Member Spotlight: How One LEAP Made All the Difference —
My name is Matthew Gutkaiss, and I was part of the 2023 LEAP class. The LEAP tours, articles, and experiences helped forge friendships that I still cherish today. I look forward to every opportunity to reconnect with my group and catch up on each other’s lives and careers. Since completing LEAP, many of us have gone on to work in the LDT group, continuing to advance both our industry and our professional relationships.
One of the LEAP requirements is to deliver a group presentation to your peers just before graduating. Since that day, I’ve regularly spoken at local association events and even led a few facility tours during the 2025 PPRA event in Richmond. Without that initial push, I may never have developed the confidence to speak comfortably in front of large groups.
We all know that training the next generation can be costly and time-consuming. But the LEAP program, offered through AEMA, not only delivers essential education — it also builds lasting relationships among young professionals in our field. My advice to anyone considering LEAP is simple: absolutely go for it! This program is for anyone in our industry, regardless of background or experience.
LEAP offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about raw materials like surfactants, refined liquid asphalt, and aggregates. The tours provide valuable insight into emulsion manufacturing, testing, and innovations in pavement preservation. Take advantage of every tour you can — and don’t sleep on the TCC Fly-In! It’s a unique chance to team up with industry peers and bring our message directly to federal lawmakers.
Dr. Brahams’ course through the University of Arkansas is packed with valuable knowledge and encourages students to reach out to industry professionals for clarity on unfamiliar processes. Whether you're considering joining LEAP yourself or sending your company’s up-and-comers, I can’t recommend this program enough. See for yourself how impactful it can be!
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