We strive for it daily and can feel when we’re in its presence, but true greatness – specifically, how to achieve it – is a mystery that’s puzzled writers, athletes, musicians, scientists and philosophers for ages.
Journalist and bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell once made famous the notion that becoming elite at any given task takes 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. What few discuss, however – mainly because it’s such a rare occurrence – is the result of more than 90,000 hours of deliberate practice.
Unfortunately, the National Ready Mix Concrete Association’s 2016 Driver of the Year Steve Johnson – one of the few in his industry able to make the 90,000-hour claim – won’t contribute much to the excellence debate. He’s far too humble.
He’s driven through nine presidential administrations, seven economic recessions and a handful of military conflicts. In each of the past three years, he’s delivered an average of 8,000 cubic yards of concrete. What he’s never done, however, is caused an accident.
Gary Mullings, senior vice president of operations and compliance at the National Ready Mix Concrete Association (NRMCA), said Johnson’s safety focus is what helped separate him from the other 70,000 drivers eligible for this year’s award.
Johnson, whose first ready mix truck after being discharged from the U.S Army was a 1962 International with a 9-yard drum, attributes much of his success to his diligence on the road and at the worksite. He also prides himself on an ability to convince contractors that his way is often the safest.
During his tenure with Martin Marietta, Johnson has trained or influenced scores of Company employees. Among those who say they’ve learned much from the 69-year-old trucker are Area Production Manager Dan Stringer and Ken Nelson, a Rocky Mountain Division sales representative. Stringer and Nelson nominated Johnson for the NRMCA honor.
Johnson was recognized during the NRMCA’s annual convention in San Diego. Included with the honor was a monetary award from the Truck Mixer Manufacturers Bureau.
Mullings said his organization presented about 25 additional industry awards, but that the Driver of the Year honor stood out as a convention highlight.
Johnson, who spent a few extra days in San Diego whale watching with Carey Hughes, his wife of 25 years, continues to take the extra attention in stride.