Each year, O&G recognizes three exceptional drivers, one Concrete Mixer Driver, one Mason (Tractor Trailer) Driver, and one Tri-Axle Driver, who demonstrate outstanding safety, professionalism, and dedication to serving our customers.
Driver of the Year selections begin with safety performance measured through the Samsara telematics system, which tracks driving behavior and safety scores. Candidates are also evaluated on how they represent O&G in the field through their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering materials safely and reliably to our customers.
This year, we are proud to recognize John Chacho, Rob Rivers, and Granit Rizaj as O&G’s 2025 Drivers of the Year. Their focus on safety, service, and teamwork reflects the high standards shared by drivers across the company.
John Chacho, Mason Driver – Beacon Falls | 26 Years with O&G
John Chacho has spent more than two decades representing O&G on the road with professionalism, reliability, and a strong commitment to safety. This year, he was named O&G’s 2025 Mason Driver of the Year, after safely logging more than 10,000 miles between July and December 2025.
John began his career at O&G as a concrete mixer driver in Bridgeport, a role he held for five years before transitioning to Beacon Falls to drive for the Mason division, where he has worked for the past 21 years. Over that time, he has delivered materials across Connecticut and throughout the tri-state region, building relationships with customers and earning a reputation for doing the job the right way.
For John, the recognition reflects the pride he takes in his work and the trust the company places in him.
“It makes me proud that O&G is recognizing me for my skills and what I can do for the company. It means a lot to me.”
John says maintaining a strong safety record comes down to staying focused and taking the time to do things carefully, from following the rules of the road to double-checking every load before leaving the yard.
“I just try to follow the road laws, go easy, and make sure everything is strapped down and secure.”
Over the years, his deliveries have taken him to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Long Island, and even Martha’s Vineyard, giving him the chance to see many unique projects and meet people from all walks of life. No matter where the delivery takes him, John believes representing O&G well is part of the job.
“Being helpful, professional, and courteous – that’s what good customer service looks like to me.”
Outside of work, John has plenty of motivation to stay safe on the road. He and his wife have four children and four grandchildren, and he says making sure he gets home to them every day is always top of mind.
After 26 years with the company, John says he’s proud of the career he has built at O&G and grateful for the opportunities it has provided for him and his family.
Granit Rizaj, Concrete Mixer Driver – Stamford | 9 Years with O&G
For the past nine years, Granit Rizaj has helped support projects throughout the region as a concrete mixer driver based in Stamford. His commitment to preparation, safety, and customer service earned him recognition as O&G’s 2025 Concrete Mixer Driver of the Year, after safely driving more than 10,000 miles between April and December 2025.
Granit says the recognition reflects the attention he brings to every part of his job.
“It means a lot to me because I pay a lot of attention and try to do the best I can to be safe.”
His focus on safety begins before the truck even leaves the yard. Each day starts with checking the vehicle to ensure it is ready for the road and making sure the concrete mix is correct before arriving at the job site.
“First thing in the morning I make sure the truck is safe to run, and I make sure the concrete is right for the customer.”
Granit believes strong customer relationships are a key part of being a successful driver. Delivering materials safely is important, but so is making sure customers are satisfied with the service they receive.
“When the customer is happy, we are happy too.”
He also credits the mentorship he received early in his career from a fellow O&G driver who helped train him and develop the skills that led to this recognition.
Today, Granit says he takes pride in being part of a company that supports its drivers and provides the tools and resources they need to do their jobs well.
Rob Rivers, Tri-Axle Driver – Torrington | 6 Years with O&G
Rob Rivers’ dedication to safety, teamwork, and reliability earned him recognition as O&G’s 2025 Tri-Axle Driver of the Year. Over the past year, Rob safely drove more than 16,000 miles, supporting operations out of Torrington and demonstrating the versatility to operate multiple types of equipment whenever the team needs it.
Rob’s path to professional driving began years earlier with the support of his family. His father encouraged him to pursue a career that would allow him to become a Teamster and build long-term stability through strong benefits and retirement opportunities.
Over time, Rob earned both his Class B and Class A commercial licenses, a responsibility he takes seriously every day.
“I’ve been given the opportunity to drive, and I don’t want to lose that.”
For Rob, this year’s recognition also carries deep personal meaning. After experiencing the loss of his baby daughter last year, he says the experience changed his outlook and strengthened his commitment to doing things the right way.
“It gave me a different perspective on life.”
Whether hauling materials from the quarry or delivering concrete, Rob approaches every day with a positive attitude and pride in his work.
“I try to come to work every day with a smile on my face and enjoy the freedom of being on the road.”
Rob also credits the people he works with at O&G for helping him succeed.
“They’re just good people to be around – good vibe people.”
With more than 350,000 miles already behind the wheel during his career, Rob remains focused on continuous improvement and representing O&G safely every day.
Driving O&G Forward
Every day, O&G drivers travel thousands of miles delivering the materials that support our projects and customers across the region. The professionalism and dedication demonstrated by John Chacho, Rob Rivers, and Granit Rizaj reflect the high standards shared by drivers throughout the company.
At O&G, safety is a shared responsibility. We thank all our drivers for the care and commitment they bring to the road every day, helping keep themselves, their coworkers, and our communities safe.
Note: Mileage totals reflect the period for which Samsara telematics data was available in 2025. Samsara was implemented across most of the fleet beginning in April 2025, with Mason trucks added in July.
