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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Talk about the construction business being in your DNA. Stephanie Loud is a third-generation contractor, following in the footsteps of her grandpa, several uncles and both her parents. That's why it's so fitting that, as the owner of her company, Mountain West Precast, she was named Utah's Women-Owned Business of the Year.
Stephanie is making waves in the construction business in Utah — but most of those waves are because of the innovation she has helped cultivate in the industry. When she got into precast concrete, she didn't know anything about it but was required to join the National Precast Concrete Association to make sure she met Utah Department of Transportation standards. She joined one committee after another, learning all along the way. It was through these education and the associations that brought precast pavement to Utah.
This is a new technology in the industry, and Stephanie is an early implementer of its type in the state. While she didn't invent the idea, it was her idea to bring it to Utah, and it's energized the whole industry. What the team at Mountain West Precast does is create a piece of pavement in their facility that is reinforced with the rebar that you'd put on a highway, so it's essentially a piece of highway made in a factory setting.
Mountain West Precast bids contracts with many organizations, including UDOT, about areas of roads they're concerned about. Once they win the bid, Stephanie and her team are given about an eight-hour window and use that to install the concrete pieces into state roads, usually overnight so the impact on traffic is low. This remains one of Stephanie's favorite projects for her company and has made all the competitive advantage. They're also contacted to take care of any damaged concrete barriers along Utah's freeways in much the same way.
The future looks bright for Mountain West Precast Concrete. Stephanie has 18 employees on board year-round with spikes of up to 35 for the summer season. Another great example of Utah transportation innovation.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Mountain West Precast 1047 W. 600 North Brigham City, UT 84302 435-239-7000 www.mwprecast.com
