Faces of I-270 North

The I-270 North Project team is committed to the growth and utilization of a diverse workforce. Get to know the people behind the project — from businesses to individual employees to community members like you — as we Build. Progress. Together.

Mike White Laborer Apprentice

Two years ago, Mike White, a father of three, turned to the construction trade for stability. He has found his sense of pride as well. "I feel like I'm building America," he exclaimed. Currently, Mike is a MoDOT OJT Laborer Apprentice with Millstone Weber on the I-270 North Build-Design project. "I like working with my hands. I have worked several jobs that did offer an opportunity for advancement. Then I learned you could make a decent wage in construction," Mike said. He learned of the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program while in MoDOT's pre-apprenticeship program. Mike is now a fourth-term apprentice. When asked about his post OJT goals, "I'm looking forward to journeying out and having a pension," he said, "Plus it'll be a reward every time I pass by this I-270N project knowing I helped build it."

It'll be a reward every time I pass by this I-270N project knowing I helped build it.

—Mike White

About MoDOT's On-the-Job Training Program

The I-270 North Design-Build project is providing training opportunities for a number of minority individuals pursuing careers in construction. In 1990, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) established its On-The-Job Training (OJT) program in an effort to increase workforce diversity and inclusion. As OJT program participants, MoDOT prime contractors employ minorities, women and economically disadvantaged individuals for teams assigned to MoDOT's federally funded construction projects. The diversity and inclusion initiative gives minority tradespeople the opportunity to accrue the time and develop the skills needed to graduate apprenticeships and become journeymen, and minority engineering professionals the chance to learn on the job while they complete or advance their required education. The I-270 North Design-Build contractors, Millstone Weber and Parsons have several OJT trainees on their teams. We are proud to introduce you to some of them in this month's newsletter.

Kendall's Hauling LLC (DBE)

In 2006, Kendall Davidson, a certified diesel mechanic, established a trucking company with a 1979 dump truck he literally built with his own hands. At the time, Kendall's Hauling had just one employee- himself. Despite the difficult road ahead, he wanted more, he said. Fortunately, he connected with industry influencers who were committed to creating sustainable pathways for minority and disadvantaged business owners. Thom Kuhn, the President of Millstone Weber, was among Issue 3 | July 2020 Safety Fact: In 2019, 18 people were killed in work zone crashes in Missouri. Remember to Slow Down in the Work Zones. Help us all make it home safely. those who helped Davidson get established in the competitive, highly regulated motor freight transportation sector. "Millstone Weber was my catalyst to success," Davidson said.

Today, Kendall's Hauling LLC has dual certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), a fleet of dump trucks, side dumps and fuel tankers, 15 employees, and a contract to collaborate with the men and women who helped the family-owned transportation business get rolling 14 years ago.

Originally, I was one man, one truck. Now I'm the only African-American in the whole state of Missouri who owns a petroleum business.

—Kendall Davidson

Kendall's Hauling is now a three-tier haulage and cartage company: petroleum sales, delivery and storage; dirt, rock and asphalt hauling; and, heavy duty freight delivery. As a Millstone Weber contractor for the I-270 North Design-Build Project, Kendall's Hauling will transport diesel fuel for construction equipment, and haul excavated material from the construction sites. "Initially Millstone Weber changed my family's life. Now they continue to have a positive impact on my employees," Davidson said. My employees are "average blue-collar Joes with high school degrees," he said. Most live in the North County neighborhoods, near the I-270 North Design-Build Project. "My employees are people who look like me, working real jobs with a prevailing wage, bringing money back to their communities. They've been able to buy houses, cars, pay property taxes, and send their kids to college," Davidson said. Davidson currently lives in St. Louis city, but grew up in North County. He attended Lutheran North High School and North Technical High School.

Davidson is also a 2010 MoDOT Fastrac Business Development Program graduate. He credits this program with making him a businessman. "Participating in MoDOT's Fastrac Program is a phenomenal opportunity for minority and disadvantaged business owners," Davidson said. "I already knew diesel truck maintenance and repair; Fastrac taught me how to run a business, and helped me network with equal opportunity officers who led supplier diversity and contracting activities at key companies."

When asked about the impact of COVID-19 on his business, he stated that due to his I-270 North Design-Build contract, he does not expect his business will be negativelyaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic. "We're working, and we'll stay working."

Kendall's Hauling LLC — Caption for the figure.

