Espanola Transit Mix, LLC

04/15/2026

Reflecting on this retirement spotlight from 2025 as we remember our dear friend, Ignacio. His legacy continues to inspire us every day. Rest in peace.

Spotlight: Ignacio Lucero
Ignacio Lucero's remarkable 50+ year career began when he was just a sophomore in high school. His journey started when Richard Cook hired him to work on a project at his home in Espanola, NM, transforming an outdoor porch into a library and constructing a garage. Ignacio's father recommended him for the electrical work, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.

In 1969, at the age of 21, Ignacio earned a contractor license for his company, Allsteel. Richard Cook became his biggest client, and together, they built numerous metal structures on Agua Fria and Siler Road in Santa Fe, many of which still stand today. In 1974, Richard Cook acquired Allsteel Inc., transforming it into Rim Construction, which operated for several years before eventually becoming Re-mac. Later Ignacio was brought into Espanola Transit Mix, where he served as Project Manager. Ignacio advanced to the role of Senior Vice President. Until 1990, Ignacio worked in the field before transitioning to an office role.

Ignacio cherished his job, reveling in the challenges it presented and the problem-solving opportunities it provided. He was a pioneer in adopting new technologies, teaching himself programming and CAD, and introducing computers to streamline operations like payroll. His passion for learning and innovation was evident throughout his career.

One of Ignacio's most rewarding projects was the remodel of the Valley National Bank. The project required the bank to remain operational throughout the construction, with the front door staying in the same location. Managing the logistics and maintaining security with two crews working day and night was a significant challenge. The successful completion of this project, including the addition of a second floor and custom furniture crafted by Northern NM Community College students, was a source of great pride.
Ignacio also contributed to numerous other notable projects, including building condos in Aspen, assisting American Cement in El Paso, and constructing the Fairground Arena in Farmington. Each project showcased his commitment to excellence and his ability to tackle complex challenges.

Throughout his life, Ignacio has enjoyed various hobbies, including fishing, motorcycle riding, and flying. Although he has slowed down in recent years, he remains open to exploring new interests in retirement.

Ignacio's retirement has been busy, but he and his family are looking forward to more leisurely and traditional retirement activities in the near future.

Ignacio's advice to younger generations is simple yet profound: "Know what you want and go for it – even if it means climbing the ladder. Don’t expect to start at the top." His career exemplifies the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and starting from humble beginnings to achieve great success.

04/07/2026

🐾 Employee Spotlight: England, HR Specialist 🐾
Meet England, the feisty 11-year-old Yorkie who has been a staple of the TEMC HR Department since June 2025. Though she began as a companion to one, she quickly promoted herself to "Companion of All (but only on her terms)," specializing in reluctant emotional support and the strict enforcement of belly rub quotas. She’s a dedicated supervisor of office morale. In fact, if you stop a back scratch before the job is done, expect a gentle paw swipe to remind you that your shift isn't over yet.

England is the office’s premier food critic. While she has a legendary talent for sniffing out chicken, she has recently expanded her portfolio to include steak. "Yesterday she literally attacked me for a piece of steak, and cried so pitifully when I took her back to mom’s office," admitted one colleague. "I’m sure she was telling me in her language how Rebecca never feeds her anything!"

Between patrols, England can be found "working" from her favorite sunny spots, though she’d prefer it if pesky customers wouldn't walk through her sunlight. She is particularly vigilant regarding big, brawny men; any "giant" invading the premises is immediately met with Tactical Alarm Mode.

England has the uncanny ability to recognize her favorite coworkers by the cadence of their footsteps long before they appear. After a few days away, she greets her favorite humans with genuine surprise, her little 11-year-old body gets all quivery, she sprints in circles, and sometimes she gets so excited she literally forgets to breathe.

Don't let her tiny stature fool you; England is a world-class escape artist. Just ask Kevin Harrison; she has tricked the best of us into letting her out into the yard, where she promptly vanishes for indeterminate amounts of time.

When you come to visit us, remember to watch your feet—and your lunch!

04/02/2026

Espanola Transit Mix (ETM) will be open on Good Friday, April 3rd, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for pickups.

All other ETM and Los Alamos Transit Mix plants and departments will be closed (Asphalt Plant, Concrete Plant, Crushers, Truck Drivers, Mechanic and Welding Shops).

Have a safe and blessed Easter weekend!

