C.W. Matthews Holds Third Annual Asphalt Construction Rodeo

C.W. Matthews Contracting Co. hosted its third annual Asphalt Construction Rodeo, a competition for asphalt machine operators to showcase skills, teamwork, and safety. With a strong focus on training and development, the event has grown in popularity and features various challenges to test participants' abilities. Sponsored by industry partners, this event reinforces the company's commitment to excellence in infrastructure construction.

Wed March 26, 2025 - Southeast Edition #7
CEG

C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., an infrastructure and asphalt construction company, recently wrapped up its third annual Asphalt Construction Rodeo at its corporate campus in Marietta, Ga.

Twenty-eight of the company's asphalt machine operators signed up for the three-day competition. The first two days featured a series of qualifying rounds, with four winners from each day advancing to a championship round on the third day.

What began three years ago as an in-house training event aimed at advancing the skills of asphalt machine operators and fostering friendly competition has since evolved into a highly anticipated event.

The idea for the event was conceived by Scott Hall, the company's asphalt construction division training manager, who was seeking a more hands-on experience for his operators beyond traditional classroom training. After researching other equipment rodeos in the earthmoving sector, Hall decided to create a similar event tailored to paving and compaction. This inaugural event was dubbed the "equipment rodeo" and has grown each year to include a full curriculum, written tests, timed obstacle courses, straight-line tests and more. Contestants also are evaluated on their teamwork, character and attitude. Daily machine walkarounds, a practice the company incorporates at any job site, also were part of the competition. This year marked the first inclusion of an asphalt planer in the event, reflecting the company's belief that operators should be well-versed in every piece of equipment critical to the efficiency of road-building projects.

The team behind the event's success included Scott Hall, James Dylan Marbry, Mario Perez, Bobby Smith and Calvin Langston. To ensure impartiality, manufacturer and dealer representatives were selected as judges, with no input from C.W. Matthews.

"This is 100 percent educational for our employees," said James Dylan Marbry, division trainer. "Some of the competitors have never even operated a roller on a job site before. We recognize the importance of cross-training and encouraging those interested to try something new."

Marbry emphasized that while machine operation is crucial, the company's primary focus is safety. "Our goal is to ensure our operators make it home safely at the end of each day."

C.W. Matthews is fortunate to have a pool of talented operators who can step in for colleagues participating in the competition. Marbry also noted that the event serves to engage younger operators, helping them stay connected with the company and its culture.

"Our operators are highly competitive and our philosophy of building both great roads and great people is clear," he said.

After three successful years, the coveted WWE-style belt for first place has become a symbol of honor within the company. Many of the participants started their careers at C.W. Matthews in entry-level positions, such as screed shoveling and raking asphalt, and have since developed into some of the nation's top equipment operators.

During the closing ceremony, it was acknowledged that C.W. Matthews' training program has come a long way, with the team continuously refining practices to ensure the best possible training experience. Both Hall and Marbry agreed that the company prioritizes character and drive in its employees while fostering strong personal relationships. "We know safety — we do safety," they said.

Scott Hall, the training division manager of asphalt construction and the creator of the event, is responsible for training a staff of 422 division team members. Hall has an extensive background in training and frequently speaks at industry events such as ASTEC Industries' PPW workshops in Chattanooga, Tenn., World of Asphalt and ConExpo. He emphasizes the importance of core fundamentals, effective daily management of end results, and providing clear paths for success.

The training staff expressed their gratitude to the event sponsors, who provided meals, "swag," drinks, snacks and other support. Sponsors included Yancey Bros. Co., Caterpillar, Dynapac, Reynolds-Warren Equipment Company, Tractor & Equipment Company, Wirtgen Group, Cowin Equipment Company and BOMAG.

"Dealer-level training is also strong," the company noted. "Dealers come to our main office or job sites to ensure we're all aligned and up to date on the newest technology. They'll stay as long as necessary to make sure everyone is comfortable with the equipment." CEG

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