The Formation of Pavement Engineering Inc.
Sal Russo was a key player in the formation of Pavement Engineering Inc. Without his belief in the team of Paul Curren and Bill Long, PEI would likely not exist. It was Sal's determination that drove the initiation of PEI by actively promoting the idea to Paul, Bill and Janet Jenswold, their secretary. During the company's start up, Sal found the first office, provided financial support, and worked away from home on projects, allowing Paul to work primarily in the Bay Area to build up the fledgling business.
Sal was a good Engineering Technician. Paul became familiar with Sal at Testing Engineers where he was a senior testing technician. In those days, Sal was a workhorse. Always a skinny runt, Sal amazed everyone with his work pace. Bill had to constantly put out to keep up with Sal. At TEI, many a summer and fall evening found Sal and Bill pounding 2 or 3 ASTM D-1557's after having completed a full day's work in the field.
A man of integrity, loyalty and diligence, Sal consistently worked on behalf of his employer and family. He was an example of the honorable middle class American who makes this country great.
Sal took a disability retirement in 1991 because his diabetes robbed him of his ability to work. Sal Russo died in August of 1995 from complication related to his diabetes.
The Sal Russo Award was initiated in the early days of Pavement Engineering to recognize employees who exemplified the qualities of Sal. Sal was the first recipient of the award. Each year, Pavement Engineering recognizes the employee(s) who follow in his footsteps. It behooves us all to remember the results of this humble man's vision of what could be and what was necessary to make that vision a reality. At Pavement Engineering, Sal Russo's name and character will always be remembered as our example.