January/February 2025 - 105

PEOPLE & COMPANIES
Advanced Construction
Techniques announced
the promotion of Jeff
Burton, P.Eng., to the
new role of director,
information systems &
research for the ACT Group of Companies.
Burton holds a bachelor's of
applied science in engineering from the
University of Waterloo, specializing in
process control systems. For nearly 25
years he has been a key contributor to
the design and development of the
company's data management and
monitoring systems. He has executed
and supported the implementation of
progressively innovative and complex
systems on projects such as the
Clearwater Dam, Wolf Creek Dam,
Center Hill Dam and Rough River Dam
grouting projects, as well as various
projects in the mining industry. Burton
is an active member of DFI, and serves
as chair of the Information Management
Systems Committee.
Equipment Corporation of America
(ECA) announced three strategic promotions.
Effective immediately, Bruce
Langan, Ben Riches and Al Ellerington
will assume new leadership roles,
strengthening ECA's position as a
trusted leader in the field.
With nearly four decades of experience
in the foundation
industry, Bruce
Langan has been promoted
to director of pile
driving technologies.
Langan's career began
as a dock builder with Local #1456 in
New York City, followed by pivotal roles
in equipment servicing and sales. Since
joining ECA in 2003 as regional manager
for New York and New Jersey, he
has been a top performer, leveraging his
extensive technical expertise and strong
client relationships. In his new role,
Langan will lead training initiatives for
ECA's sales team on pile driving
equipment, including vibratory, diesel,
air, and hydraulic impact hammers as
well as top-drive augers.
Ben Riches has been promoted to
branch manager of ECA's Toronto
branch, one of the company's largest
and most important operations.
Riches joined
ECA in 2012 as part of
the service department
at the Toronto branch
after graduating from
Fleming College in Ontario. His technical
expertise, dedication and leadership
propelled him through the ranks to
account manager in 2017. Riches will
now take full responsibility for managing
the Toronto branch, succeeding Ray
Kemppainen (now vice president -
corporate ECA Canada Company) in
overseeing operations, customer relationships
and sales strategy.
Al Ellerington has been promoted to
sales manager for ECA
Canada, overseeing the
sales operations across
Ontario, Quebec and
other provinces. Since
joining ECA's Toronto
branch in 2007 in the service department,
Ellerington has showcased
exceptional skills and initiatives and
has quickly advanced to account
manager. In his expanded role, he will
continue to manage his ongoing sales
responsibilities in Ontario and Quebec
plus also oversee key national accounts
and support sales efforts across Canada.
Additionally, Ellerington will mentor
new account managers, ensuring the
continued growth and development of
ECA's Canadian sales team.
Frank Aguilar, vice president of
operations at Avanti International has
retired after 25 years. Aguilar began his
career at the company in June 1999 and
has held a variety of roles over the years
including inside sales, regional sales
manager, technical product manager
and vice president of customer service.
Throughout his tenure, he played a key
role as a member of Avanti's leadership
team, contributing to the achievement
of strategic operational objectives and
day-to-day business operations. He also
provided essential guidance and support,
ensuring that customers receive
the highest level of product performance
and service. Prior to Avanti, Aguilar was
entrenched in the petroleum industry
for 20 years with worldwide assignments
in 58 different countries.
The Moles announced the winners of
its Outstanding Achievement Awards.
Paul Schmall, Ph.D., P.E., vice president
at Keller Specialty Services, will
accept The Moles Member Award and
Anthony Binsfeld, chair of the board of
The Brennan Group, will receive the
Moles Non-Member Award.
Schmall has built a reputation
among his underground peers for his
expertise in dewatering and tunnel
grouting in urban settings. He has a
bachelor's degree in civil engineering
from Bucknell University and a Ph.D.
from the University of
Nottingham. He worked
for 36 years at Moretrench
and became its
chief engineer in 1995,
where he spearheaded
the development of its grouting business,
working on tunnel blow-ins,
underground emergency responses, and
the engineering and maintenance of
complex groundwater control for projects
throughout the country and
internationally, including the recovery
and reconstruction of the World Trade
Center. An active Mole since his 2002
induction, Schmall has served on numerous
committees and held executive
positions culminating in becoming
Moles president in 2022. He is active in
industry organizations, including the
Underground Construction Association;
National Academy of Construction; and
DEEP FOUNDATIONS * JAN/FEB 2025 * 105
January/February 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January/February 2025
