Deon Coote, Managing Director of Elite Roads, talks to Roads & Infrastructure about why he enjoys working in the road construction industry.
- How long have you/your company been an AfPA member and why did you decide to become one?
Naturally as a business we wanted to ensure that we are continuously evolving and, in some cases, leading innovation in line with the rest of our industry. Joining AfPA was an easy decision as being a member allows us to do exactly that.
- How did you start your career in the road construction industry?
After finishing school, I was unsure what I wanted to do for a career. I tried a few different trades and when I turned 21, I worked at a family friend’s asphalting company. From there I worked for Citywide and managed upwards of four paving crews. I then went on to work for Bitu-Mill and managed their asphalt paving business, helping grow that company across Australia. My true passion was to start my own pavement company with the vision of becoming a valued brand here in Victoria. Elite Roads is testament to this, with the business celebrating its decade milestone in January 2022.
- What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am the Managing Director of Elite Roads, which is a role where no two days are the same. I am fortunate to have a strong management team around me and 60 dedicated full-time staff representing us in the community each day. My main drivers in my role are to ensure that we are true to our word when delivering to our clients and keeping our finger on the pulse when it comes to automating and innovating our practices.
- What is the best thing about your current role?
Seeing not only how far Elite Roads has come as a business, but also how our people have grown within the business, both in their professional and personal development. As cliché as it sounds, it is rewarding to reflect on how far we have evolved as a team over the years.
- What is your biggest achievement in the industry?
Proving that we have got what it takes to compete with the Tier 1 companies when it comes to productivity and quality of work. Over the last few years, we have undertaken work on various MRVP projects and really solidified Elite Roads as a major player in the road construction sector. The winning edge, I believe, has stemmed not only from our specialised team of professionals but also our early adoption of new technologies that ensure quality in what we deliver.
- What is a recent change you have seen in the industry and how are you/the company prepared for that?
Just like the rest of the world, we have had to adapt to a digital world in the last 12-18 months, where it’s been vital to our daily operations to support new styles of communication and remote working. We have also seen a push for more sustainable practices in our industry, particularly with the demand for more recycled asphalt products. We have worked with local councils to trial various new mixes with higher levels of recycled tyres, glass and plastics and we are committed to promoting these more sustainable asphalt alternatives to our clients, working closely with our asphalt supplier.
- What do you think is most interesting about the road construction industry?
The progress and efficiency of the work we do and the amount of change we can make in one day for the road user is what I find most interesting and exciting about our industry. We can remove and replace a road within eight hours. That has always impressed me. This also makes a huge difference to the lives of the people within the communities in which we operate.
- How has being a member of AfPA benefitted you in the industry?
Company awareness and networking opportunities have been great for us as members of AfPA. Also, having greater visibility on what’s happening in the industry in a wider sense has been useful.
- What are your goals for the future?
The asphalt industry is forever adapting and evolving. The adoption of new technology, equipment and products are key drivers to working towards a safer and more sustainable industry here in Australia. Our goal at Elite Roads is to continue to be at the forefront of these changes and continuously evolving the way in which we deliver our services to supersede quality, safety and sustainability targets.
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- AfPA Member Profile: Peter Ozoux – Austek Roads
- AfPA Member Profile: Giovanny Alvarado – AECOM
- AfPA Member Profile: Michael Kelly – Westrac