Graniterock’s support of Coast Guard Reservist Joe Broder earns national recognition

Graniterock Paving Manager Joe Broder knows how to serve, whether it’s managing paving projects or protecting the nation’s waterways.

His journey has taken him from Coast Guard active duty to Coast Guard Reserve, and now Graniterock.

Graniterock was honored with the ESGR Patriot Award, recognizing the company’s support of Joe’s service and understanding the demands that come with being a reservist.

The ESGR Patriot Award is an honor presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a U.S. Department of Defense program.

The award recognizes individual supervisors and employers who show exceptional support for employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

“Graniterock has been nothing but supportive,” Joe said. “The company has allowed me to balance my Coast Guard commitments with my work here. I really appreciate that.”

Joe joined Graniterock in March 2024 as the paving manager based at the Hellyer office.

A San Jose resident, Joe previously worked on public works projects across the Bay Area for DeSilva Gates and Goodfellow Brothers.

His military path began in 2003.

Joe’s active-duty career took him to Seattle and back home to San Francisco, where he served as a maritime enforcement specialist, the Coast Guard’s version of law enforcement and anti-terrorism response.

His primary mission was boarding oil tankers and container ships 12 miles offshore, verifying identities of the captain and crew and ensuring vessel security before they entered the bay.

After seven and a half years on active duty, Joe pursued a civil engineering degree at San Francisco State but stayed connected to the Coast Guard through the Reserves.

Over the past decade, he’s been stationed at Yerba Buena Island and near San Francisco International Airport, continuing to support national security efforts while balancing a growing construction career.

As a chief petty officer in the Reserves, Joe serves one weekend a month and two weeks a year in active-duty mode, always ready to be called up in times of need.

“I love Graniterock. It’s working out great,” Joe said. “The people, the work, it all lines up.”