Jason Asmus, Senior Geoscientist/Aggregate Operations Manager, has completed the Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) 2025 Emerging Leader Program. The graduation ceremony took place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during the OAIMA Annual Meeting in Columbus.

The OAIMA Emerging Leader Program is a multi-session initiative designed for high-potential professionals in the aggregates and industrial minerals industry. The program focuses on leadership development, industry awareness, and networking. It was the fourth year that OAIMA offered the program, but the first time The Gerken Companies nominated someone to participate.

Reflecting on his experience, Jason said, “With my background in geology, my management roles have primarily relied on my ability to analyze and solve problems. Learning to work with people is a skill I continue to develop. By allowing me to participate in the Emerging Leader Program, Gerken has guided me toward becoming a more effective leader.”

The Emerging Leader Program comprises leadership training sessions, facility tours, and both informal and formal networking opportunities. Participants attended five multi-day sessions throughout the year, which featured site tours of member facilities, discussions with industry experts, and leadership training modules designed to equip future leaders in the aggregates and industrial minerals fields with essential tools for success.

For Jason, a key takeaway from the program was the importance of striking a balance between leading and following. “I feel that I left each session as a better version of myself,” he says. “I learned when to lead and when to manage. But more importantly, I learned when to follow.”

Beyond the workplace, Jason’s experience will undoubtedly enrich his role as a father to four children, ranging from six to 14 years old. He believes that becoming a better person at home will also contribute to his professional growth. That holistic approach to personal development reflects the moral foundation that guides effective leadership.

OAIMA is a trade association representing companies in Ohio that mine and produce construction materials, including sand, gravel, limestone, and other industrial minerals. Founded in 1918, the organization advocates for the industry, provides education, and ensures the safety of its members.

The dust has settled on this year’s professional development classes, and, by most accounts, the new approach to The Gerken Companies’ annual training has been a success. More than 300 participants completed post-event surveys, with over 85 percent rating the new format as an improvement over previous years.

With input from their Gerken team members, Nick Badenhop, Joe St. John, and Hannah Montana reimagined the company’s staggered month-long training approach. Instead of holding numerous limited-seating sessions at the Napoleon office, they transitioned to a two-day, conference-style format.

The Gerken training conference, or Ger-Con (its working title), occurred at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg on February 26 and 27. Most sessions happened in the Main Ballroom, with three smaller rooms designated for breakout sessions.

Joint lunch sessions each day provided networking opportunities and allowed attendees to visit various vendors’ booths. Internal HR, IT, and Payroll personnel were also on hand to answer questions.

Hannah noted that many third-party vendors reported receiving more questions over the two days than in all previous sessions combined.

“We were blown away by the number of genuinely thoughtful questions we fielded from plan participants,” said Steven Small, president of Claridence Wealth. “I hope your employees found it as beneficial as we did.”

According to Hannah, the team received overwhelmingly positive comments from Gerken participants. Furthermore, many employees included heartwarming comments in their written survey responses.

“One team member wrote there are many days when he gets lonely operating his piece of heavy equipment,” says Hannah. “But he added that coming to this event made him feel special, part of something much bigger—a team that cares and a company with many good things happening. That really moved me.”

Thanks to everyone involved in transforming Gerken’s annual training, and special kudos to Nick, Joe, and Hannah.