Jumoke Abass Engineer (In Training)

Jumoke Abass refers to her on-the-job training as on-the-job learning — practical experience she will apply to passing intensive Civil Engineering competency exams and securing specialized certifications. She has already received her Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from SIU-Edwardsville. Now she is in MoDOTâ€™s OJT program as a Millstone Weber engineer (in training), working side-by-side with I-270 North Designâ€™s professional engineers as she works to become a licensed Professional Engineer.

Being part of MoDOTâ€™s on-the-job training program is useful for the exams I want to take, and other personal milestones I need to obtain,

—Jumoke Abass

Jumoke aims for her combined on-the-job learning and continuing education to make her a skilled civil engi-neer, capable of making sure projects get done according to plan, on time and within budget. She is committed to doing double duty — working full-time, while studying and testing on the side. "While learning on the job, I have to continue to set goals for myself to achieve. Being part of MoDOTâ€™s on-the-job training program is useful for the exams I want to take, and other personal milestones I need to obtain," Jumoke said.

Diamond Cottman Engineer Intern

Diamond Cottman is the first on both her paternal and maternal sides of the family to choose Engineering as a vocation. After speaking with her, it’s obvious why she chose to do this work.

As a senior at Southern Illinois University — Edwardsville studying Civil Engineering, Diamond says she was already being led toward engineering while a high school student.

I was exposed to the field of engineering in grade school and by the time I reached high school I knew what I wanted to do. I would always notice the condition of roads and bridges and I would think, 'this shouldn't look like that or that's wrong.' I try to fix things in my head.

—Diamond Cottman

That attention to detail is not the only reason that she chose to focus on Civil Engineering. "I have a very strong desire to rebuild communities and the first step in that direction for me is to focus on the roads, bridges and overall transportation systems contained within those communities. Eventually, I plan to impact other elements within communities like housing, that can affect overall social, physical and mental well-being."

While Diamond has completed internships in private industry, she is excited about learning with MoDOT. She says that working with the agency will provide an up-close look at how the public sector operates in areas like contract development and public engagement.

In terms of advice for those young enough to still be in the career choice phase of life, Diamond said, "Don’t always follow the money because it may not take you to the place you want to go. Find out what your passion is, what’s in your heart and find a way to monetize that. Also, start early! I started preparing for my engineering career in high school. It’s never too early and nothing is better than preparation."

Brandy Broecking Project Manager

Brandy Broeckling is the Project Manager for Millstone Weber, the contractor for the I-270 North Design-Build Project. Broeckling says the entire team is excited to be working on a project of this magnitude and they are looking forward to seeing some of the innovative solutions within the plans come to reality.

"We are really pleased to be a part of this project; the largest single project done by MoDOT within the past decade. Our plan is to use this newsletter as a way to allow you to stay connected to the project, and to learn about all of the innovative and impactful work that will happen along the corridor," said Broeckling. This is the first of monthly editions of the newsletter that will be shared with the public via emails and posting on both the Millstone Weber and MoDOT I-270 North team websites. Broeckling says MW and MoDOT want people to get excited and stay informed about the project as it progresses.

We are really pleased to be a part of this project; the largest single project done by MoDOT within the past decade.

—Brandy Broecking

Broeckling holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, is a registered professional engineer, and has more than 20 years of heavy highway construction experience. She says she is really excited about the project both professionally and personally. "Not only did I grow up in Florissant and graduate from Hazelwood Central High, but the first construction project I ever worked on was on this same stretch of 270, when I was a summer intern for MoDOT. I went on to spend the first nine years of my career working for MoDOT. The remainder has been spent working for Fred Weber Construction, and now, Millstone Weber."

In 2014, Fred Weber Construction and Millstone Bangert combined to create Millstone Weber. Both respective companies were founded almost 100 years ago, and Broeckling has been the contractor on numerous MoDOT construction projects throughout the greater St. Louis area. Fred Weber and Millstone Bangert were part of Gateway Constructors, the company who constructed the New I-64 project, which at the time of construction, was the largest Design-Build project in MoDOT history. Fred Weber and Millstone Bangert once again teamed up as Page Constructors, to construct the Route 364 Phase 3 project. The two companies that are now one — Millstone Weber — will be constructing the I-270 North Project, which is the largest single contract in Millstone Weber history.

"Our entire team is so proud to be partnering with MoDOT once again to bring the residents, businesses and municipalities this much needed infrastructure improvement that will have a positive impact on the North County region for many years to come," said Broeckling.

Learn more about the I-270 On-The-Job Training Program