Asphalt paving plays an essential role in shaping our infrastructure, providing smooth, durable roadways vital to transportation. Among the many considerations in this process, the integrity of joints—particularly the longitudinal joints where two lanes converge—demands special attention. Those seams are often susceptible to various forms of pavement distress, including water penetration, which can accelerate deterioration.

To combat these issues, our industry has made significant technological strides, notably through the introduction of the Void-Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM). This specialized sealant is applied before paving to fill air gaps and block the damaging effects of water at asphalt joints.

Gerken Paving, Inc. began using VRAM in the late 2010s. While implementing VRAM required some initial equipment upgrades and operational adjustments, we embraced the learning process wholeheartedly. Richie Keifer, Operations Manager for Gerken Paving, reflects on this transition: “Like any new process, there was a big learning curve. But we have our technique down, and we’re pretty efficient.”

How VRAM Works

The application of VRAM is both precise and impactful. The process involves spraying the specialized sealant onto the road surface beneath the future lane seam. As the hot asphalt is laid over the VRAM, the material softens and flows upward, effectively filling small air pockets and creating a robust barrier against air and water. This ingenious method prevents water from entering the joints, significantly reducing the risk of cracking and extending their lifespan to match that of the asphalt. With VRAM in place, crews spend less time on crack repairs, resulting in cost savings and smoother traffic flow.

To maximize the effectiveness of VRAM, experienced applicators must carry out the application. At Gerken Paving, our team prides itself on our expertise in this area, serving northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan with skill and precision to ensure long-lasting pavement results.

Our commitment to mastering VRAM application and bolstering our distribution methods has positioned Gerken as a trusted partner throughout the region. Our reliability has not gone unnoticed: in 2025, Gerken Paving completed a significant resurfacing project on the Ohio Turnpike, earning a NAPA Award for Quality in Asphalt Paving. Other significant projects include a VRAM installation in the City of Elyria and an ODOT project in Wood County.

The Gerken Companies’ success with VRAM can be attributed to married team members Nikki and Braun Otterson, whose combined efforts have greatly contributed to the project’s accomplishments. Nikki has played a vital role from the outset, overseeing quality control and technical testing, while Braun has expertly managed the distribution truck. Together, their hard work and dedication have significantly impacted the successful implementation of VRAM at Gerken.

We are also grateful to the dedicated team at Asphalt Materials, Inc. Their unwavering support and commitment have been invaluable to us, especially in providing the high-quality J-Band® brand of VRAM. This innovative material has played a crucial role in enhancing our projects, ensuring durability and efficiency. We truly appreciate their expertise, reliability, and the collaborative relationship we’ve developed over time.

The Value of VRAM

When agencies consider adopting new technologies such as VRAM, they often weigh initial costs against long-term performance. As Keifer acknowledges, “One of the major concerns about adding VRAM is the added expense.” However, the investment pays off. VRAM has been shown to provide a return on initial investment of more than 3:1 by preventing future maintenance and repairs.

“Asphalt used to be pretty simple,” Keifer points out. “Nowadays, we get to teach old dogs new tricks. But VRAM works.”

Conclusion

As the asphalt paving industry continues to evolve, the adoption of innovative technologies such as VRAM highlights our commitment to enhancing durability and efficiency. By effectively preventing water damage and reducing maintenance demands, VRAM not only extends the lifespan of roadways but also ensures safer driving conditions for all.

The future of asphalt paving looks promising, thanks to advancements that keep our infrastructure resilient and reliable. Embracing these changes is essential as The Gerken Companies aims for improved road quality and sustainability in our communities.

As proud members of the construction industry, we have a profound responsibility—not just to create lasting structures but also to nurture a compassionate community for our workers. The end of September’s National Suicide Prevention Month offers a vital opportunity for us to reflect on the challenges we face and to champion our most precious resource: our people.

September also brings Construction Suicide Prevention Week, an annual event that illuminates a pressing issue: our construction workforce faces a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. Heartbreakingly, construction workers are about four to five times more likely to take their own lives than those in other professions. Behind these numbers are real lives, each affected by mental health struggles that urgently need our attention.