03/13/2026

Apply today: https://www.espanolatransit.com/careers

01/08/2026

After more than 31 years with EMCO (and more than five decades in construction), the day has finally come. Dave Schnaidt is retiring. And yes, this time he really means it. 😉

If you asked Dave how long he’s been here, he’d tell you “too long.” If you asked the rest of us, we’d say not long enough.

Dave started in construction back in 1971, working his way through just about every role imaginable. Operator, truck driver, dirt work, asphalt, mechanic, and eventually becoming our Maintenance Superintendent. There isn’t much Dave hasn’t done, fixed, built, or quietly saved at the last possible second.

Those who’ve worked alongside him know this truth: There aren’t many men built like Dave. Skin tough as leather. A jack of all trades. An inspiration. As Marcus Trujillo put it best, “Mr. EMCO himself.”

Marcus remembers meeting Dave at just 18 years old on a paving project, green as they come. Dave walked right up and said, “You know that shovel ain’t gonna move itself.” A lesson delivered Dave-style, direct, honest, and unforgettable. Marcus adds, “I will always have love and the utmost respect for this man.”

Dave’s knowledge of our equipment is legendary. Kevin Harrison shared that in nearly ten years, Dave was the one person he never argued with, because Dave always had the company’s best interest in mind. He knew what needed fixing now, what could wait, and how to keep projects on track when everything was on the line.

From saving paving jobs with trucks of asphalt already on the road, to freeing a locked-up roller on Paseo Real so the City could reopen traffic, Dave repeatedly came through when it mattered most. Dave operated the paver, ran the distributor truck, hauled tack, and stepped in wherever he was needed.

Dave was also a gifted teacher. He could imagine a tool, fabricate it from scratch, and then patiently teach others how to use it. Many of us are better mechanics, operators, and problem-solvers because of him.

Outside of work, Dave loves to hunt and fish. Rumor has it retirement may finally give him the time he’s been promising himself for years. Dave, thank you for 31+ years of grit, ingenuity, loyalty, and leadership. You’ve left your mark on this company in a ways that will be felt for generations.

He will be deeply missed, but he's more than earned what comes next. Enjoy retirement, Dave!

And if you ever feel tempted to come back, we’ll know. 😉

12/25/2025

Our offices will be closed Thursday, December 25, 2025, in observance of Christmas. We wish you a joyous holiday season filled with peace, love, and time with those who matter most. Merry Christmas!

12/23/2025

It’s Farolito Season! As in years past, we have a pile of free sand outside our main gate for anyone that needs it for their farolitos. Merry Christmas!

11/27/2025

Our offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving. We are grateful for our team, our customers, and the communities we serve. Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday with your loved ones!

10/21/2025

09/23/2025

More free items available. Contact Pat Martinez (505) 901-0360 or Marcus Trujillo (505) 490-0695 for questions and to schedule a pickup time.

08/30/2025

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Peggy Lopez 🌟

Peggy Lopez is our wonderful staff accountant and has been with the company for over 25 years.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, she said, “I enjoy so many aspects of my job—solving problems, handling daily reconciliations, preparing budgets, and building relationships with contractors and colleagues. Accounting gives me a real sense of pride and accomplishment every day. But what I love most is working alongside such amazing people.”

One highlight of Peggy’s career was being part of launching a new company within the corporation from the ground up. “It was definitely challenging,” she recalls, “but incredibly rewarding.”

Her leaders and colleagues agree Peggy is one of a kind. “Peggy’s attention to detail and accuracy in her work is absolutely unmatched. Beyond her professional excellence, she’s also a great friend and one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet,” shares Kate Fishman. Andrew Fishman adds, “Peggy is an incredible and loyal coworker. Whatever task she tackles is done with compassion, timeliness, and without mistakes. She not only makes my job easier but is always helping others with a smile. The Española Mercantile Company is lucky to have such an asset—this spotlight is long overdue.”

Outside of work, Peggy is all about family time and her fur babies. She’s also a huge fan of ’80s hair bands and classic rock—catching concerts whenever she can (and she’s even met a few bands along the way!). At home, you’ll often find her watching true crime shows or taking long scenic drives.

Peggy encourages new team members to “bring your best every day, be open to learning, and don’t feel pressured to learn everything at once. Take your time, ask questions, and remember—teamwork and a positive attitude make all the difference.”

✨ Peggy’s dedication, positivity, and decades of experience make her not just a cornerstone of the team, but also a true joy to work alongside.