At EnviroTech, we pride ourselves on recognizing and creating opportunities for our employees, and just as importantly, we’re committed to building strong relationships with our partners. Our partnership with Redmond Minerals in Utah illustrates this commitment. As part of our recognition and reward initiatives, I had the privilege of leading a group of eight employees on a road trip to Redmond in September for an in-depth tour of the mine and a chance to connect with our partners.

Why drive 16 hours round trip, you might wonder? Beyond the breathtaking scenery, it was the invaluable conversations and cross-department team building that made the journey truly worthwhile. For those unfamiliar with Redmond Minerals, their Ice Slicer® line of products has been a cornerstone of our road deicing and anti-icing services for the past 20 years. Redmond is much more than just a salt mine—they consistently go above and beyond in their offerings. Our recent trip highlighted not just their innovative operations, but also the strength of our partnership. Redmond isn’t just about salt mining; they know how to roll out the red carpet for visitors!

To capture the spirit of our adventure, I’ve asked each of the attendees to share their unique perspectives and reflections on the experience, along with some snapshots from the trip. Here are their stories:

Shelbi – Staff Accountant

The Redmond trip was a truly great experience that I got to relive multiple times when I told my friends and family all about it! Travelling in a van with 8 other people was quite the adventure, but it allowed me to get to know my coworkers in a way I would not have been able to otherwise (like Dana absolutely hates Taylor Swift). I feel more connected with people that I work with and saw aspects of their jobs that normally I do not see. Meeting the amazing team at Remond was also incredible. In one day, I completed many firsts: from licking walls to shooting dynamite to having baby cows suck my hand. I can honestly say I was pushed out of my comfort zone while having a blast. I also got to learn so much about the team at Redmond and the products. They are so much more than just Ice Slicer! Now when I see their names come across on emails and invoices, I have a face and a relationship behind it. We were there for about a day, but it felt like so much longer with the amount of knowledge given and fun had. Building relationships with the team at Redmond and with my fellow colleagues were an invaluable benefit of this experience that will assist me in my future at ETS.

Thank you for planning this amazing trip and driving the entire time!

Bernadette – Logistics Analyst

Redmond Minerals Facility Visit Summary

As someone who has worked with Redmond Minerals for over sixteen years, this recent visit to their facility was both insightful and beneficial. The experience deepened my understanding of their history and their commitment to natural mineral products, including salt, clay, and agricultural goods.

Key Takeaways:

Product Focus: Redmond Minerals is dedicated to providing high-quality, natural mineral products. They prioritize sustainability and product integrity in everything from salt extraction to agricultural.

Extraction Process: Seeing firsthand how Redmond extracts salt was enlightening. It was impressive to witness how they maintain product quality while focusing on efficiency and sustainability. This knowledge will directly benefit the carriers I work with, enhancing our coordination with Redmond.

Retail Operations: I also learned more about Redmond’s retail operations and partnerships with various health brands. It was surprising to discover that I had purchased several of these products (like teas and chips) before, without realizing their connection to Redmond.

Hospitality: Redmond provided excellent hospitality throughout the visit, making it a memorable experience. I feel thankful to work with such a dedicated and customer-focused supplier.

Additionally, I’d like to give special recognition to Amber, who drove the entire time and kept the atmosphere positive, ensuring everyone had a great experience.

Alex – Plant Technician

Hi Amber,

First things first, I cannot thank you enough for picking me to go on this trip, it was so much fun and very informative. I was in awe with how much Redmond actually does. I made the joke a couple times that they basically own Utah. As a yard tech, I was most interested to see how the salt I deal with is mined, packaged, and packed. It bewilders me that they have a robot to help out, but it makes sense to me because Ice Slicer Select is packed like a brick. I'm also very jealous of the quality of pallets and equipment they use. In regards of the mine, that is one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. Between licking the walls and taking home my very own salt, I was very entertained by the notion of such a large and old mine. I was also awed by the size of their machinery and piles. I also thought the bentonite clay was interesting stuff. It kind of sounds like a cure-all, but it works. I took home some toothpaste and it works wonders. I almost forgot about the dynamite! That was also very fun, but I loved getting to sit down with some Redmond folks and just talk. Redmond was a great host and if the Evans crew is ever considered for another trip, I'd love to go again.

Thanks!

Dana – Plant Technician

I was truly honored to be selected as one of the ETS employees for the trip to Redmond, Utah. While the van ride had its challenges, particularly in terms of comfort, the frequent stops provided welcome opportunities to stretch and refresh.

A key highlight of the trip was learning about the significant volume of salt the company transports daily and annually. Engaging with both the Redmond staff and our colleagues from the Greeley Corporate

Office was especially rewarding, given that my interactions with office personnel at the Evans yard are typically limited.

This experience greatly enhanced my understanding of the logistics and partnerships between ETS and Redmond. Visiting the mine where our Ice Slicer products are sourced deepened my appreciation for the product and highlighted the commitment of the Redmond team to deliver exceptional quality.

Additionally, this opportunity allowed me to network and ask questions that will be invaluable as I consider pursuing a role as a Plant Superintendent in the future. Overall, the trip was an enriching experience that I will carry forward in my career.

Lindsey – Director of HR

Experiencing Redmond firsthand was truly wonderful. It provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with team members I don’t often see and to learn more about their EnviroTech experiences. I came away with valuable insights about our company’s future from a cultural perspective and how we can continue to enhance our experiences as employees and team members.

The most significant takeaway from my visit to Redmond was hearing the testimonies of their employees, how they function as a team and how they feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves. This trip, like any team outing, offers a chance to get to know each other better as individuals and as humans.

Sarah – Accounting Manager

The most memorable and invaluable aspect of the Redmond visit was the people and the culture at Redmond. Redmond has a unique and inspiring way of fostering the culture that they have created. The Redmond team expressed the value of the ETS and Redmond partnership which made me feel more like a team member rather than a visitor. This trip was a positive, fun, and educational experience and I hope that all ETS employees get a chance to experience the Redmond hospitality.

Adam – Quality Assurance Specialist II

During our trip to Redmond and Glenwood I had many valuable experiences that I believe will help me to be better moving forward. The biggest takeaway for me was getting to know the Redmond crew and understanding how their company culture meshes with ours.  Not to mention the stronger bond we were able to build between the group of us that drove the 16+ hr trip in that cozy van. Beyond strengthening our working relationships, Seth also provided me with a firsthand look into the way IceSlicer is milled into the final product we receive. This experience has already shown useful when it comes to bridging the gap between production capabilities and quality needs, that I believe will continue to provide insight moving forward. Finally, being my first trip to our Glenwood facility, I was able to get a better understanding of the layout and blending capabilities that Erik is working with. I wanted to thank Erik, Seth, Zach, and the rest of the Redmond team for taking time out of their days to show us around!!