Understanding the Unique Challenges

The construction environment inherently presents several challenges that can impact mental health. Long hours, physical demands, job-site isolation, and occasional unemployment can weigh heavily on even the strongest individuals. Additionally, the traditional mindset of toughness prevalent in our industry often discourages honest conversations about mental health, leaving many workers feeling isolated and unsupported.

In fact, studies indicate that workers in construction are statistically more likely to die by suicide than from a fatal injury on the job. This tragic reality underscores the critical need for proactive interventions and comprehensive support systems to safeguard our workforce.

Breaking the Stigma Together

One of the primary objectives of initiatives like Construction Suicide Prevention Week is to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health on job sites. By promoting open dialogues, we can create an encouraging atmosphere where workers feel secure in seeking help. Let’s shift the perspective together, making it clear that reaching out for support is a testament to strength, not a sign of weakness.

Ben Lindsey’s journey from aspiring musician to successful entrepreneur to trucking salesperson unfolds like a powerful ballad. Raised in a family where hard work thrived, Ben’s life encapsulates the spirit of resilience and reinvention. With a passion for craftsmanship, he transitioned from crafting guitars for legendary artists to becoming an Outside Sales Representative at Kuhlman Corporation. Along the way, Ben’s story demonstrates that sometimes, the most fulfilling chapters come from embracing unexpected changes.

Roots and Upbringing

Ben was born in Toledo and spent his formative years in Oregon, where he attended Clay High School. Nurtured in a loving environment, he is the son of a heavy equipment operator and a devoted stay-at-home mom, and he has one sister named Shelly. That strong familial foundation instilled in Ben a sense of purpose and dedication from an early age.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Ben has vibrant memories of his grandparents, who ran a catering business and whose delightfully thick English accents and engaging stories colored his childhood. “Their conversations were always the highlight of the room,” he recalls. Their influence inspired his strong work ethic and fueled a passion for cooking.

During high school, Ben played guitar in a garage band with friends, nurturing dreams of a vibrant music career. However, reality soon set in as he realized that performing in bars wouldn’t cover his bills. Driven by his love for music, Ben pivoted and founded Madison’s Music Store—a small business specializing in guitar repair, restoration, and custom building. Through hard work and determination, he crafted more than 20,000 guitars, each resonating with his craftsmanship and love. He created instruments for celebrated musicians such as The Black Crowes, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Jack White.

“I got to rub elbows with some famous musicians, many of whom were from Detroit,” Ben reflects.

Embracing Change

After sixteen fulfilling years, the demands of running a business began to overshadow Ben’s passion for guitar-making. Recognizing the need for a change, Ben embraced the idea of exploring new career paths, eager to reignite his passion and creativity. It was during this pivotal period that his aunt, Margaret Waldeck of Kuhlman Corporation, shared exciting news about job openings at her company. Interestingly, both Margaret and Ben’s mother share a common background as Englishwomen who moved to America after marrying Americans. In 2016, Ben joined Kuhlman Corporation, initially working in Yards 1 and 4 before assuming his current role as Outside Sales Representative – Trucking.

Ben reflects optimistically, “As the saying goes, when one great thing ends, another begins.”

Ben’s personal life is as rich and fulfilling as his professional journey. At just 15 years old, while working at the former Ranch Steak and Seafood in Oregon, he crossed paths with Crystal, who, they were both surprised to learn, was a classmate from Clay High School. Their immediate connection blossomed into a lasting relationship. After high school, they lived in an apartment above a music store where Ben worked and honed his guitar-building skills.

Today, Ben and Crystal are proud parents to two amazing daughters: Madison and Gracey. With Crystal’s loving guidance, both daughters flourished through homeschooling. Currently, Ben is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Technical Studies at BGSU Firelands, a satellite campus of Bowling Green State University, furthering his passion for learning.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Ben nurtures a keen interest in writing, dreaming of one day authoring his own book. As a self-described fidgeter, he enjoys collecting and organizing his nearly 1 million baseball cards, diving into true-crime mysteries, and indulging in video games. But more than anything, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Love and Legacy

“People may be surprised by how few close friends I have,” suspects Ben. “As busy as I am, I prefer to spend my free time with family.”

