NEWS RELEASE
NORTHERN SAND & GRAVEL
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When World’s Greatest!..., the popular television series, first reached out to Northern Sand & Gravel, owner Kathleen VanSloten thought it was a mistake. “I didn’t think it was real. Why would a national TV show be interested in us?” she laughed. But after a few conversations, she realized World’s Greatest!... was genuinely captivated by Northern Sand’s story.
World’s Greatest!... Producer Robert Baccarie says, "World’s Greatest chose Northern Sand & Gravel for their story of resilience, community commitment, and quality. Their dedication to providing top-tier concrete and aggregate solutions, while actively supporting their local workforce with essential safety gear and workwear, reflects the values that make them a standout in their industry and community."
A Journey from Humble Beginnings
Founded in 1979 as a family-owned business in Sault Ste. Marie, Northern Sand started small, tackling the unique challenges of working in remote, rugged terrain and harsh seasonal conditions. The company’s philosophy has always been simple: work hard, stay true to the community, and deliver excellence. This approach has resonated deeply with customers, and the national recognition has been a welcome surprise.
“The fact that World’s Greatest!... saw something in our story means so much to us,” Kathleen VanSloten shared. Owner, Allan VanSloten says, “We’ve always been proud of our work and our team, but we don’t see ourselves as ‘the greatest.’ We’re just a group of hardworking people who care about our community and want to make a difference.”
Supporting Employees and Community Growth
Initially drawn to Northern Sand for its high-quality concrete and aggregate solutions, the producers of World’s Greatest!... quickly saw that Northern Sand’s impact extended far beyond these products. Recognizing the need for local access to essential safety gear and workwear, Northern Sand began offering safety boots, protective equipment, and tools on a smaller scale two years ago to ensure their team and local partners could access these vital items in Sault Ste. Marie and Newberry. As demand grew, they expanded by opening The Warehouse in Sault Ste. Marie—a full-scale retail store providing the community with a much wider selection of workwear, tools, and safety gear.
This feature on World’s Greatest!... highlights Northern Sand’s dedication to reliable concrete services and its unique role in supporting Michigan’s workforce with the essentials they need to work safely and confidently.
Catch Northern Sand & Gravel’s feature on World’s Greatest!... Ep 379 on Bloomberg TV on November 9, 2024, and November 16, 2024 at 4PM ET, or streaming on platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
About Northern Sand & Gravel
Founded in 1979 in Sault Ste. Marie, Northern Sand & Gravel is a family-owned business delivering high-quality concrete, gravel, and aggregate solutions. With locations in Sault Ste. Marie and Newberry, Northern Sand also offers safety gear, rugged workwear, and equipment rentals, supporting tradespeople and DIYers throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
About World’s Greatest!...
Founded in 2006, World’s Greatest!... provides audiences with behind-the-scenes access to extraordinary businesses and communities across the globe. Produced by the award-winning team at How 2 Media, each episode features companies that excel in their industries, offering viewers a closer look at unique stories of innovation, quality, and dedication. Airing on Bloomberg TV and streaming on platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, World’s Greatest!... brings inspiring stories into homes nationwide, celebrating the drive and spirit of businesses large and small.
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