KastRock Services LLC Blog

Founded in 1915 in Kenton, Ohio, Eagle Crusher continues to consistently lead the industry in new product innovations. Originally the manufacturer of small rock crushers that were fitted to farm tractors, they are now known for the delivery of high-performance crushers used in the aggregate industry for the recycle of concrete, asphalt, sand, and gravel. Eagle Crusher eventually established a manufacturing facility in Bucyrus, OH, where it still operates today. Their products are some of the lowest operating-cost crushers in the industry. They can be used in multiple applications and are made in the USA. At KastRock, we’re lucky to have an Eagle 1400-OC Electric Portable Plant on site and available for purchase. This highly portable impactor plant is durable, reliable, and well suited for large jobs. The Eagle 1400-OC has a hydraulic lift and leveling system which enables quick set-up and tear down. You won’t have to worry about hydraulic failures shutting you down, as this plant runs on diesel/electric or all-electric power. It replaces the need for dual crusher systems for a much lower initial investment. Also, it greatly reduces maintenance, fuel, and transportation costs. For more information on the Eagle 1400-OC available at KastRock, please contact us at (863)937-8859.

Known for their expertise in manufacturing equipment, Eagle Iron Works is a prominent player in the aggregate and mining industries. Late last month, KastRock and Mellott employees had the opportunity to learn from the best while attending EIW Sand School. Learning from Experts The training provided at Sand School is led by knowledgeable instructors who have extensive experience in operating Eagle Iron Works equipment and technologies. Their expertise provides participants with insights and tips for optimizing sand plant performance. “My experience at EIW Sand School was great. My favorite part was interacting with Eagle Iron Works staff. The knowledge they had of their products was phenomenal. Everyone was personable and made a point to let us know we could reach out if we had any questions. I would highly recommend this class for those in the industry, it was a great experience” said Marcus Johnson of KastRock. Gaining Firsthand Experience Sand School provides Eagle Iron Works with the perfect opportunity to showcase their latest equipment. Through classroom instruction and hands-on training, participants get to see firsthand how these products can improve the efficiency and quality of sand processing. When asked about his participation in Sand School, Matt Sweitzer of Mellott said, “The Eagle Iron Works Sand School was incredibly informative and provided expert knowledge on EIW products. I truly appreciate the valuable insights shared during the training.”

Philip Oglialoro Building a great team starts with finding the right employees. In May of 2023, Philip Oglialoro joined the KastRock team as Warehouse Manager. His prior industry experience as a Mellott employee in Product Support/Inside Sales, made him a perfect fit for his new position at KastRock. Life Outside of KastRock Phil has been married to his high school sweetheart, Kelly, for fifteen years. They have been blessed with four wonderful children and family time is of the utmost importance to them. Currently, Phil and his wife have been enjoying watching their oldest daughter and son play softball and baseball. When asked about this, he remarked “The ballfields have become a way of life for me outside of work. I love watching our kids become great people through working with others for the betterment of the team.” Teamwork Makes the Dream Work This emphasis on teamwork is something Phil also values in his career at KastRock. Leadership recently added to KastRock’s warehouse inventory, to better meet the needs of their customers. When asked about this experience, Phil reflected “The work it took from the entire team to put everything together was huge. Our team works together daily and strives to make customer satisfaction the main priority.” “Accomplishments are sweeter when they are earned through the effort of a likeminded group,” said Phil. This mindset is something that sets employees like him apart from the rest and has made him an excellent addition to the KastRock team.

Happy New Year! The start of 2024 marks the one-year anniversary of Mellott’s partnership with KastRock. This partnership has created greater opportunities for our customers in Florida. The KastRock team’s commitment to investing in their customers perfectly aligns with Mellott’s goal of providing the best customer service and support in the aggregate industry. The Team Keeps Growing! In 2023, KastRock expanded our team. The need to increase the size of the inside sales team prompted the hiring of Marcus Johnson, Beau Combee, and Christian Zonner throughout the year. To support our growing workforce, Miranda Brigandi was hired in October 2023 to provide operations support. In later summer, Mike Stavola III became a part of the KastRock team and was appointed the title of General Manager Southern Operations- FL. The addition of Mike’s position has made it possible for representation from KastRock to be in the field and in front of customers on a much more regular basis. His familiarity with the service side of our industry has made him an asset to the KastRock team. We Worked Hard but We Had Fun Along the Way! A few exciting highlights for the KastRock team last year included the expansion of what employees refer to as the “bull pin”. A wall was taken down at their facility to create a larger office space for Marcus, Beau, and Christian. Their team also celebrated the Christmas season with a trip to Top Golf which was fun for all! “KastRock has seen a lot of growth and positive change in 2023. Moving into the new year, we’re well equipped to serve our customers to the best of our ability. I look forward to seeing where 2024 takes us.” – Jessica Kastner, Vice President of Operations, KastRock. Written by, Emmaline Moser

