Established in 2015 by the ACAF Board of Directors, this award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the asphalt industry in Florida and the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida. Recipients are recognized annually at the ACAF Convention in June.
A.P. Bolton
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
30+ Years in the Asphalt Industry
ACAF Chairman (1959 - 1960)
ACAF Board of Directors (1957–1967)
Significant Contributor to ACAF
Wayne Evans
30+ years in the asphalt industry
ACAF President 2003–2005
ACAF Board of Directors 1990–2006
Chairman of NAPA
Wayne Evans had a distinguished career in the asphalt industry and held numerous leadership roles at both national and state levels. He served as chairman of the National Asphalt Pavement Association, where he was instrumental in initiating the industry's support of the Smithsonian Institution. He played a key role in creating the successful World of Asphalt meeting and trade show and was pivotal in introducing Warm Mix Asphalt technology in the United States. At the state level, he was a past president of the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida. Throughout his career, he also held positions at Hubbard Construction in Orlando, Florida, McDowell Enterprises, and was responsible for Business Development at Wirtgen America. Wayne was a Vietnam Veteran who served with the Seabees Unit MU301 in the U.S. Navy. He was also a dedicated member of Cookeville First United Methodist Church, where he taught 5th grade Sunday school.
Don Sollie
36 years in the Asphalt Industry
ACAF President 1991-1993
ACAF Board of Directors 1987-1997
Significant contributor to PAC
Don served as President of ACAF from 1991-1993. He was the initiating President for Couch Construction in Tampa. Don was the Regional President of APAC in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama for over 12 years. During his tenure at Couch, Don made significant acquisitions of Pan American Asphalt (Miami), Harper Brothers Construction (Naples), Gator Asphalt (Sarasota), JW Conner (Tampa), and JB Coxwell (Jacksonville). These acquisitions laid the footprint for the statewide presence of the largest asphalt manufacturer in Florida, Preferred Materials.
Bill Bachschmidt
53 years in the Asphalt Industry
31 years ACAF Member
ACAF Board of Directors
Significant contributor to PAC
Numerous ACAF Pavement Awards
Bill’s construction career began in 1966 with Houdaille Industries in Hollywood, Florida. Under the tutelage of industry greats Ted McRae and Ted Sody, Bill gained experience in the asphalt paving industry and in asphalt plant construction, maintenance, and management. He has gone on to put several companies in the asphalt industry in a management role, as a consultant, and in his own enterprise. He led D.A.B.’s entrance into the asphalt industry in 1994 and has ensured that the company remains a leader in quality throughout the industry.
Mike Horan
42 years in the Asphalt Industry
19 years ACAF Member
ACAF President 2005–2007
ACAF Board of Directors – 1999–2014
NAPA Member since 1976
Significant contributor to PAC
Mike started his career at Ajax Paving Industries, Inc. in Michigan shortly after graduating from Michigan Technological University. He later moved to Florida to establish Ajax Paving Industries, Inc. as Vice President/General Manager, and eventually became president and later owner of Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC.
Robert Lopez
49 years in the Asphalt Industry
62 years ACAF Member
ACAF Board of Directors since 1983
Past ACAF President 1989–1991
Past NAPA State Director
Significant contributor to PAC
Numerous ACAF Pavement Awards
Robert started working at General Asphalt at the age of 22 and worked his way up to President at 34. He led the company to become a major player in the South Florida market. Robert is still involved in the day-to-day running of the company.
Dave Drehmer
Dave moved to Florida from upper New York in the mid-70s and worked at MacAsphalt, APAC, Florida Rock Industries, EA Mariani Asphalt Company, and later as a consultant until retiring in 2016. He served on numerous ACAF committees and ACAF/FDOT Task Forces and left a legacy through his training, mentorship, and dedication.
Mike Slade
Mike started with Vecellio & Grogan, Inc. and held various leadership roles in Vecellio Companies, eventually serving as President of Ranger until his retirement in 2012. He is a past president of ACAF and served on its board for many years.
T.H. “Ted” McRae
Ted has spent over 61 years in the industry, starting as a timekeeper and finishing as President of Anderson Columbia Company. He served as ACAF President and as a board member of the Florida Transportation Builders Association. Named “Business Person of the Year” in 1995 by the Lake City/Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, he retired in 2003 but continued to work as a consultant.