AWP Safety’s West Division: Turning the Corner for Our Customers
AWP Safety proudly supports the infrastructure projects that keep North America moving. We know that to do that well, we must deliver great service — every time. When things don’t go as planned, we take action. That’s exactly what happened in our West Division, where today’s team has worked hard to turn things around and put customers first.
Give us some background. How did AWP Safety start serving customers in Western states?
AWP Safety aims to provide top-notch worksite safety service for customers coast to coast. One way we do that is by acquiring traffic control companies with strong local roots, run by people who already know their communities and customers well. We take our time integrating them so we don’t lose those local relationships.
We acquired Statewide Safety Systems — with operations in California, Oregon, and Washington — in 2021, and began integrating operations into AWP Safety. The goal was to strengthen local expertise and service with our combined companies’ national footprint and capabilities.
What Did You Discover During the Integration?
Integrations can be tough, and we found gaps in how service was being delivered. Some customers felt let down —whether due to service delays, invoicing issues, or follow-through. We lost a few along the way, which was tough but important feedback.
I joined AWP in 2023 to help get us back on track. With 25 years in construction-related industries, especially equipment rental, I’ve seen how critical strong customer relationships are — and how quickly they can go south without the right systems and people in place.
What was the first step to rebuild customer trust?
We took a hard look at our team. Some weren’t in roles that matched their strengths, and that made it harder to deliver for customers. We made some tough changes and ran lean for a bit while we found the right talent. But the payoff was worth it. We brought in new team members with an incredible mentality for teamwork, safety, and service. In the past, the approach was a bit more independent — every person doing their own thing. Today, we’re all rowing in the same direction.
What was the Tipping Point?
Things really started to change when the locations in our division transitioned to the AWP Safety name. Nationwide, customers trust the brand and we wanted to make sure that trust extended to our team in the West.
We also invested in better systems, like centralized dispatch, which made communication faster and clearer. Customers now know what to expect and when — and they’re confident in the service we provide, from job set-up to billing.
How has your product and service offering to customers changed?
When I arrived, our focus was primarily on selling products. It was easy to get a quote out, deliver equipment, and move on — but that’s not a relationship. And that’s not what customers want. Since then, we’ve shifted to a more connected, service-first mindset across the board. We perform more service work, including traffic management, planning and flagging. Everyone — sales, operations, dispatch — is focused on being not just a vendor, but a safety partner.
How is the new approach better for customers?
We’ve become a true one-stop shop. If a customer’s self-flagging and needs more gear — like message boards — they know they can call us. We understand their needs and have their back.
One great example is our relationship with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). We used to be one of many vendors for them. Now, we’re one of their preferred traffic control suppliers. We’re in the room for their planning meetings, we share data every week, and we grow together.
What is Your Vision for the Western Division?
I want this to be a place people are proud to work — and proud to work with. When people think of traffic control on the West Coast, I want AWP Safety to be the name that comes to mind first.
Anyone can buy a truck and cones. But not everyone can build a team that leads with safety, service, and heart. That’s what we’re doing.
Curious about other AWP Safety acquisitions? Learn more about Arrive Alive Traffic Control, an AWP Safety company in Florida, and how their team helps test new technology for Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
