Brian Musser started in the asphalt paving business in 1982 as a laborer for Miller Brothers Construction, where his father was a mechanic. The work could be backbreaking at times, but it was constantly varied and offered Brian opportunities to learn new things. Most importantly to Brian, the work was steady.

“I knew there would always be roads to build and pave, so there would always be work,” Brian recalls.

One day, his boss approached him with a question. A paver operator was retiring, and the boss wondered if Brian would like to take over the job. So, after 17 years of working as a laborer, Brian transitioned to operating an asphalt paver.

The Gerken Companies acquired Miller Brothers’ asphalt operation in 2002, and Brian became part of the Gerken team.

“Gerken took our whole team and let us continue working together as a crew,” reflects Brian. “That’s something I always appreciated and will never forget.”

Today, Brian is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a paving machine to spread and level hot asphalt in varying thicknesses on highways, roadways, and parking lots. He has been part of the Ohio Turnpike group for several years.

He acknowledges that the work is hard, often stressful, and involves long hours. And he loves every minute of it.

Downtime

Brian was born and raised in Bryan, Ohio, and attended Bryan High School. He and Dawne, his partner for 15 years, have three grown children between them.

Brian enjoys spending time at the couple’s camper in Angola, Indiana. He gets his exercise cutting and splitting wood and landscaping. He loves sports and is a big follower of Ohio State football and the Cincinnati Bengals.

During work downtime in winter, Brian and Dawne like snowmobiling on Michigan trails and traveling to Florida.

“People might be surprised to learn that I am never late for anything,” says Brain. ”Although I was late for work once at Miller Brothers.”

Brian has more than made up for that single tardiness in four decades of employment. He typically arrives at work 60 to 90 minutes early every day.

“I get up at 3:00 every morning,” he explains. “Getting to work early allows me some quiet time sitting in my truck.”

Or could it be that even after 42 years of working hard, Brian still can’t wait to get started every day?

Looking Ahead

Recognizing the importance of staffing at Gerken, Brian wishes more young people would consider careers in the construction industry.

“It’s hard work but a good life, with lots of job options and chances to learn different jobs,” he says. “And as I believed all those years ago, the work will always be there.”

Where there is hard work to do, Brian Musser is anxious to start. He wouldn’t have it any other way.