What It Takes to Be the Nation’s Top Ready-Mix Driver: Mike Welsh on Work Ethic, Mentorship, and Earning Respect

After 36 years in the concrete industry, Mike Welsh is still not done learning. He’s not done training, either. Or jumping into the plant to shovel tunnels after a full day behind the wheel. That mindset—steady, humble, and hungry—is exactly what’s made Welsh more than just a seasoned veteran. It’s what made him the 2025 NRMCA Driver of the Year.

But for Welsh, who’s spent his career in and around ready-mix trucks in Pennsylvania, the award wasn’t the goal. It’s just a milestone in a long line of contributions—from laborer, to plant lead, to batchman, to trainer, to driver.

“I’ve done just about everything,” he says. “And I’ve loved it all.”

In an industry where turnover is common and skilled drivers are in high demand, Welsh’s story stands out—not just because of the decades he’s dedicated to the trade, but because of the way he’s carried himself through each chapter.

From Shovels to Shifts Behind the Wheel

Welsh got his start at Silvi Materials in 1988, shoveling sand at a facility in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania. It was hot, dusty, physical work—but it set the tone for a career built on saying yes to whatever came next.

He moved into operating loaders at a sand plant, then shifted to running a dredge line. When winter layoffs hit, Welsh pivoted to plant maintenance and eventually learned to batch concrete—an opportunity he says changed the trajectory of his career.

“Batching was a big step. It got me in the office. I started to understand the product better, how to make it, how to manage it. From there, I became assistant plant manager. Then plant manager,” he says. “Eventually, I came back to driving. And that’s where I’ve stayed.”

Unlike some drivers who enter the profession through the CDL route alone, Welsh brought with him an intricate understanding of the materials and processes behind every load. That experience makes him a standout on the jobsite—and a mentor behind the scenes.

Driving Excellence from the Ground Up

Welsh’s impact goes far beyond his driving log. He’s trained dozens of operators and drivers over the years—many of whom have advanced into leadership roles themselves.

“I’ve trained people who are now trainers. Some are assistant plant managers. And that’s incredibly rewarding,” he says. “It makes you proud to know you helped set them up to succeed.”

Steve Misko, now a Silvi Materials plant manager, was once one of those trainees. “Mike trained me to batch ten years ago,” Misko says. “And even now, after a full day of deliveries, he’ll step in to help out wherever it’s needed. He doesn’t clock out mentally when his shift ends.”

That attitude has made Welsh not just a dependable employee—but the kind of colleague others emulate. At Silvi Materials, he’s become a cornerstone of the operation—someone new hires are eager to learn from, and longtime teammates count on daily.

He leads with calm, consistency, and respect for the work. And that carries weight in a field that runs on trust and timing.

More Than a Wheelman

For industry peers looking to understand what makes a truly great driver—not just a competent one—Welsh offers a compelling blueprint. It’s not just about seat time, clean logs, or rejected load metrics (though he scores high on those too). It’s about understanding the product, valuing relationships, and treating every pour like it matters—because it does.

“Our customers get to know us,” Welsh says. “They recognize the truck, they recognize me, and they know what to expect. They know I’ll be on time. That the load will be what they ordered. That we’ll get the job done right.”

That kind of consistency isn’t just good for business. It’s a reminder that drivers are more than logistics—they’re the final touchpoint between a producer and the jobsite.

Industry Recognition, Personal Gratitude

Welsh found out he’d been nominated for NRMCA Driver of the Year in the fall of 2024. The nomination alone, he says, was an honor.

“I never thought I’d win,” he says. “When they called my name at the convention, it hit me. I was the number one driver in the country. That was a moment I’ll never forget.”

The award, which honors exceptional drivers across the U.S. for safety, service, and professionalism, is one of the highest accolades in the industry. Welsh accepted it in Tucson, Arizona, at NRMCA’s annual meeting—where he says he felt more like a celebrity than a driver.

“I was meeting CEOs, owners, guys from all over the country,” he recalls. “Everyone was coming up to congratulate me. It felt like we’d known each other for years. The whole experience was incredible.”

Back home, his plant held a send-off luncheon that brought together team members from across departments. It wasn’t just a celebration—it was a collective nod to the kind of presence Welsh brings to work every day.

Built to Keep Going

In an age where workforce development is a critical issue for producers across North America, Welsh’s story is proof that investing in people—through cross-training, mentorship, and recognition—can yield long-term results.

It’s also a reminder that concrete is still a people business.

“There’s been a lot of change in the last 36 years,” Welsh says. “Technology’s better. Equipment’s smarter. But what hasn’t changed is that it’s still about people doing the job right.”

Welsh isn’t winding down. He’s still on the schedule, still mentoring, still learning. And he doesn’t see that changing anytime soon.

“My dad always told me: learn everything you can—it’ll help you down the road,” he says. “And he was right. I still look forward to coming to work. I still love being part of it.”

So what’s next for the nation’s top ready-mix driver?

“More driving. More helping. More learning,” he says. “And hopefully, more years of doing what I love.”