Blueprint for Excellence: John Thornhill

Our employee of the month series, Blueprint for Excellence, shines a spotlight on our team members who go above and beyond, lead by example, and champion our core values in everything they do. This month, we are proud to recognize Mechanic John Thornhill, who brings a remarkable career spanning over three decades and is widely known for his dedicated mentorship and steady support of the team around him.

Time and time again, teammates consistently describe John as someone with a positive attitude who is always willing to step in and help, no matter the situation. Foreman Jamie Smith shared that John is “always willing to lend a hand and get the job done.”

That same willingness to help wherever needed is echoed by Plant Mechanic Christopher Kennedy, who describes John as someone who always has a good attitude and “makes the day go by faster because he is fun to work with,” adding that whenever a team needs support, John is there without hesitation.

Supervisor Milford Ethridge, who has worked alongside John for more than 30 years, describes him as a hardworking professional who truly embodies our core value of Excellence. Over decades of working side by side, Milford has seen firsthand the skill, consistency, and pride John brings to his work each day. Reflecting on that long‑standing partnership, Milford explains, “John is a truly talented mechanic. He’s great at all the job entails and has the knowledge to work on any and every piece of equipment,” Milford shares. “He truly embodies our value of excellence because he is excellent at all that he does, whether it’s welding or mechanic work. I’d give him a 10 out of 10!”

Beyond his technical expertise, John is widely respected for his flexibility, reliability, and willingness to support the broader mission of the team. Milford notes that John’s deep knowledge of the gravel pits and equipment makes him an invaluable resource. Fellow team member and Plant Operator Kody Covington simply summed it up by saying John always goes above and beyond to help with anything that’s needed.

John’s strong work ethic and approachable personality also stand out to his peers. Groundman James Dykes described John as one of the most knowledgeable and hardworking mechanics in the company and added that he is simply “a great guy to work with and always makes it a good day having him around.”

That steady reliability and willingness to step up is echoed throughout the leadership team. Equipment Manager and Shop Foreman Tommy Young points to John’s loyalty and work ethic as qualities that have made a lasting impact on the company. “Throughout the years, John has continued to be someone the team can always count on. No matter what he has going on, he is always willing to step up and help in any way he can,” Tommy says. “Whether helping coworkers, handling difficult tasks, or simply being there when needed, he consistently shows what true teamwork and dependability look like.”

Thank you, John, for your unwavering dedication, your exceptional skill, and the many years you have spent supporting this team and mentoring those around you. Your loyalty, professionalism, and commitment to excellence do not go unnoticed.