The New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Hall of Fame was established to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the asphalt pavement industry leading to innovations in the production and placement of asphalt pavement, in the usage of asphalt as a paving material, and in the general advancement and recognition of the industry.
This year we are honored to announce that Samuel Braen, Jr. has been inducted into the New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association Hall of Fame. Being a pioneer for New Jersey’s Hot Mix Asphalt industry, Samuel Braen coined one of the mottos used by Samuel Braen’s Sons, “Pioneer of Progress”. After taking over day to day control from his father in 1962, Sam strived to make his vision of modernizing Samuel Braen Sons’ operations a reality.
His vision for the future came at a time when other Hot Mix Asphalt producers in the New Jersey market were focused on the now. In order to achieve his goals, Sam spent his weekend touring other operations, sometimes as far as Georgia and the Midwest, and drawing up plans often on yellow legal pads and napkins.
Throughout his career, Sam made an impact on the quarries and asphalt plants that he managed. Creating more opportunities and introducing new components that had not traditionally been used on asphalt plant in this region before. With the innovation of all the asphalt plants to include modern technology, it only made sense to improve the operation in other areas. Samuel Braen, Jr. also sought to make improvements in his asphalt quality control departments as well as equipment.
Samuel Braen, Jr.’s vision for innovation and modernization poised Braen Stone to not only be a leader in the industry, but continue into the fifth generation and beyond.
