25th Anniversary

of the

Arnie Laingen Award

March 12, 2015

Breezy Point Conference Center

Breezy Point, Minnesota

With sincere appreciation to Jenne Imholte-Decker

for her hours of work and dedication in compiling this historical data to recognize and honor

Arnie Laingen and our Arnie Laingen

award recipients.

Concrete Paving Association

of Minnesota

John T. “Arnie” Laingen 1957 - 1989

“I feel we have a bright future ahead of us and working together we can make it brighter.”

Quote taken from a Concrete Conveyor Newsletter in 1983 after Arnie was on the job as CPAM’s executive director for three months.

This award is given annually to an individual who exemplifies Arnie's

integrity and commitment to promoting quality and excellence in

the concrete paving industry in Minnesota. The recipient is chosen by

a committee of peers, all prior recipients of this prestigious award.

1990 Wynn Binger 1991 Ed Egan 1992 Jerry Ingman 1993 Eno Olson 1994 Dan Imholte 1995 Andrew Kraemer 1996 Al Renier 1997 Dan Frentress 1998 Gerald Forkrud 1999 N/A 2000 Dick Winslow 2001 Mike McGray 2002 Ken Hoffman 2003 George Mattson 2004 John Ericson 2005 Gary Aamold 2006 Darrell Stahlecker 2007 Doug Schwartz 2008 Terry Kraemer 2009 Don Shonyo 2010 Bob McPartlin 2011 Steve Gentz 2012 Don Hass 2013 Gary Shonyo 2014 Mike Sheehan 2015 Steve Gerster

History of Arnie Laingen In 2007, Al Renier, esteemed colleague and long-time CPAM member, gave a brief posthumous history about Arnie.

Arnie Laingen was a graduate civil engineer from the University of Minnesota, "a gentleman and a scholar," stated Al. Following graduation, Arnie was employed in 1979 as project manager by Arcon Construction. While at Arcon, he was appointed as superintendent on the first recycled concrete paving project built in Minnesota — the 16.1 miles of TH 59 from Fulda to Worthington.

Arnie became executive director of CPAM in 1983. It was Arnie's integrity and commitment to quality and excellence at a very critical time that literally rebuilt the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota while he was director of the organization from 1983 to 1985.

Arnie left CPAM in 1985 and became project manager/estimator at Progressive Contractors, Inc. (PCI). He served as president of CPAM in 1986 & 1988. Arnie passed away in 1989 at the age of 32 from leukemia.

Wynn Binger

In July of 1961 Wynn went to work for Construction Materials, Inc. (CMI). He balanced the leadership team with his youth and engineering back-ground. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1965. In 1972 Wynn became president of CMI. Through membership in many industry associations, strong contractor and agency relationships, prompt sales and service, Wynn was well respected as a leader committed to the industry. Wynn served as president of CPAM in 1979.

Wynn Binger 1990

Ed Egan

Upon completing his engineering degree from the University of Minnesota in 1959, Ed was a project engineer for MnDOT until 1967. Ed left MnDOT and was the engineer/estimator for Barton Contracting Co. until 1970. Later in 1970 he became a partner in Dycon Corp. until 1973. In 1974 Ed co-founded Allstate Paving where he continued until 1990. During his time at Allstate, Ed also became partner in Northern Con-Agg in 1986. In 1995 he co-founded NC Minerals, LLC. Ed served as president of CPAM in 1980 and 1982 and as ACPA Chairman in 1986. He received the prestigious ACPA Hartmann-Hirschman Award in 2006.

Ed Egan 1991

Jerry Ingman

Jerry worked as a surveyor/inspector for the Minnesota Highway Department from 1956 to 1961. The year he left the Highway Department, he went to work for Barton Contracting Co. Jerry worked as a foreman, then as superintendent for their concrete paving operations. In 1971 Jerry co-founded Progressive Contractors, Inc. (PCI) where he continued until retiring in 2002. Jerry served as president of CPAM in 1976, 1984, 1991 and 1995.

Jerry Ingman 1992

Eno Olson

Eno started his construction career while still in high school, working the summers of 1948 - 1949 on a survey crew for MnDOT. In 1950 Eno began his engineering studies at Moorhead State University, North Dakota State University and the National Defense Highway System. In 1958 he received his engineering degree from the University of Minnesota. Eno worked for Barton Contracting Co. from 1961 - 1965. He left Barton and worked as engineer/estimator for Arcon Construction until 1981 when he went to work for Shafer Contracting Company until he retired in 1995. Eno served as president of CPAM in 1977, 1985, 1990 and 1994.

Eno Olson 1993

Dan Imholte

In 1955 Dan went to work for O.W. Swanson as a laborer on the seal crew and later became foreman. Dan went to work for Barton Contracting Co. in 1959 as saw & seal foreman for eight years, paving foreman for two, and then paving superintendent. In 1971 Dan co-founded Progressive Contractors, Inc. (PCI) where he continued until retiring in 1999. Dan is best known for his work in the area of concrete pavement rehabilitation. He has been instrumental in many of the unique and successful CPR techniques that have been developed in Minnesota.

