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.
At Dickerson & Bowen, A Granite Company, those qualities come to life through people who bring grit, momentum, and a team-first approach to the work in front of them. For Lakendrick “Man” Maxwell, that influence has been built over more than a decade, beginning when he joined the company in August 2014 as an asphalt rake man and continuing as he progressed his career with the company.
Today, Lakendrick is recognized not only for the experience he brings to the job, but for the way he leads by example, challenges his crew to always keep improving, and helps set the tone for safe and focused work. Brett Wilson, Project Engineer, shared, “Lakendrick has consistently demonstrated professionalism in all aspects of his work. Along with his crew, he continues to step up to meet and exceed the goals set for them. Through his strong work ethic, leadership by example, and dedication to quality, he has earned respect across the company.”
That respect has continued to grow as Lakendrick has taken on each project with ownership and purpose. Stormy Watne, Area Manager, shared, “Man continues to step up to the plate, and we have been very optimistic about the execution on his projects. He is leading and challenging his team to improve efficiency and they have responded. We’re very proud of that team and his leadership.”
Matt Siggeman, Project Manager, shared, “Lakendrick has proven to be a team player who is willing to fill whatever role is required to support the team and ensure project success. His strong lead-by-example approach has been a key contributor to the success of our recent Route 24 project, setting a positive standard for those around him and helping drive overall project performance.”
In the field, Lakendrick’s leadership shows up in the details: planning the work, keeping communication clear, and making sure everyone understands their role before the day gets moving. Allen Wheeler, Safety Manager, shared, “LaKendrick continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to safety by maintaining excellent oversight of the paving operation and ensuring all crew members understand their responsibilities before work begins. He consistently conducts effective pre-task planning, verifies that proper traffic control measures are in place, and promotes clear communication between operators, truck drivers, and ground personnel.”
Allen continued, “Throughout the shift, LaKendrick actively monitors work areas for potential hazards, reinforces safe work practices, and promptly addresses concerns to prevent incidents. His leadership has fostered a positive safety culture where employees remain engaged, wear required PPE, and work together to maintain a safe and productive job site. This proactive approach to safety significantly contributes to the success of the project and the well-being of the entire crew.”
Lakendrick’s impact is also felt in the way he supports those around him and steps in when his team needs direction. Robert Rollins, General Superintendent, shared, “Lakendrick is an excellent leader and a valuable member of our team. He consistently demonstrates strong leadership, positive attitude, and a willingness to step up whenever he is needed. Lakendrick takes pride in his role and can be counted on to help get the job done while supporting those around him. His dedication, reliability, and leadership make a meaningful difference to our team. We appreciate him for always being ready to take on a challenge and for setting a great example for others.”
From his start as an asphalt rake man to the leader he is today, Lakendrick’s journey reflects the kind of pride in the work that defines our Blueprint for Excellence series. His ability to lead with confidence, push the team forward, and keep safety at the center of the operation continues to make a meaningful difference for Dickerson & Bowen.
Congratulations, Lakendrick, and thank you for the excellence you bring to our team each day!
Dickerson & Bowen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Granite Construction. Learn more at https://www.graniteconstruction.com/company/our-brands.