Precast Inc. - July/August 2008 - (Page 32) F E AT U R E Anything but Ordinary Nancy Mayer has made her company a success by keeping what works and finding innovative ways to change what doesn’t. By Michael Cook ucked away among the trees about 10 miles south of Baltimore is a small precast plant that has been there since 1959. Sitting on four acres of land, Mayer Brothers Inc. is situated in Elkridge, Md., the oldest settlement in Howard County. Steeped in family tradition, the plant produces a wide variety of products and remains confident in a tough economy. T A family tradition Henry Mayer founded Mayer Brothers in 1959 and his daughter, Nancy, continues its operation today. At first glance not much has changed since the plant was first built. There are a few new crane trucks, a bigger cement silo, a stray cat wandering around and a few new faces in the plant. But the majority of what you see today was here in 1959 when Henry and his brother August constructed the plant after learning the basics from their father. And Henry wouldn’t have it any other way. Henry’s father, August Mayer, was a general contractor in nearby Relay, Md., and saw the need for a precast operation in the area. Precast concrete was a new concept and several customers started asking for small pipe and valve vaults – products that are still made today. “My grandfather literally built bridges in this county by hauling bags of cement with a horse and buggy,” explains Nancy Mayer, president of Mayer Brothers. “My dad (Henry) and uncle started pouring concrete pieces in the back of their house. That’s how this all began, and it’s been in the family ever since.” Although precast seemed to run in the family blood, Nancy initially had no plans to work in the business. “Along with chemistry and calculus, I took a lot of art classes in high school,” Nancy explains. “I never thought I would wind up in this business.” After a discussion with her high school guidance NPCA photo 32 JULY/AUGUST 2008 | PRECAST INC.
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