Dan Imholte 1994

Andy Kraemer

Andy worked as ground man and operator for O.W. Swanson Construction Company from 1957 to 1959. In 1960 Andy went to work for SJ Groves as paving foreman until 1962. He then went to work for Barton Contracting Co. as paving superintendent from 1963 to 1968. Andy became a partner in Dycon Corp. from 1968 to 1973. In 1974 he co-founded Allstate Paving where he stayed until retiring in 1985. Andy served as CPAM president in 1973.

Andy Kraemer 1995

Al Renier

Al graduated as a second lieutenant in the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1943. He officially retired in 1968 as a lieutenant colonel. In 1949 Al graduated from the University of Michigan as a civil engineer. He spent the next 11 years as the county engineer of Genesse County, Michigan. In 1960 Al accepted the position of field engineer for the Portland Cement Association (PCA). In 1964 he was appointed as district engineer for PCA in Montreal, Canada, for three years, and also regional manager of the Quebec Region until his return to the United States in 1971. Al was known to have promoted more concrete pavements in the country than any other individual during his 29 years with the PCA.

Al Renier 1996

Dan Frentress

Dan began his engineering career in the structures laboratory at Iowa State University. After graduation in 1978, he worked for Scott County, Iowa, as a project engineer until 1985 when he was hired as executive director for CPAM. In 2000 Dan assumed position as vice president of highways for the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA). Dan founded his own consulting business in 2002, specializing in concrete training and research of concrete pavements. He has contracted with the Aggregate & Ready Mix Association of Minnesota (ARM) and the International Grooving and Grinding Association (IGGA).

Dan Frentress 1997

Gerry Forkrud

In the late 1950's Gerry went to work

for L.N. Sickels Company where he

was employed for 13 years.

In 1970 he went to work for

Construction Materials, Inc. (CMI).

He began working at the city desk and

eventually moved into sales. Gerry

became a shareholder and the vice

president of the company. He had a

deep affection for the company, its

employees, and customers.

Gerry retired from Construction

Materials, Inc. in 2007 after 37 years

of employment.

Gerry Forkrud 1998

Dick Winslow

Dick started his career with Rochester

Ready-Mix in 1964. He was a yard

man and drove truck when needed

until 1966.

Prior to retiring in 2006, Dick owned

and operated Doyle Conner Company

in Rochester for over 40 years.

Doyle Conner has been a member of

the Concrete Paving Association of

Minnesota since its beginning in

March 1959. They are the only

original CPAM member still in

business.

Dick Winslow 2000

Mike McGray

Prior to co-founding Progressive Contractors, Inc. (PCI) in 1971, Mike worked for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Barton Contracting Co. He retired in 2008. Mike served as president of CPAM in 1978 and Chairman of AGC-MN in 1985.

Mike McGray 2001

Ken Hoffman

Ken started his construction career with Willard Construction. He began as a laborer and quickly moved into their foreman position doing curb & gutter and some highway paving. In 1979 Ken founded Hoffman Concrete. He diligently promoted concrete pavements in and around Mankato right up until he retired in 2012. Ken served as president of CPAM in 1993 and 2002.

Ken Hoffman 2002

George Mattson

George began his construction career

after graduating from the University

of Minnesota in 1963, working for

Alexander Construction Company as

an assistant.

George also attained his law degree

from William Mitchell College of Law

in 1967.

In 1968 George co-founded Shafer

Contracting Company.

George served several years on the

board of directors for both CPAM and

ACPA as well as serving as chairman of

AGC-MN in 2007.

George Mattson 2003

John Ericson

Early in his career, John owned BarKay

Oil Company.

John began working for Apple Valley

Ready-Mix (AVR) / Fischer Sand and

Aggregate in the early 1970s where

he held several positions. He was

division manager of Fischer Sand and

Aggregate at the time of his

retirement in January 2010, after

nearly 40 years with AVR, Inc.

John was an active member of the

Concrete Paving Association of

Minnesota, serving on the board of

directors for many years and as

president in 1999.

John Ericson, Sr. 2004

Gary Aamold

Upon receiving his civil engineering degree from North Dakota State University in 1973, Gary worked as a project engineer for the North Dakota Department of Transportation. In 1977 Gary went to work for Northern Improvement Co. as concrete paving superintendent and estimator. In 1985 he became chief engineer and vice president. Gary went to work for Highway Services, Inc. in 1988 as vice president and became president in 1993. In 1998 the company was acquired by Penhall Company, where Gary served as vice president until he retired in 2008. Gary received the Lester Kuzmick Award in 2005 and Honorary Life Member Award in 2008, both given by IGGA. He was also honored in 2008 by ACPA with the prestigious Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award.

