Al Meitl

Al began his career fresh out of college in 1985 as a Project Manager for Koch Fuels in Wichita, KS, where he designed and built asphalt terminals, expansions, and additions for 3 ½ years, from 1985 to 1988, after which he  was transferred to Detroit, MI, to be an Assistant Plant Manager for 1 ½ years, from 1988 to 1990.  Al left Koch for Phillips 66 and spent 3 ½ years in property development, station construction, and environmental compliance from 1990 to 1993. 

Al started ECF, Inc in 1994 as a welding and insulation company with 18 employees. The Company has grown into an engineering, design, fabrication, and construction firm with +/-100 employees. “We are just entering our 28th year as an industry resource specializing in asphalt related projects,” Meitl states. “Our sister companies AOS and AOSC, were designed and constructed by ECF, and operate as large asphalt blending and storage terminals in the Chicago area. Since 1994 ECF has been on the leading edge in designing and implementing the introduction of new and existing modifiers at the terminal level.”

He also credits much of his success to AMAP. “AMAP has been an integral part of my career progression,” he adds. Joining as a member in 2001, Al has been involved with the Organization since nearly its beginning; first as a member, then as head of the PR Committee in the early 2000’s and eventually as a member of the Board and full time Treasurer from 2007 until resigning just last year. “I feel a great appreciation being able to serve and for the friendships and relationships that the Organization has afforded me. I am also proud of the organization’s growth, the expanding scope of services that it has offered and the overall mission that AMAP promotes.  I very much look forward to where the new leadership and management team will take AMAP in the future,” says Meitl.

Al says that being able to start, grow and sustain his company in this industry has been very rewarding, in great part because it has enabled him to meet many “capable and colorful personalities, all of whom I am proud to call friends and colleagues.” He hopes to see modifiers that double the lifespan of today’s mixes and hopes for better communication and cooperation between Federal and State authorities, suppliers, and contractors.

“When it comes to diversity and inclusion, I think our industry is doing a better job today than in the past,” Meitl adds. “The more industry meetings I attend and the more companies we visit, the more diversity I see. It is important to communicate that this industry is welcoming and inclusive and that you can build a fulfilling career while being a part of something exceptional. There will always be room for improvement but inclusion, along with commensurate pay and job security, will always bring talented people.”

Al says that he is excited to continue to work with innovators and industry leaders to usher in the next generation of modifiers for the industry. When asked about the future of the industry, Meitl says, “Autonomous vehicles are here, the roads are going to have to catch up. There may be a whole new definition of modified roads that include sensors and monitoring systems.  The composition of roads will have to change with them.  It will be exciting to see the next innovations.”

We thank Al for his continued dedication to the Association and congratulate him on his induction into the Hall of Fame.