Dr Don Brock, one of the founders of Astec Industries, passed away after a long illness
Dr Don Brock, chairman and former CEO of 681 Astec Industries has passed away following a battle with cancer. He had been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer in 2012.
Dr Brock was one of the five founders of Astec Industries in 1972 and headed the firm during its steady growth into the international business it is today. The company now has 18 subsidiaries in the US and around the world as well as around 4,000 employees, while its annual turnover exceeds US$1 billion. The other four founders of the firm were Norm Smith, Al Guth, Gail Mize, and Mike Uchytil.
A pioneer in the field of asphalt technology, Dr Brock had around 100 international patents registered in his own name. He earned his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1961, followed by an MS in Mechanical Engineering in 1963 and then a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 1965, both of which came from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He won many awards both from industry and his former universities.
Dr Brock stepped down as CEO of Astec Industries in 2014, handing over the reins to his son, Ben Brock, who took over as CEO and president of the firm. Meanwhile Richard J Dorris took the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer. Fellow founder Norm Smith remains in place as vice chairman, having been a board member since 1982.
Dr Brock is survived by his wife, his seven children, his two step children and his 15 grand-children. He will be remembered for his laconic wit and his sharp business brain, as well as his major contribution to the road construction sector. He was a great supporter of Route One Publishing and a contributor to World Highways.
Dr Brock was one of the five founders of Astec Industries in 1972 and headed the firm during its steady growth into the international business it is today. The company now has 18 subsidiaries in the US and around the world as well as around 4,000 employees, while its annual turnover exceeds US$1 billion. The other four founders of the firm were Norm Smith, Al Guth, Gail Mize, and Mike Uchytil.
A pioneer in the field of asphalt technology, Dr Brock had around 100 international patents registered in his own name. He earned his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1961, followed by an MS in Mechanical Engineering in 1963 and then a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 1965, both of which came from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He won many awards both from industry and his former universities.
Dr Brock stepped down as CEO of Astec Industries in 2014, handing over the reins to his son, Ben Brock, who took over as CEO and president of the firm. Meanwhile Richard J Dorris took the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer. Fellow founder Norm Smith remains in place as vice chairman, having been a board member since 1982.
Dr Brock is survived by his wife, his seven children, his two step children and his 15 grand-children. He will be remembered for his laconic wit and his sharp business brain, as well as his major contribution to the road construction sector. He was a great supporter of Route One Publishing and a contributor to World Highways.
