Growing with Ohio Cat: Andrew Smith’s Journey with Lakeside Sand & Gravel
At Ohio Cat, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our customers, and our sales representative, Andrew Smith, exemplifies this commitment. Recently featured in a Caterpillar blog post, Andrew’s dedication to understanding and supporting Lakeside Sand & Gravel has been nothing short of remarkable.
Building Trust and Understanding
When Andrew first met Larry Kotkowski and Steve Chek of Lakeside Sand & Gravel, he knew that building trust was essential. Quarries were new to him, so he made it his mission to learn everything he could about their operations. Andrew spent countless hours on-site, observing, listening, and asking questions to understand their goals and challenges. His dedication to learning even extended to reading books on mining operations.
Optimizing Operations through Site Analysis
Andrew’s commitment to Lakeside Sand & Gravel didn’t stop at understanding their current operations. He brought in a Caterpillar expert to conduct a site analysis, which helped identify opportunities for optimizing their production. One key finding was that upgrading from a Cat 336 to a 349 or 352 would better match their truck fleet, ultimately reducing their cost per ton and increasing profitability.
Proactive Fleet Management
In 2022, Andrew’s deep knowledge of Lakeside’s fleet proved invaluable. Anticipating supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic, he recommended an earlier-than-planned purchase of a 745 truck. This proactive decision not only ensured that Lakeside had the equipment they needed but also saved them over $100,000. Larry Kotkowski praised Andrew for his foresight and dedication, highlighting the importance of having a trusted advisor in challenging times.
Looking Ahead
Thanks to Andrew’s efforts, Lakeside Sand & Gravel is well-positioned for the future. The site analysis provided a clear plan for their fleet needs over the next 5-10 years, and Andrew’s ongoing support ensures they continue to operate efficiently and profitably.
At Ohio Cat, we are proud to have team members like Andrew Smith, who go above and beyond to support our customers. His story is a testament to the power of building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service. To learn more, click here!