Gary Aamold 2005

Darrell Stahlecker

After graduating from North Dakota State University in 1975, Darrell was employed at National Minerals Corp. until 1982. That same year he worked in sales and quality control for Apple Valley Ready-Mix until 1991. Darrell went back to work for National Minerals, now owned by Lafarge, as the director of technical services. In 1993 Darrell co-founded General Resource Company (GRT) where he stayed until 2010, when he became president and co-owner of Biesanz Stone Company. Darrell served on the CPAM board for many years and as president in 2007.

Darrell Stahlecker 2006

Doug Schwartz

Doug started working for MnDOT in 1965 as a highway technician. While working at MnDOT, he went to night school at the University of Minnesota in the early 70's and graduated with a civil engineering degree in 1980. Doug served his last 14 years at MnDOT as concrete engineer, retiring in 2008. Prior to that, he served terms as assistant concrete engineer, bituminous engineer, grading and base engineer and as a project engineer. In 2006 the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA), honored Doug as the "Government Official of the Year."

Doug Schwartz 2007

Terry Kraemer

In 1977 Terry began working as a laborer and eventually as estimator for Allstate Paving, Inc. He worked summers while going to college, receiving his BS in construction management from Mankato State University. In 1989 Terry started Diamond Surface, Inc. His cooperation with the IGGA (International Grooving and Grinding Association) has produced quieter and safer diamond ground concrete pavements locally and internationally. Terry served as president of CPAM in 2010.

Terry Kraemer 2008

Don Shonyo

After high school, Don went to work

briefly for Barton Contracting Co.

After his return from serving our

country, he came back to work for

Barton as a concrete finisher.

In 1971 Don went to work for

Progressive Contractors, Inc. (PCI) and

PCi Roads, LLC as superintendent for

their concrete paving operations.

Don’s long history of concrete

pavements and thorough under-

standing of what is needed to provide

a quality pavement ensures that the

pavements built under his watch will

last for decades to come.

Don Shonyo 2009

Bob McPartlin

Upon receiving his engineering degree

from the University of Minnesota in

1971, Bob was employed with the City

of St. Paul Public Works for six years.

In September 1977 Bob went to work

as county engineer for Lyon County

until February 1980. He then spent

the next 13 years as the county

engineer for Waseca County and was

involved with numerous projects and

many miles of concrete paving.

In 1993 Bob joined MnDOT Central

Office where he worked for 12 years.

He was fondly remembered as "The

Meter Man."

In July 2005 Bob joined CPAM as field

promoter where he has overseen a

tremendous increase in county

concrete pavements.

Bob McPartlin 2010

Steve Gentz

In the early 1970's Steve went to work for Arcon Construction operating boom truck and eventually became foreman for their concrete paving crew. In 1982 Steve began working for Shafer Contracting Company, Inc. and assumed position as paving superintendent. Steve was loyal and committed to building the highest quality concrete roads for the industry.

Steve Gentz 2011

Don Hass

Don worked for Barton Contracting Co. as forms setter from 1966 to 1969. In 1970 Don went to work for Arcon Construction as forms setter and working stringline. In 1971 he was promoted to grading foreman until 1977 when he assumed position as general superintendent. In 1980 Don went to work for Doyle Conner Company as superintendent until his retirement in 2013. He has been known as an ambassador of quality concrete for decades and is a well-respected representative of the industry. Don served as president of CPAM in 1981.

Don Hass 2012

Gary Shonyo

Gary has worked in the concrete paving business since the mid-1970’s and has been the concrete paving superintendent at Progressive Contractors, Inc. (PCI) and PCi Roads, LLC since 1996. Gary has extensive experience in every facet of concrete paving and has supervised a team that is committed to constructing high quality concrete pavements throughout the Upper Midwest.

Gary Shonyo 2013

Mike Sheehan

Mike began his career with MnDOT as a graduate engineer in the rotation program. In 1968 Mike went to work for MnDOT in Rochester for eight years with his last four in preliminary design. In 1976 Mike went to work for Olmsted County as assistant county engineer and has been with them ever since. He was county engineer from 1986 until 2013 when he became the public works director. Mike has received numerous awards over the years, including the Outstanding County Engineer of the Year award in 1998 from the Minnesota County Engineers Association and the Urban County Engineer of the Year award in 2003 from the National Association of County Engineers. Mike has built approximately 64 miles of PCC during his career.

Mike Sheehan 2014

Steve Gerster

Steve began his career at Progressive

Contractors, Inc. (PCI) after graduating

from high school working as a laborer

for a few years.

Steve continued his career with PCI

while attending the University of

Minnesota doing assorted jobs

including setting dowel bar baskets

and forms as well as setup and

breakdown of the paving equipment.

Steve graduated from the U of M in

1989 with a degree in civil engineering

and became Jerry Ingman’s right-hand

man. Steve continued up the ranks of

PCI until becoming a partner of PCi

Roads, LLC in 2008.

Steve served as president of CPAM in

1998, 2004 and 2009.

Steve Gerster 2015

3596 Linden Avenue, Suite B5 White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Phone: 651.762.0402

www.concreteisbetter.com

Promoting quality in concrete pavements since 1959