Granite’s AI Asphalt Guru Sets New Industry Learning Standard
At the recent Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Annual Convention in Columbus, Ohio, a ripple of excitement ran through the crowd as Granite’s latest digital marvel took centre stage. Granite Asphalt Guru, the company’s cutting-edge AI learning platform, walked away with the coveted AGC Innovation of the Year Award.
This milestone not only cements Granite’s position at the forefront of infrastructure innovation but also spotlights how artificial intelligence is reshaping professional training in the construction sector.
Leading with Digital Innovation
Granite has never been shy about embracing new technology, and its Asphalt Guru platform is a testament to the company’s forward-thinking approach. Finalists Daniel Mekis and Olivia McNary stepped into the spotlight to showcase the platform before a panel of 11 discerning judges. Their pitch was more than a technical demonstration—it was a masterclass in how knowledge can be harnessed, preserved, and passed down through the generations.
As McNary put it: “This award reflects Granite’s commitment to innovation and empowering our teams.” And her colleague, CI Project Manager Daniel Mekis, echoed the sentiment: “It’s an honour to be recognised for a tool that preserves the expertise of our paving professionals. Their knowledge and experience are intangible assets for the company; finding a way to preserve and share it with future generations of construction professionals will provide value for decades.”
A Deep Well of Expertise
What sets Asphalt Guru apart from other e-learning tools is its ever-expanding reservoir of knowledge. The platform draws from a rich internal database comprising more than 900 pages of interview transcripts, thousands of technical documents, and a steady stream of input from Granite’s own workforce. Yet, that’s only half the story.
To ensure users have the best and most current information at their fingertips, Asphalt Guru also incorporates critical external resources. Whether it’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) injury data, Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, or the latest industry articles, the platform delivers a 360-degree view of asphalt paving best practices. The result? No stone is left unturned in the pursuit of operational excellence.
Training Tailored for the Real World
In a field where on-the-job knowledge can mean the difference between a flawless finish and a costly mistake, Granite Asphalt Guru delivers answers in real-time. The AI-powered assistant isn’t just a digital filing cabinet. It’s a responsive mentor, capable of answering technical queries, guiding interactive training sessions, and demystifying even the most complex paving concepts.
Already, more than 400 Granite employees have taken the platform for a spin, submitting over 1,000 questions to the Asphalt Guru. Whether accessed from a desktop at headquarters or via mobile devices on a job site, the system is always on hand to deliver timely, actionable advice. This mobile integration marks a step-change in how training is delivered, ensuring that knowledge flows to the frontline where it’s needed most.
Collaboration and AI: The Secret Sauce
Behind every great innovation lies collaboration, and Granite’s journey with StackAI, the platform’s provider, underscores this point. Working hand-in-glove with AI specialists, Granite’s team tailored Asphalt Guru to meet the unique demands of the construction materials industry. The end result is an intuitive, scalable, and robust system that bridges the gap between experience and new learning.
“Their knowledge and experience are intangible assets for the company; finding a way to preserve and share it with future generations of construction professionals will provide value for decades,” Mekis reiterated during the presentation.
A Legacy of Leadership
Granite’s reputation as America’s Infrastructure Company™ isn’t built on empty slogans. Since its incorporation in 1922, the firm has grown into one of the largest diversified construction and construction materials providers in the United States. Granite’s Code of Conduct and unwavering Core Values underpin every decision, guiding its workforce to maintain the highest ethical standards in a notoriously challenging industry.
Safety is non-negotiable, and Granite is regularly recognised for its leadership in both safety and sustainability. The adoption of AI-driven platforms such as Asphalt Guru only strengthens its commitment to raising the bar—one project at a time.
Why This Matters for the Industry
With infrastructure investment on the rise, the pressure is on for contractors and material suppliers to do more with less. Tools like Asphalt Guru are rewriting the rules. Not only do they help shrink training times, but they also improve safety, support compliance, and ensure consistent, high-quality work.
The broader impact? These digital solutions pave the way for a smarter, more adaptable workforce—one that’s ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. And with regulators and clients alike placing a premium on transparency and operational excellence, the stakes have never been higher.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Intelligent
For Granite, the journey is far from over. The company plans to keep refining its AI learning platforms, extending their reach, and deepening their impact across all corners of its operations. As artificial intelligence matures, expect even more sophisticated training tools to emerge—tools that learn alongside their users and help elevate standards across the board.
It’s a win not only for Granite but for the construction industry as a whole. When knowledge is captured, preserved, and shared, everyone benefits—from new apprentices just starting out to seasoned pros looking to pass on their hard-earned wisdom.
Driving Progress with a Digital Mindset
At the heart of this story lies a simple truth: Innovation isn’t just about flashy new tech. It’s about people—empowering them, amplifying their abilities, and preparing them for whatever the future holds.
With platforms like Asphalt Guru leading the charge, the road ahead looks smoother than ever.
