When it comes to working relationships Sam Kingsfield and Ken Hern have one of the best in the business. Kingsfield is the operations manager for Premier Paving, a large Denver, Colo., heavy highway construction company that lays about 750,000 tons of asphalt a year. Hern works for the local Cat® dealer, Wagner Equipment Co., as a sales representative, ensuring Premier has the service and support it needs to complete projects from start to finish. “With over 100 pieces of Cat equipment, the demand for parts is incredible,” said Kingsfield. “Our dealer works real close with us … and they do a great job. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Hern’s relationship with Premier started 15 years ago, one year shy of when the business opened in 1997. During that time he’s helped Kingsfield out of more than one tough spot. “We had lost a shaft on our slack conveyor at the asphalt plant and we called Kenny to ask if he could help us locate the part,” recalled Kingsfield. Without hesitation, Hern drove from his house to the Cat Wagner yard at 10 p.m. that night to help Kingsfield find the proper shaft. “We try to tailor the need to the customer,” said Hern. “They have to make sure that part is there and they can get the repair done they need.”
Because Kingsfield and Hern are in constant contact it’s no surprise their relationship has grown beyond an eight-hour workday. The pair discovered they have more in common than construction. “On my 40th birthday, Kenny took me out to Montana to go fly fishing. And that’s the kind of relationship I think is special,” said Kingsfield. “To be able to go out, spend personal time with your salesman and have that comfortable feeling to be able to know that’s he’s just not your salesman, he’s a friend.”
Hear more about Premier Paving by watching the video above.
