How would you define a Small Producer? What sets them apart from larger companies?
Mike: If you define yourself as a Small Producer, you are one. Many of us are privately or family-owned operations. It really depends. Aggregates is such a local business [that] in some markets, you might even be considered the "big guy." Some people view the term as limiting – I see it as a badge of honor.

Ryan: You will often hear Small Producers wear many hats, and they’re proud of each of them. We might be running equipment in the morning and in a board meeting that afternoon. What sets us apart is being hands-on! Our operations range from 100,000 to several million tons in production per year. Decisions happen fast, accountability is immediate and our people feel the impact of leadership directly. We know our teams personally and our operations intimately, and that connection fuels everything for us.

What’s the biggest challenge Small Producers face today?

Mike: Regulatory challenges! Larger producers have more resources to track changes and influence outcomes. For smaller operators, keeping up with new rules while managing day-to-day operations is tough. That’s why associations like NSSGA and our state groups are so critical – they’re our voice in Washington and in state capitals.

Ryan: Advocacy. We live in a world where kids, adults and even our peers know that paper comes from trees but have no idea where concrete or glass comes from. That disconnect creates real challenges when it comes to public perception and policymaking. As Small Producers, we don’t always have the time or bandwidth to tell our story but that’s exactly why we need to. We’re the local employers and the face of this industry to most people so if we don’t speak up, someone else will tell our story for us.

And the biggest opportunity?
Mike: Flexibility. We have low overhead and the ability to move quickly. Because aggregates are a local business, we can respond to market changes fast. There’s also tremendous opportunity for growth as older operators retire and some quarries look for succession options. Small Producers can step in, expand and keep these local operations alive.

Ryan: Innovation. We can pivot faster than anyone else – try new technology, equipment or processes without waiting for corporate approval. Our industry is changing fast but Small Producers can lead the change in a lot of areas.

What’s your vision for the Small Producers Subcommittee?
Mike: I’d love to see stronger participation – especially at NSSGA events and fly-ins. I understand it’s tough. When you are away from your business, your sites, there’s usually no one else to step in and take over. But the opportunity for networking [and] the resources at in-person events are incredibly valuable. I also think Small Producers have the best stories to tell. Sharing our challenges – especially regulatory ones – resonates on both sides of the political aisle. Lawmakers want to hear from small, family-run businesses.

Ryan: Practical value. I want Small Producers to walk away with tools they can use Monday morning – SOPs, templates, checklists, best practices, contacts, advocacy messages. And we’ll connect people, so no one feels alone in the fight. I also want to bridge Young Leaders and Small Producers to drive deeper engagement in Small Producers where every generation has a voice. I like to think that Young Leaders is where people find the spark. Small Producers is where they can apply it.

What’s your ask for other members?
Mike: Show up and get involved. You get out what you put in. The more you participate, the more you gain – contacts, information and resources. This industry is full of people who are willing to help. Even if your local competitor is in the room, there are folks from across the country who’ll share advice and experience.

Ryan: Two things: 1) tell your story and 2) send your people. Tell your story to NSSGA, your state association, lawmakers, to anyone! Small, family [and] independent producers are uniquely authentic. Then send your younger managers, supervisors, engineers, QC people and future leaders to Young Leaders. If we want an industry that still has room for Small Producers 20 years from now, we must build those leaders now.

How can Small Producers and non-members become more engaged with NSSGA?
Mike: If you’re under 40, get involved in Young Leaders – that’s how I started. If you’re over 40, join a committee. Don’t just attend the General Sessions – be in the room where discussions happen. Over time, people will notice and encourage you to lead. NSSGA has been an incredible source of information and, most importantly, a network I can rely on.

Ryan: If you don’t know where to start, the Small Producers Subcommittee is your entry point. From there, we can point you to Young Leaders or other subcommittees like Engineering & Technical, Health & Safety, Environmental or Industrial Sand. Young Leaders is the fastest, lowest-friction way to get plugged in. It’s affordable, practical and full of people who run plants, quarries, sales territories, dredges and safety programs. If you can’t travel much, start with our Annual Convention/AGG1. The more touchpoints you have with NSSGA, the faster you see the return and your network grow.

Small Producers may be small in size, but their impact is anything but. Together through NSSGA, they’re proving that collaboration, innovation and a shared passion for the industry can move mountains – literally and figuratively. If you are interested in joining the Small Producers Subcommittee or any other committee or subcommittee, please see the NSSGA website for more information.

Originally published in January/February 2026 NSSGA REVIEW.