GemSeal Strengthens Commitment to Pavement Excellence with New Employees

Lee F. Lowis / Jul 17 , 2017

The executive team at GemSeal is pleased to announce the recent hiring of four employees in the Central and Southeast regions of the country.

“We warmly welcome our newest colleagues to help us grow and provide outstanding service in two of our busiest markets, said President & CEO Jeff Lax. “The experience and technical knowledge of these individuals combined with their passion for the industry will benefit our contractor and property management customers.”

Joining the company are the following:

Joe Bregar, Site Manager – Central Region, has over 30 years of experience in product manufacturing serving in various roles from plant and operations manager to consultant. Prior to joining GemSeal, Joe worked for Oldcastle and then as an independent consultant advising a wide range of construction product manufacturers on operational improvements. Currently, he manages the Dallas Plant and One Stop Shop. In his spare time, Joe enjoys spending time with his fiancé, outdoor activities, live music, and travel. He can be reached at jbregar@gemsealproducts.com or 813-442-2027.



John Kling, Territory Sales Representative – Central Region, has a long history in the industry, including experience with pavement maintenance products and asphalt emulsions. Prior to joining GemSeal, he spent five years at a Great Plains-based sealcoat manufacturer in various positions including sales and plant management. Currently, he works out of the Dallas facility selling to governmental and contractor accounts in the North Texas market. John is married with four children and enjoys spending quality time with his family outside of work. He can be reached at jkling@gemsealproducts.com or 682-209-1641.



Mitch Eakin, Site Manager – Central Region, has five years of experience in the asphalt and construction industry and three years in steel manufacturing working in DOT, public, and private sectors. Currently, he leverages his management and hands-on fabricating and manufacturing skills to supervise the Memphis Plant and One Stop Shop. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and went on to earn an MBA from Belhaven University. In his spare time, Mitch enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, golfing, hunting, and riding his ATV. He can be reached at meakin@gemsealproducts.com or 901-483-9559.



Gina Grimani, Customer Service Representative – Southeast Region, has over seven years of customer service and management experience, most recently in the restaurant and retail food industry. Currently, she is responsible for serving customers in the Tampa-based One Stop Shop retail store, inventory management, and supporting the sales team. In her spare time, Gina loves cooking, trying foods from different countries, photography, playing the drums, and watching hockey. She is recently engaged and looks forward to marrying her fiancé next October. Gina can be reached at ggrimani@gemsealproducts.com or 813-630-1695.


The People Behind the Products – Employee Spotlight

Lee F. Lowis / Apr 5 , 2017

The success of GemSeal is due, in large part, to the passion and hard work of our employees. From our executive management, sales managers, and technical staff to our customer service representatives, production team, and dispatchers, we are focused on providing the very best advice, support, and products to protect your pavement. To better acquaint you with our passionate team, we will profile one employee each quarter. Continue reading to get to know the people behind the products:

Leo Mongeau, Customer Service Rep

10 Questions with Leo Mongeau

  1. Tell our readers about your industry experience and your role at GemSeal:
    This is my eighth year in the paving industry. Prior to GemSeal, I worked for a distributer of pavement products in their accounting department and eventually transferred into customer service. In 2015 I accepted a great opportunity to work for GemSeal. I am currently enjoying my role as a customer service representative at the One Stop Shop retail store in Worcester, MA.
  1. What do you enjoy most about your job and our industry?
    Every day presents great variety, which I love.  I get to interact with customers from small, mid-sized, and large companies, all with unique specialties. We discuss job specifics including size, scheduling, and location. Each discussion is different and I learn something new from everyone I encounter.
  1. What do you think sets GemSeal apart from the competition?
    We are consistent in our commitment to provide the very best products and service in the industry. This is evidenced foremost by our diverse selection of sealers; with such variety, our customers have more options for their clients. Furthermore, our employees are highly knowledgeable about all of our pavement products in order to provide the right recommendation for any jobsite. Plus, at all of our GemSeal locations, customers can stock up not only on products, but on equipment and tools as well. We truly provide everything our customers need to get the job done.
  1. In your own words, how would you define or describe a successful 2017 season for your plant and for GemSeal?
    Success comes when we all stay committed to the paving industry! For our plant, we must continue meeting and exceeding customers’ expectations so they can execute a professional job.
  1. What is the best piece of business advice you have received?
    To be honest and always willing to help customers succeed and excel in their business! Also, it is helpful to regard the customer’s job as if it were your own. In doing so, the customer will easily notice how much you care about his or her success.
  1. What do you hope to accomplish this year that you haven’t yet achieved (either personal or professional)?
    I hope to be in a financial position to give my wife the vacation of her dreams!
  1. What was the last movie you saw and how would you rate it?
    Something’s Gotta Give starring Jack Nicholson. I would give it a ‘thumbs up’ because it had plenty of humor, a great plot, and a moral to the story.
  1. If there was a movie produced about your life, which actor would play your role and why?
    I would select Alan Alda from the series MASH. He was always comical, trying to make everyone laugh. But, when a situation became serious, he could just as easily be disciplined to get the job done.
  1. Name three people you admire and why:
    Leo Brodeur, my godfather: He gave me great advice–do the best you can, work hard, and be dedicated in your work. Also, keep out of trouble. I almost got them all!
    Donald Bradway, my step-son:  He has Cerebral Palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. He will be 50 years old and has the most positive attitude of anyone I have ever known. Not a day goes by without him telling someone to “Have A Good Day!” There are plenty of days I wish we all—myself included— had his outlook.
    Katie Myers, GemSeal customer service rep: She reminds me of myself when I started in the industry. When she joined GemSeal, she had little knowledge of pavement products. But, in a short amount of time, Katie has impressed me with her dedication, determination, and desire to grow professionally. As a result, she has helped ensure the success of the store and that of her own career.
  1. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
    Dancing and traveling—mostly on cruise ships.

 

 

Get the Scoop on What’s Springing Up at Your Regional GemSeal Location

Lee F. Lowis / Mar 8 , 2017

Our GemSeal locations nationwide have been busy this past winter preparing to better serve you. From shopping convenience, equipment financing, and loyalty rewards to expert advice and service, GemSeal is working harder than ever to earn your business.  Continue reading for updates on all of our regional GemSeal manufacturing facilities and One-Stop-Shop retail stores.

Atlanta: Atlanta is in the process of updating our clay silo system.  One of the original silos installed 32 years ago is being replaced and silo number two will be replaced next year.  The One-Stop-Shop retail stores in Atlanta (click for directions) and Norcross (click for directions) continue to be busy, and we have seen a lot of interest in Black Diamond and Black Diamond XL.

Auburn Hills: The region has experienced an unseasonably mild winter which has sparked early activity from our contractors and local public agencies. Many customers are interested in Black Diamond. As a result, during the off season, we ramped up production of this high-performance pavement sealer. The One-Stop-Shop in Auburn Hills (click for directions) now carries over 800 pavement maintenance products, along with a full line of Cimline melters, Graco striping equipment, and sealcoating equipment. We offer both equipment rental and sales with competitive equipment financing. Please contact Heath Carew (734) 634-7703 for all equipment and material inquiries.

Baltimore: Over the winter, we made investments in both our plant and equipment to ensure the highest level of service and quality. Our new One-Stop-Shop in Rosedale (click for directions) is fully stocked with pavement tools, supplies, and materials. We offer bulk sales of both Black Diamond and FedSpec pavement sealers. Stop in and see Katie for a tour and stock up for the season.  We continue to sell industry leading sealcoating and crack filling equipment, now with financing available, as well as equipment rentals.  Contact Doug Gensler (717) 462-3556 or Travis Parrish (610) 721-5239 for equipment sales, demonstrations, and all product offerings.