While he has stepped away from playing and building guitars, Ben continues to own and operate Gracey’s Vintage Finishes, which sells specialty guitar paint to everyone from first-time builders to large-scale manufacturers. Both Madison’s Music Store and Gracey’s Vintage Finishes were named after his daughters, reflecting a deep sense of personal connection and passion. Although his focus has shifted, he still enjoys collecting vintage guitars, which keeps his passion for music alive.

Ultimately, Ben Lindsey’s life reflects a blend of artistic passion and entrepreneurial spirit. After years of thriving in the guitar industry with his own business, he transitioned into a role at Kuhlman Corporation, finding fulfillment in a new field. Ben balances his professional pursuits with a rich family life as a devoted husband and father to two daughters, while also indulging in hobbies such as writing and collecting baseball cards. His journey illustrates that when one chapter closes, another exciting opportunity can unfold, underscoring the importance of resilience and family in navigating life’s changes.

At The Gerken Companies, we understand that financial well-being is a crucial aspect of overall team member satisfaction and productivity. We know that debt can often feel like a heavy burden, leading to stress and distraction. The good news is that you have the power to take control of your finances and create a brighter future with a thoughtful strategy and a positive mindset. Here are some practical steps to help you break free from debt and regain your financial footing.

Get Organized

To effectively manage your debt, start by gaining a clear understanding of your financial situation. Begin by listing all your non-mortgage debts, such as credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans. For each of these debts, make sure to note the current balance and the associated interest rate. Additionally, it’s important to track the minimum payment due and the due date for each obligation. By compiling this information, you’ll have a comprehensive overview of your debts, which is essential for effective management.

Having this information at hand will provide you with clarity. Next, compare your total monthly income against your essential expenses. By ensuring that your basic needs—such as housing, utilities, food, and transportation—are secured, you can then confidently determine how much extra you can direct toward reducing your debts.

Start Small and Build Confidence

A great method for tackling debt is the snowball approach. This involves listing your debts from smallest to largest balance, regardless of interest rates. Focus on making only the minimum payments on all debts except the smallest one. Put any extra cash you can find into paying off that smallest debt first.

Once you pay off a debt, roll that payment amount into the next-smallest debt on your list. Each time you eliminate a debt, it’s a victory that builds your confidence and keeps you motivated. These small wins create a cumulative positive effect on your journey toward financial freedom.

Budgeting for Success

Creating a practical monthly budget is a crucial step in your debt repayment journey. Look for areas where you could reduce spending; even minor adjustments to non-essential expenses can free up significant resources to expedite your debt payoff.

Additionally, consider establishing a small emergency fund. This safety net can help you manage unexpected expenses without disrupting your repayment plan.

Know When to Seek Help

If you find it tough to meet minimum payments, reach out to your creditors—they may have hardship programs or alternative payment plans that could provide relief. Additionally, exploring options with a nonprofit credit counselor can be very beneficial. Just be sure to inquire about any fees involved for the service.

Celebrate Your Progress

Finally, remember that progress is more important than perfection. Each debt you pay off is a reason to celebrate, no matter how small. Share your milestones with friends, family, or coworkers for encouragement and support. Seeing your list of debts grow shorter can provide the motivation needed to keep pushing forward.

When you see our asphalt paving crews diligently working on major road projects or our plants operating at peak capacity, it’s easy to focus solely on the impressive volume of materials flowing through our network. However, behind every ton of asphalt we or our customers lay down lies a meticulous, scientific process that underscores our unwavering commitment to quality control.

At The Gerken Companies, the creation of roads that stand the test of time is a carefully synchronized effort. Our robust quality control (QC) loop begins in a controlled laboratory environment and culminates behind a roaring paving train.

Here is a look at how our QC teams facilitate the vital link between our manufacturing plants and active field projects, and why their work contributes to our reputation.

A Coordinated Effort

Building a reliable road presents a two-part challenge: the precision manufacturing of the material, followed by its flawless installation. If either aspect falters, we risk issues like premature cracking or rutting.

Fortunately, at The Gerken Companies, our asphalt operations seamlessly bridge these two distinct environments through our comprehensive QC program. This process ensures that the asphalt produced at our plants is identical to the asphalt we install in the field, maintaining the highest possible quality standards.

