, much like what is referred to as “road oil” today. The 1923 McKay patent describes in detail an emulsion consisting of 70% asphalt (bitumen) and 30% water. This is a bit more like the asphalt emulsion produced and used today. Hence, we celebrate 100 years since the birth of modern asphalt emulsions in road construction.

Emulsions – The Answer to Hydrocarbon Emission Reduction
Use of asphalt emulsion has grown considerably over the past century, more specifically in the last half-century. The primary reason is a response to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the executive order of President Richard Nixon in 1970. In 1975, the EPA estimated that uncontrolled hydrocarbon emissions from the use of cutback asphalt were 655 kilotons per year. With the 1977 EPA publication of a guideline series, “Control of Volatile Organic Compounds From Use of Cutback Asphalt,” a large-scale national conversion from use of solvent cutback asphalt to asphalt emulsions was initiated. The advantages of converting from cutback asphalt to asphalt emulsions in terms of conservation of energy and reduction of air pollution were, and are, accepted by all concerned.

Organizations Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions (EAE) personnel are part of today, including the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association, the International Slurry Surfacing Association and the International Bitumen Emulsion Federation, to name a few, are dedicated to facilitating research and dialogue among agencies, suppliers, engineers, those in academia and more, on how to adopt, refine and efficiently utilize asphalt emulsions to preserve and maintain roadways, with minimal harm to the environment.

With today’s environmental and social governance narrative, there is increased concern over environmental impacts from all facets of the road construction industry. Engineers, environmentalists and major companies are concerned with the impact of construction methods and materials on workers and the environment.

Sustainability – The Ergon Way
Ergon A&E has been at the cutting edge of environmentally friendly asphalt emulsion technology and has long promoted the use of asphalt emulsions for various applications to achieve good performance while also reducing environmental risk. In fact, ePrime, one of Ergon A&E’s eSeries products, is an eco-friendly prime coat that is completely free of volatile organic compounds. Ergon A&E also supplies emulsion binders for recycled asphalt treatments that reduce emissions and energy consumption during construction. There is plenty more on the horizon with regard to more sustainable asphalt emulsion products for the end user, as well as more sustainable processes for product development.

This is an exciting time for research and development of modern asphalt emulsions, and the opportunities are vast. Emulsions make up a highly diverse heterogenous system. It is understandable why numerous researchers from all industries have studied this type of material for centuries. Ergon A&E looks forward to continuing partnerships with companies, associations and universities to further contribute to the knowledge and advancement of this versatile material.

Happy Birthday, Asphalt Emulsion! Here’s to many more.

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IBEF is heading to Poland as a bronze sponsor of the European Asphalt Technology Association Conference on June 12-14, 2023, which will focus on 100 years of emulsion in addition to other topics impacting the emulsion industry at large.

Meet Jamian Rush, Sustainability Specialist

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Making sense of sustainability within the industries Ergon serves is not always simple. Here to help us unpack the term is Jamian Rush, Sustainability Specialist in Ergon’s Product Stewardship Department, who suggests that we not only take a step back and consider how our contributions positively impact society but also remember Ergon has been built on a foundation of doing the right thing since the very beginning.

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Sustainability is the practice of balancing the needs of the present with those of future generations and is a critical consideration for solution-oriented companies like Ergon. Using sustainable practices such as reducing waste and eliminating inefficiencies, Ergon is able to protect its resources, environment and the trust it has earned among a wide variety of stakeholders. Sustainability and Doing Right extend beyond Ergon’s commitment to delivering the highest standard of products and customer service, all the way to contributing toward a sound business strategy that is continually supported.

I have had the opportunity to visit several facilities across various business units within Ergon and have witnessed what we call One Ergon in full effect. That is where each area of the organization comes together, taking the synergistic approach to ensuring high-value solutions for our customers across various industries. I have visited some sites alone and others with Bonnie Chapman, Mary Ellen Snow, Lakeisha Jones and David Warden of the Product Stewardship Department. During my visits, I interact with Ergon’s Operations and Product Development personnel, which allows me the opportunity to be a student again and become familiar with Ergon’s beautiful complexities. Throughout these visits, I continue to gain additional insight into how I can aid with sustainability advisement and assist in collecting and reporting on sustainability-related stories. My work supports the implementation, execution and evolution of Ergon’s sustainability strategy, including aiding in developing our third annual Doing Right Report.

Built Around Doing Right
My passion for sustainability was realized during my studies at York University in Toronto, Ontario, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree and continued to evolve as I pursued my Master of Science in Sustainability Management from the Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington, D.C. My research and experience at American University showed me how sustainable actions can create value for many industries. During my studies, I was enrolled in an International Practicum in Stockholm, Sweden, in which I advised on long-term strategic development for Hexicon, a floating offshore wind farm company. The lessons I learned at Hexicon revolved around having a holistic view and a keen sense of detail that I carry with me every day. However, it was the opportunity to intern at Ergon that elevated these qualities. At Ergon, I saw how our products contribute significantly to society and that we are more than an oil and gas company — we are an “ease-of-life” company. By reducing friction, pioneering pavement preservation and providing durable coatings that protect offshore wind assets, we positively impact society. As a graduate student, I felt my duty was to educate my classmates and professors that sustainability does not mean eliminating our industry. Suggesting that they take a step back, I asked them to consider how our contributions positively impacted their way of life. Sustainability is about what Ergon has been dedicated to since the very beginning: meeting needs, supporting families and serving our customers.

Committed to Excellence
I am excited to be part of the Ergon family! Beginning as an intern in October 2020 while completing my bachelor’s degree and since joining the Product Stewardship team full time in December 2022, Ergon has helped me better understand the importance of the role we play in society. I appreciate the opportunity to work with members of the Ergon family and look forward to supporting the organization’s sustainability strategy and helping us all to remain mindful of how our actions will impact future generations.

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Staying informed is a great way to recognize and appreciate the positive impact Ergon has had on society for decades and helps us remain committed to our mission of Doing Right for future generations. Part of our commitment to doing right includes attracting, retaining and supporting knowledgeable employees like Jamian whose passion and dedication to their work help ensure the continued success of Ergon around the world.

To learn even more on how we are doing right with our products, for our planet, by our people and through our principles, click the link to view or download a PDF of Ergon’s 2022 Doing Right Report — https://ergon.com/sustainability.