Boston: Our new One-Stop-Shop is now complete in Millbury (click for directions).  We carry a full line of pavement tools and equipment in addition to our pavement products. Plus, we have a convenient Easy-In/Easy-Out process for picking up bulk sealer, including Black Diamond and FedSpec, as well as other materials. Stop in and see Leo for a quick tour and browse all the new products available.  Our plant in Millbury now has increased manufacturing and storage capacity to meet heightened demand for Black Diamond pavement sealers. And, with numerous requests from customers regarding new equipment, we have expanded our selection and now offer competitive financing.  Contact Job Davis (603) 393-0862 for equipment sales, demonstrations, and all product offerings.

Chicago:  Our team just wrapped up our Pavement Maintenance Seminar in Chicago. The event was well attended and participants benefited from eight presentations ranging from product application and best practices to DOT regulations. Fifteen exhibits were also on display showcasing various products and equipment. Contractor attendees were able to talk directly with well-informed exhibitor representatives to get their questions answered or seek advice. At our Franklin Park One-Stop-Shop (click for directions), we continue to expand our product offering with many new items for sale, including sealcoat application equipment, stripers, blowers, hot pour crack sealants, and support tools. Stop by or call (847) 678-6220 to stock up for the busy season ahead!

Dallas: We are excited to bring new, polymer-modified Black Diamond XL to the Texas market. Our One-Stop-Shop (click for directions) now offers a full line of oil jacketed melters available for rent.  And, we are preparing to host an Open House on March 16th complete with vendors, demos, and a free barbeque lunch!

Memphis: The Memphis location is getting a plant upgrade so we will soon be able to manufacture Fed Spec, PolyTar, and Black Diamond. In the meantime, Bill Wallis looks forward to your call to answer questions and help you solve problems.  His number is (901) 331-2179.  You can also reach Ebony Farris, our plant customer service rep, in the One-Stop-Shop, at (901) 775-2585.

Oklahoma City: We are gearing up for our Open House on March 21st with vendors, demonstrations, products and equipment for sale, and a free lunch. Our One-Stop-Shop (click for directions) continues to remain busy and many customers are taking advantage of our new financing program to purchase equipment.

Tampa: The season in Florida is showing signs of being one of the best ever based on the strong initial sales activity through the end of February.  The plant is very busy making great products and delivering them on time.  We are also in the process of expanding our One-Stop-Shop showroom (click for directions) to house new equipment for sale and for rent.

One-Stop-Shop is The Place to Go for Pavement Pros

Lee F. Lowis / Dec 20 , 2016

As of January 2016, GemSeal is independently owned.  With strong financial backing and support, we’re working harder than ever to bring more convenience to paving and sealcoating contractors nationwide.

One Stop Shop:

Our one stop shop initiative is designed to provide you with everything you need to complete your job with just one trip to any of our Retail Stores – products, equipment, or advice. Plus, when you shop with GemSeal, you can see and handle equipment before purchasing. Our service promise is: If you need it, we stock it, and if we don’t have it, we will get it.  

Store Locations:

Retail shopLast year, GemSeal opened our first One-Stop-Shop Retail Store located at 8303 Pulaski Hwy, Suite C , in Rosedale, MD, just outside of Baltimore. The store totals 6,500 square feet and is managed by two full-time employees. Along with GemSeal products, the store sells Graco stripers and Cimline machines. This location is ideal for drive-up customers in the Baltimore area. Plus, it is within close proximity to our manufacturing facility in White Marsh, ensuring ample supply of products at all times. For information, please call 443-231-0625.

Following the success of our first venture, and in response to customer demand, we opened four additional One-Stop-Shop Retail Stores.

Also on the east coast, customers in Worcester, MA, can now easily stock up on every product needed for their paving and sealcoating projects at our store located at 11 McCracken Road in Millbury, located just minutes from our manufacturing facility along the same street. The new store offers fast and convenient access to pick up the supplies you need. For questions, please contact store manager Leo Mongeau at 508-581-7100.

Next, we saw heightened demand in Atanta which prompted us to open a store in Norcross to service all of North Atlanta.  The store, which is located at 4825 Buford Highway in Norcross, is just 22 miles from our manufacturing facility in Atlanta. For assistance, please contact store manager Brian Barker at 770-415-1359.

