NRMCA Names Carolina Man 2014 Driver of the Year

NRMCA has named Garland Sorrells of Southern Concrete Materials the Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery Professional Driver of the Year for 2014. A panel of industry judges selected Mr. Sorrells as the top driver from a group of outstanding applicants from all across the United States. Sorrells, whose home plant is located in Ashville, NC, was honored for his career achievements, safety record, professionalism, driving competency and customer service skills. He has worked for Southern Concrete Materials for more than 30 years and is the 2013 Carolina’s Ready Mixed Concrete Association Safe Driver of the Year. Gary Gresh, Southern Concrete Materials’ vice president of safety, wrote," Mr. Sorrells, a second generation concrete worker, is a 51-year heavy truck operator, has driven over one million road miles and boasts zero chargeable accidents on North Carolina roads, is the 'go to' guy for sensitive pours and customers, and is regularly seen and heard mentoring young and new mixer drivers".

Along with the winner, a runner-up was also selected by the judges. He is 23-year veteran mixer driver Hector Aguilera of CEMEX from Fairfield, CA. CEMEX Area Manager Steven Alexander wrote, "Hector was recognized by California Highway Patrol for saving a life when he blocked an erratic moving vehicle whose driver was suffering a seizure from a stroke."

As third-place finisher, the judges selected Mike Vinyard, 22-year veteran of CEMEX from Ontario, CA. Operations Manager Travis Johnson wrote, "Working together with our corporate wellness manager, Mike was the focus of a video about early detection of prostate cancer. Mike is an inspiration to all of us and has volunteered to help drivers and their families who are battling cancer."

As the winner of the 2014 award, Mr. Sorrells will receive a $5,000 check from the Truck Mixer Manufacturers Bureau. As runner-up and third place, Mr. Aguilera and Mr. Vineyard will each receive $500. The 2014 Driver of the Year winner, second and third place finishers will be honored at NRMCA’s Annual Convention, Monday, March 3, in Las Vegas. The Chicago-based trade magazine Concrete Products is a cosponsor of the Driver of the Year program.

For more information, contact Gary Mullings at gmullings@nrmca.org.