Never regret a day in your life. Barbara Geitner is the Amazing Administrative Assistant at KastRock, but she is way more that that. Barbara likes bowling and church activities. She is known as everyone’s Momma, and it’s obvious why. Barbara cares for people, and it shows in everything she does. Good days give you happiness & bad days give you experience, Barbara started working at KastRock back in 2017. Before she joined the family, she started out in New York working in Customer Service for Piedmont Airlines. After 9/11 Barbara was laid off, and she moved on to working in the medical field at a hospital, in the medical records department. From there her church recommended Florida Processing, and just like that she was part of the aggregate industry. It was there she met Joe Kastner. The rest, as they say, is history. Every day is a new beginning, take a deep breath, smile, and start again. The thing she likes the most about KastRock is the fact that KastRock is a family-owned business, and she can get to know everyone that works there. She also likes that she learns something new every day at her job, that keeps things exciting, and makes the day sail by. Each day is a gift. When she is not working Barbara loves spending time with her mom Louise, her daughter, Mikaela, and her life partner, Frank . Her family is pictured below, along with Barbara.

Jessica Kastner has been in the aggregate industry since she was knee high to a grasshopper. Her father, Joe Kastner, was in the business for 32 years, and took Jessica to quarries when she was growing up. So, she knows a thing or two about rocks. She started KastRock nine years ago with her father back in 2014, and she loves her job and KastRock. The Journey Continues Joe retired a few months back and Jessica is excited for her father to have less stress, but admits it is bittersweet. Taking on the entire business was a huge leap, and she has handled it with grace and style. KastRock is Jessica’s passion because as she says, “It is not just a job, it’s a legacy.” Family Matters Most In her off-time Jessica spends it with her family riding four wheelers and ATVs. She has two children, a daughter Kassidy who is 14, and a son Kayson who is nine. Both of her children also do jiu jitsu, and really enjoy it. Her daughter aspires to go into law and her son dreams of being a truck driver or welder. Jessica Rocks! Jessica makes running a business in the aggregate industry look easy, and that’s because she learned from the best, she has an excitement for her job, and what she gets to do every day. She is a female leader to look up to and watch out for, because she’s definitely going places.

When the CEO tells ya you gotta go, well you gotta go! Rich Blake, President, and CEO of Mellott , did just that when he told Eddie Gonzalez, Sean Fye, Charlie Adkins, and Brittney Hulett to go northwest and visit as many manufacturers in a week as you can. So that is exactly what they did for over 3330 miles. This was a make it or break it expedition for them and they were going to become the better for it or never speak again. In the immortal words of Mark Twain, “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” The journey started in Tampa, FL, with a flight to Des Moines, IA to tour the Eagle Iron Works Facility . They were able to take a tour of the facility and meet all the talented people behind a company that was founded in 1872. “Some of these companies are over 100 years old. You can’t learn about the cities or regions you’re visiting without telling the story of these manufacturers. The imprint on their communities is massive, and the innovation they’ve provided has shaped our entire country.” Sean Fye, Account Manager – Central/North Florida, reflection on the journey. Next it was on to the Deister Machine Company facilities in Ft Wayne, IN, where they were also able to look around and get to know all kinds of amazing people. Then it was off to see Eagle Crusher’s manufacturing and offices in Bucyrus, OH, and Gallon, OH. When asked what his takeaway from the trip was, Eddie Gonzalez, VP and GM FL Sales for KastRock said, “I would say that the trip taught me more about my colleagues and the manufacturers we represent in six days than I could have ever imagined “ On their fifth day of traveling together they headed off to Lexington, KY to the Tema Isenmann facilities. Marion Machine in Marion, NC, was their last stop on their whirlwind tour. They saved visiting their sister company for last. Brandon Godman, Sales Engineer for Marion Machine, had this to say about the visit, “It was nice to meet the new additions to the family, and it was wonderful seeing my old friend Eddie.” The KastRock family is growing, and big things are in the future. New challenges and new adventures abound, and they will face them together. This band of brothers and a sista, will have the bonding of a fantastic travel experience to always hold them together. Thanks Rich!