Moving westward, we set our sights on the Chicago market. To make it quick and easy to stock up on sealer as well as a variety of pavement maintenance supplies, our manufacturing facility located at 10248 Franklin Avenue in Franklin Park, Illinois, opened a retail store and showroom adjacent to the plant. Situated near Chicago O’Hare Airport, contractors from all over the city can benefit from the store’s convenient location and large supply of products and equipment including blowers, brooms, brushes, squeegees, and traffic control tools. For information, call 847-678-6220.

And, last but not least, contractors in the central region of the country can stop by or order from our store located at 1628 S. Kelham in Oklahoma City. Since its opening, the store has been well received by existing and new customers alike. If you’re in the area, please visit us to speak with our friendly staff, tour the showroom, and preview or purchase equipment. To order by phone, call 405-200-1992.

Sharing Toys and a Common Cause with our Community

Ken McBride / Dec 6 , 2016

toysfortots_luncheonWith the contentious presidential election behind us,  the GemSeal team is thrilled that the holiday season has arrived to bring some unity, fellowship, and goodwill back to the country.  Employees of GemSeal are especially drawn to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots because it helps less-fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas and unites members of local communities in a common cause. The program strengthens bonds and provides hope to young children—arguably our nation’s most valuable resource—with the ultimate goal of assisting them in becoming responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens.

In that spirit, employees in Atlanta hosted their fifth-annual Toys for Tots luncheon for customers on Thursday, December 1, to raise awareness and collect donations for the program. During the event, attendees were treated to delicious, slow-smoked barbeque from Beaver Creek Biscuit Company, home of Carl’s blue-ribbon buttermilk biscuits.

All other GemSeal plants and our company home office will also support Toys for Tots this year.  For example, the GemSeal facility in Millbury, MA, has served as a collection site for new, unwrapped toys since October and through next week during an Annual Customer Luncheon held at the Beachwood Hotel in Worcester, MA. The event begins at noon on Thursday, December 15, and will continue until 3:30pm. If you’re a customer in the Worcester or Boston area and would like to attend, please RSVP by December 10th by calling 508-791-6366.

All in all, with the combined efforts across the company, GemSeal is hoping to surpass its goal from last year and donate over 400 toys to less-fortunate children in our local communities, resulting in 400 smiles on Christmas morning.

If you are interested in becoming involved with Toys for Tots, please visit the Web site to locate your nearest Toys for Tots program. In addition to toy collection, Campaign Coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races, and other voluntary events designed to increase interest and raise donations.

We’re Thankful for Relationships, Opportunities & Community

Lee F. Lowis / Nov 22 , 2016

ThankfulWith the election behind us, our thoughts turn to the upcoming holiday and the time it affords us to be thankful for those who have made our business thrive another year. In fact, in 2017, GemSeal will be celebrating our 60th year in business and it is all because of our passionate employees, hard-working distributors, vendors, business partners, and—of course—our loyal customers. On behalf of the entire team at GemSeal, thank you for trusting us with your pavement preservation needs and for working with us to move the pavement maintenance industry forward!

Speaking of moving forward, as many of you know, we have transitioned from ownership by Oldcastle to becoming an independent company in 2016. Members of management teamed up with Luther King Capital Headwater Investments to purchase the company in January. We’re thankful for all of the opportunities that lie ahead of us with a partner who cares as deeply as we do about investing in our business so we can grow and better support our customers. Every transition comes with hiccups, and ours has had its share of them. Therefore, we also want to thank everyone for your patience during the transition. We are working hard to get better every day and we appreciate any input you have to help us improve.

To further demonstrate our gratitude this holiday season, GemSeal will be hosting various charitable outreach events at our regional plants, including our annual Toys for Tots luncheon in Atlanta and Worcester, MA, as well as seasonal contests on our social sites, designed to engage and reward our customers. So, if you haven’t already, please “like” our Facebook page and “follow” us on LinkedIn so you will be the first to know about these fun affairs.

Once again, we are extremely thankful for your support in 2016. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.