Perfecting the Recipe

Our laboratory testing is very precise. Operating out of an advanced central laboratory in Napoleon, Ohio, and our 14 plant-specific labs, our technicians expertly manage the chemistry behind our mixes. Using their training, they painstakingly verify the job mix formula to ensure the liquid binder content is on target and the aggregate blends are correct.

In the lab, technicians burn off liquid bitumen in ignition ovens to achieve the ideal asphalt binder percentage. It’s a delicate balance—too much liquid can lead to road bleeding, while too little can result in brittleness. Additionally, they employ mechanical sieves to prevent aggregates from segregating and use gyratory compactors to simulate how the mix will perform under decades of heavy traffic.

Managing the Real World

Once the asphalt leaves the plant, the dynamics shift entirely. Field quality control faces the unpredictability of weather, fluctuating temperatures, and the hustle of active traffic.

This is where our extraordinary field technicians shine—they expertly manage real-world conditions. They monitor mat temperatures in real time and utilize density gauges behind the rollers to ensure that compaction meets targets before the mix cools. By taking core samples from the finished pavement and returning them to the lab, they complete the quality loop, verifying that the actual installation aligns with the laboratory’s ideal specifications.

Science on the Move

Every department at Gerken plays a critical role in our overarching success, but it is our QC team that provides the technical insurance policy for our work. They represent the analytical backbone of our infrastructure production. By striking the ideal balance between the rigorous precision of the lab and the complex variables of the field, our QC teams work tirelessly to uphold quality, safety, and excellence in every project we undertake.

With such passionate and diligent efforts from our entire team, we confidently create roads that not only endure but also serve our communities with pride for generations to come.

At Bowling Green State University (BGSU), the commitment to fostering future talent is exemplified by the generous scholarship sponsorships from companies such as The Gerken Companies and Kuhlman Corporation. These scholarships are pivotal in supporting students in the College of Engineering and Innovation, providing crucial financial assistance and encouraging academic excellence in key fields.

The Gerken Companies Scholarship is designed to empower undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Construction Management and Technology. By providing financial support, this scholarship enables students to focus on their studies and excel in their chosen fields.

The Kuhlman Corporation Scholarship is primarily intended for full-time juniors, seniors, or graduate students and is available to those majoring in Architecture and Environmental Design or construction sciences. The selection process for this scholarship considers various factors, including academic standing (a minimum GPA of 3.0), financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to leadership or community service.

On September 20, 2026, BGSU held the College of Education and Human Development Scholarship Celebration, a significant event where over $1 million in scholarships was awarded to more than 300 deserving students. This celebration underscores the institution’s commitment to investing in students’ futures and recognizing their hard work. Our own Jason Baden and Hanna Myers were present to witness the awarding of scholarships that will undoubtedly make a difference in many students’ lives.

Eligible employees of The Gerken Companies have access to a valuable retirement savings tool: the company 401(k) plan. Understanding how to use this benefit to its fullest potential is essential for securing your financial future, regardless of where you are in your career. Let’s explore the key strategies to help you make the most of your 401(k) at every stage.

Start Early and Automate Your Savings

For those in their 20s and 30s, the best strategy is to start early and make saving automatic. When contributions come directly from your paycheck, saving becomes easier and less daunting. Choose a contribution rate that aligns with your lifestyle, and consider increasing it whenever you receive a raise. Even a modest increase can significantly enhance your savings over time, thanks to the power of compound interest.

Take Advantage of Catch-Up Contributions

If you’re in your 40s or 50s, it’s crucial to evaluate your savings strategy regularly. As of 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 to your 401(k), with an additional catch-up contribution of $8,000 available when you turn 50. This enhancement can greatly bolster your retirement savings. Regularly reviewing your contribution rate and investment elections will help ensure you’re making the most of the benefits available to you.

Enhanced Catch-Up for Those Approaching Retirement

For employees aged 60 to 63, a 401(k) offers an enhanced catch-up opportunity. If you turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 in 2026, you can contribute up to $11,250 in catch-up contributions. This brings your total contribution to $35,750 for the year, providing an excellent way to accelerate your savings as retirement approaches. Note that some employees with high prior-year wages will need to make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions, so be sure to review your plan materials for these details.