Working hard every day, the team at Ball Ground Quarry focuses on safety, production and its community.

It's a hard-fought battle every year.

Many teams seek Martin Marietta's most prestigious honor, but only one can claim victory.

Recognized through a rigorous selection process led by company leadership and made final by the personal endorsement of Chair and CEO Ward Nye, the Diamond Elite Award winner, together with nine Diamond Honor teams, exemplifies Martin Marietta's commitment to safety, people, innovation, sustainability and strong community engagement.

The achievements of each Diamond Award crew highlight what is possible through teamwork and set a powerful example for operations across the enterprise.

This year's Diamond Elite Award goes to the East Division's Ball Ground Quarry, a Georgia-based operation whose team rose above the competition to claim the top honor.

His decision didn't come easy, but it was intentional.

Koby Maxie is a fourth-generation miner.

Before stepping onto Ball Ground Quarry, he worked at a nearby church, unsure whether he wanted to continue the family tradition.

Then he saw how the Ball Ground team supported his grandfather, Charles Maxie, an operator with decades of experience.

"We had a family tragedy, and it was hard on us. But when I saw all the teammates come and support my grandfather, it was like nothing I had ever seen before," says Koby, a quarry truck driver. "I knew I wanted to be part of a team like that, and as soon as I could, I applied to work there. I had no experience operating heavy equipment, but I was dedicated to continuing the family legacy."

Learning from his grandfather, teammates and site leaders, Koby, affectionately known by his colleagues as Sidewinder, quickly became an important part of the crew.

"We've gotten closer, and I've seen him really give his all to this job," Charles Maxie says. "I love it here, and now I get to see my grandson be part of a place that offers a good career and a safe, reliable future. I mean, that's great."

Stories about triumph, heart and dedication, stories very much like those told by the Maxie family, are common at Ball Ground.

In fact, visitors often sense the quarry's spark right away, the team members say.

Nestled among the mountains of North Georgia, the site's long, paved entrance winds through a landscape that Plant Manager Will Dennis likens to "driving into a national park."

The operation serves a growing region and delivers the production numbers to prove it. But ask anyone what makes the site special, and you will receive a consistent answer.

"This team won this award," Dennis says. "We've got some tremendous people here who got us where we are. They've been performing at a high level for years, and this recognition is a reflection of their hard work."

Dennis, who served as plant manager at Ball Ground for years before being promoted to area production manager in July, says a close-knit culture has helped the team achieve remarkable success.

"We joke, we laugh, we work hard and we collaborate," says Foreman Joshua Glisson, who has spent more than two decades at Ball Ground Quarry. "All in all, it's a heck of a team."

That camaraderie produces incredible results.

In 2025, Ball Ground surpassed 1 million work hours without a lost-time incident, continuing a legacy of safe performance that spans more than 20 years.

The accomplishment is particularly notable given the number of team members the site has trained in recent years. For Foreman Chris Seabolt, that culture is what sets Ball Ground Quarry apart.

"Whether it's a blue hat who's been here for a week or a veteran of this crew who's been here for 10 years, everybody is looking out for one another and speaking up," Seabolt says. "If you see something, you say something. That's what we emphasize every day."

To do that well requires partnership, communication and adjusting to whatever challenges the day brings, says Leadperson Brad Corley.

"Getting with the team first thing in the morning, reviewing everything and coming up with a plan for the day is important," he says. "As long as everybody stays informed and communicates, we work well together and keep things moving."

This includes the newest addition to the quarry: an internal grading team.

This group launched at Ball Ground Quarry to give the crew greater access to reserves and a stronger position for long-term growth. Just two years later, the results speak for themselves.

Since its creation, the six-person group has safely moved hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of material, increasing Ball Ground's open, mineable reserves from roughly one year to six years.

"Grading removes the overburden above the rock so we can access and mine our reserves," said Dennis. "A few years ago, there were times when we had limited open reserves available. Today, thanks to the Internal Grading team's work, we have significantly expanded our mineable inventory and positioned the quarry for continued success."

Before creating the internal team, Dennis and his crew relied on third-party contractors for grading work. After years of managing outside crews, site leaders determined they could accomplish more by bringing grading in-house.

"We came to the conclusion that we could do it better ourselves," Dennis said. "We invested in the people, equipment and leadership necessary to build an internal program, and it has paid off on both the safety and production fronts."

Dennis, who was recently promoted to area production manager, said the Ball Ground team was able to get its Internal Grading team off the ground by expanding its fleet with a Caterpillar 352 excavator, a D8 dozer, four Caterpillar 740 articulated haul trucks and several additional equipment operators.

Working alongside Corley, the crew meets the quarry team's needs while safely adapting to changing field conditions.

"It's rewarding to see our progress over time," Corley said. "You can watch the landscape change and know you're helping drive production by uncovering the rock the operation depends on."

Dennis said the internal grading initiative has helped the Ball Ground team make substantial progress on its world-class excellence journey and was a differentiating factor in the team earning the 2026 Diamond Elite Award.

On top of that, Ball Ground Quarry team members take great pride in representing Martin Marietta beyond the pit and plant.

With help from Office Manager Dawn Wood, the team has become a beacon of charitable support.

They've helped cultivate a community garden, supported local food drives and youth programs, and participated in the annual Ball Ground March of Toys Parade. Throughout it all, they've strengthened their connection to the community.

"We love Ball Ground Quarry," says Sylvia Green, mayor of Nelson. "Without Will, Dawn and the whole team at Ball Ground, our community could not do what we need to do as we continue to grow."

For Glisson, who grew up in the area, the quarry team's efforts carry special meaning.

"I take pride in being part of a small but mighty part of Georgia. I like putting our face out there," he says. "Getting feedback from the community means a lot."

As the crew continues to celebrate its Diamond Elite win, its members say the award is more than a trophy. It represents years of dedication and teamwork, which don't happen overnight.

"This is about how we've grown, how we've persevered and how everyone here gives it their all," Dennis says. "Everything we do here is 100% about the team; it always has been."

Joining Ball Ground Quarry as Martin Marietta's highest achievers are the Diamond Honor winners:

• Ames Mine, Central Division

• Cedar Rapids Quarry, Central Division

• Charlotte Quarry, East Division

• Magnesia Chemicals, Specialties Division

• Mill Creek Granite Quarry, Southwest Division

• Onslow Quarry, East Division

• Phillipsburg Quarry, Central Division

• Red Hill Quarry, East Division

• Specialty Aggregates & Asphalt, West Division