30-Year Veteran Driver Honored for Outstanding Performance
Alexandria, VA – January 20, 2026
The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) named Bruce Mitchell of Ozinga as the 2026 Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery Professional (CDP) Driver of the Year. A national panel of industry judges selected Mr. Mitchell as the top driver out of a strong field of outstanding applicants from across the U.S. Mr. Mitchell (at right), whose home plant is in Crown Point, IN, was honored for his career achievements, exceptional safety record, professionalism, driving competency, peer adoration and customer successes.
Mr. Mitchell’s extraordinary safety record includes a 30-year driving career with no at-fault rejected loads. He was the winner of the 2019 and 2022 Indiana Ready Mixed Concrete Association Rodeo competition and took second place at the 2019 NRMCA National Mixer Driver Championship.
On Mr. Mitchell’s application, Ozinga Vice President of Operations John Grothaus wrote, “I met Bruce before we both came to Ozinga from the same competitor and his attitude both personally and professionally hasn’t changed. He will always do anything that is asked or needed. He goes out of his way to help in every way he can even when not directly asked. He volunteers for any community activity and represents Ozinga in amazing fashion. Bruce has been an amazing individual his whole time at Ozinga and before his employment with us.”
In one of Mr. Mitchell’s letters of recommendation, customer Sven Strom of C&S Concrete Construction, Inc. wrote, “Bruce exemplifies the highest standards or professionalism, skill and reliability in the ready-mix industry. His consistent performance has made him an indispensable partner in our work with Ozinga, and his contributions directly impact the success of our projects.”
The judges also selected two extraordinary runners-up. In alphabetical order, they are: five-year driver Luis De Loera with Dolese Bros. Co. in Oklahoma City and based out of Yukon, OK. Mr. De Loera (at right) has a remarkable safety record, having no on-the-job-vehicle accidents or rejected loads, while delivering an average of nearly 6,000 cubic yards annually over the past three years. He is the 2025 Dolese Driver of the Year, the 2025 Dolese Truck Rodeo Champion and the 2025 Oklahoma Ready Mixed Concrete Association Truck Rodeo Champion. John Nail of John Nail Homes LLC wrote, “[Luis] conducts business in a professional manner, knows everything about concrete, and is easy to work with on job sites. Luis maintains a professional appearance and represents the highest standards for Dolese. When Luis makes a delivery to one of my residential or commercial projects, I know I am in good hands and there will not be any issues.”
Also honored as a runner-up, is 24-year veteran mixer driver Steve Urich of Irving Materials, Inc. (imi), from Fishers, IN, driving out of Indianapolis. Mr. Urich (at left) has a significant safety record, having no on-the-job-vehicle accidents while amazingly delivering an average of over 7,000 cubic yards annually over the past three years. He is a Marine veteran, driver mentor and the imi Touch-a-Truck and Truck Show Ambassador. Wrote imi Area Production Manager Cody Inman “Steve brings an exceptional depth of experience, practical knowledge, leadership and professionalism to our team every single day. Throughout his career, Steve has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safety, qualityand customer satisfaction.”
As the winner of the 2026 award, Mr. Mitchell will receive a $5,000 check from the Truck Mixer Manufacturers Bureau. As runners-up, Mr. De Loera and Mr. Urich will each receive a check for $1,500. The 2026 Driver of the Year winners will be honored at NRMCA’s Annual Convention held February 28 – March 2 in Las Vegas, NV. The Chicago-based trade magazine Concrete Products is a cosponsor of the NRMCA Driver of the Year program.
NRMCA represents the producers of ready mixed concrete and the companies that provide materials, equipment and support to the industry. Founded in 1930, NRMCA actively promotes the use of concrete. The association provides its members with education, training, promotion, research, engineering, safety, environmental, technological, lobbying and regulatory programs to enhance the profitability and professionalism of the industry.