It’s not every day you meet someone with nearly four decades of commitment to a single craft. Walter Smith is a prime example of that dedication in action, having built a career spanning 37 years at Dickerson & Bowen, a Granite Company. Over the years, he’s done just about everything at our wash plant sites—from operating loaders, dozers, and trackhoes to getting the wash plant up and running. Most recently, Walter has brought his expertise to the role of excavator operator. His breadth of experience has made him a go-to resource for both equipment and process knowledge.
“He can operate any piece of equipment,” says Keith Killingsworth, Foreman of the Crystal Springs Plant. Keith emphasizes the value Walter brings beyond his skill on the equipment. Walter embodies immense knowledge, mentoring younger employees that consistency, preparation, and thoughtful work are just as important as effort.
Walter’s long tenure comes from a mix of passion, dedication, and respect for the work. “If you don’t love the job and what we do, working in the elements of heat, dust, mud, or cold will eventually get to you. My grandpa always told me to find something you enjoyed when you were young; if you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
That love of the work is evident every day. Walter arrives at daybreak and leaves at dusk, always thinking ahead. “I always recommend doing the things to make tomorrow easier,” he says, whether it’s clearing belt lines or spotting changes in the gravel materials. Over decades of hands-on experience, he has developed a trained eye, the kind that allows him to read the gravel pit and anticipate weather conditions that affect operations. In fact, Walter is lovingly known by his team as a local weather expert.
“The gravel pit will teach you something if you listen to it,” he says. “I have a trained eye and can spot changes in materials from the veins in the walls. If I see the bank getting sweaty, I can usually predict if it’s going to rain in two days.”
For Walter, the work is as much about enjoyment as it is about productivity. “I come to work to play every day,” he says, pointing to his excavator. “I’ve had every job out here except the scale house. If you learn to operate well, you’ll never be out of work.” His advice to new employees is practical and grounded in experience: respect the elements, whether heat, cold, wet, or dry, and always pay attention to what the gravel pit is telling you.
Walter Smith’s dedication, skill, and good humor make him a cornerstone of our wash plant team. His consistent work ethic, sharp eye for the job, and willingness to mentor younger employees make him a shining example of the values in action that define both an impressive career and a celebrated teammate.
Dickerson & Bowen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Granite Construction. Learn more at https://www.graniteconstruction.com/company/our-brands.