Port City Concrete

Matt Mitzimberg

Construction Equipment Steward

I’m Matt Mitzimberg, and I’ve been fortunate to be part of the thriving heavy truck industry, both as a technician and an executive leader. With 19 years in the heavy truck and fleet maintenance sector, I’ve journeyed from an apprentice diesel technician to senior and executive leadership roles. This experience has equipped me with valuable insights into effective leadership and the importance of mentorship.

The Power of Mentorship

Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky to learn from exceptional leaders who took the time to coach and guide me. Their mentorship has shaped my leadership philosophy and helped me navigate the challenges I’ve faced. Two significant hurdles stand out: becoming a leader at a young age and managing life as a single dad with sole custody of my three children. These experiences have driven my passion for the industry and my commitment to leadership.

Focus on the Ready Mix Concrete Industry​

For the past seven years, I’ve concentrated my efforts in the ready mix concrete industry, where I’ve built and expanded maintenance teams through both greenfield projects and acquisitions. This role has been particularly exciting as I work to adapt my leadership style to the evolving workforce.

Adapting Leadership for a Changing Workforce

Leading today’s workforce is fundamentally different from previous years. I’ve realized that effective leadership requires a bottom-up approach. Servant leadership has become my guiding principle, emphasizing the importance of understanding that each team member is unique and may require different styles of leadership.

"Leading today’s workforce is fundamentally different from previous years. Effective leadership requires a bottom-up approach."

Fostering a Family Culture:

Treating my team like family is essential. A supportive environment encourages collaboration and loyalty.

Staying Attuned: I strive to keep my finger on the pulse of my team, adjusting my approach based on their changing needs and mindsets.

Effective Communication: Good team members expect transparency and clarity about their roles and the overall vision. Keeping everyone informed is vital to fostering a sense of belonging.

Investing in Future Talent ​​

In today’s workforce, open-mindedness and creativity are crucial. Many experienced and valuable team members are content in their current roles, so it’s important to invest in the future by nurturing talent from a young age. I firmly believe that if someone hadn’t taken the time to coach and mentor me early on, I wouldn’t be where I am today. 

Exploring avenues like technical and trade schools is essential for attracting and training the next generation of industry leaders.

A New Opportunity with Port City Concrete​ 

Recently, I was delighted to join the team at Port City Concrete, tasked with building a maintenance team from the ground up. This role involves procuring all necessary equipment, service trucks, and tools, while also finding team members eager to be part of a growing organization.

This endeavor has come with its challenges, but with grit and determination, we have achieved significant success. Nearly a year in, we’ve built a strong team that adapts and overcomes obstacles while coaching and mentoring each other to become future leaders. My role is ever-evolving, making it crucial to stay attuned to the team’s needs while ensuring cost-effectiveness.

The Evolving Nature of Leadership

Being a leader in today’s workforce is more complex than in the past. It requires an open mind, empathy, and a deep understanding of team dynamics. It’s essential to remember that you need your team more than they need you. Everyone is looking for solid team members, and as a leader, it’s my responsibility to prioritize their needs.

Always keep your team at the forefront, ensuring you lead effectively rather than simply manage. Remember, a Boss says Go, but a true leader says, Let’s go! Together, we can build a future where every team member thrives.

As I look ahead, I remain passionate about helping people, developing strong leaders, and improving the way organizations operate. The heavy truck, fleet, and construction industries have provided me with incredible opportunities throughout my career, and I am committed to continuing to share what I have learned through leadership, mentorship, and operational excellence. My long-term focus is helping organizations develop people, systems, and operational strategies that improve performance and create lasting success. My hope is to leave a meaningful impact not only on the organizations I serve, but also on the next generation of industry professionals who will lead our industry into the future.