Better Roads, Better Lives

At Reed Family Companies, our work goes far beyond paving roads or supplying materials. Every mile we build, every project we complete, and every service we provide contributes to something bigger: safer, stronger, and more connected communities. That’s the essence of our trademarked tagline: Better Roads – Better Lives.

Securing this trademark was a passion project, because it’s more than just a slogan, it’s our united purpose as One RFC. One RFC is about bringing all our companies together to leverage our combined strengths, resources, and expertise so we can deliver more value than any one company could on its own.

As part of this effort, we’ve incorporated the trademark into our One RFC marketing initiatives, including the new license plate frames you’ll start seeing on company vehicles. It’s a small but visible way to share our message everywhere we go, reminding both employees and our communities of the impact we make.

While the words are simple, the meaning behind them can be as diverse as our companies, projects, and people. From a business perspective, Better Roads represents our full spectrum of capabilities, materials, equipment, and construction services that support transportation infrastructure from start to finish. Better Lives reflects how excellent infrastructure directly impacts quality of life in the communities where we live and work.

But the beauty of this message is that it can mean something a little different to each of us. A foreman may see it in the pride of delivering a safe project. A plant manager might connect it to the reliability of producing high-quality materials. A project manager could see it in the innovation that reduces costs for customers and communities.

This month, we’re inviting our General Managers to share their perspective on Better Roads – Better Lives and what it means to them and their company. Here are a few of their thoughts:

“To me, Better Roads – Better lives is the idea that improving road infrastructure leads to broader improvements in people's lives. It emphasizes the benefits of investing in transportation infrastructure to improve public safety, economic development, and access to essential services.  Smoother roads provide the additional value of reducing vehicle wear and tear as well as a reduction in fuel consumption which is great for our planet and the environment.” – Jeff Roberts, President - VSS

“Better Roads - Better Lives takes on an expanded meaning at George Reed, Inc. It’s all encompassing of Community, Wellbeing & Economics. Community improvement and connectivity that’s safer, less congested, making travel more desirable. Wellbeing is enhanced by creating and sustaining jobs—from engineering to construction—we help support local families. Additionally, the improved roads/infrastructure influences positive energy and contributes to a cleaner environment through more efficient travel. The Economic benefits (jobs and resource demand) cycle back into the community, supporting local businesses and improving everyone's quality of life.” – Stephanie Fuller, Vice President – George Reed

“A peaceful drive to work or vacation not dodging potholes, a smooth and peaceful trip without complete exhaustion from bouncing down the road. The employees at 711’s livelihood revolves around roads. Better Roads - our drivers go home less tired. Better Roads - our trucks come back in better condition and our mechanics go home happier. Better Roads - our trucks come back quicker and dispatch is happier.” – Brian Rose, General Manager – 711 Materials

"At our core, 'Better Roads, Better Lives' means crafting equipment that transforms communities by ensuring safe, reliable roads. Building top-quality road maintenance solutions drives our team to pursue excellence daily, knowing our work not only supports smoother journeys but also provides for our families’ futures."  - Doug Hogue, President – Reed International, Inc. 

“Sometimes the greatest compliment is silence.  It is too easy to become negative by complaining; online, possibly to your neighbors, even if you’re grumbling to yourself, about how your city or town has the worst roads in the area.  Better Roads make for better lives because we aren’t driven to a negative attitude every time we jump in our car.” – Doug Ford, General Manager – UPS 

As you read these reflections, we encourage you to think about what Better Roads – Better Lives means in your role. Every job at RFC plays a part in delivering on this promise, and together, we’re not just building roads, we’re building better lives.