1981
AWP starts as a small security guard/alarm agency.
1993
Fairlawn Service Center of Ohio Edison becomes first AWP traffic control customer.
1997
AWP, Inc. was formed.
1998
Company joins American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and adopts its training and safety standards.
2005
Now known as Area Wide Protective, the company divests security services to specialize in traffic control services.
2006
AWP enters 12th operating state.
2008
AWP is purchased by Blue Point Capital Partners allowing for quicker growth and expansion.
2009
AWP purchases US Traffic Technologies, a Georgia based traffic control company.
2015
AWP is purchased by The Riverside Company and acquired Traffic Specialties, Inc. in Georgia.
2016
AWP acquires N-LINE Traffic Maintenance in Texas and All State Traffic in Connecticut, expanding operations into both states.
2017
AWP acquires Kentuckiana Traffic and Patrol Services in Kentucky, FlagPros in Tennessee and Kentucky, and opens new offices, including an Equipment Rental and Sales division in Greensboro, North Carolina.
2018
AWP acquires Canada-based Safety First, its first acquisition outside the Continental U.S. AWP is recognized as a Traffic Control Leader with 70+ offices in more than 20 states and 2 countries.
2019
AWP expands into the western side of the United states with the acquisition of Northern Colorado Traffic Control.
2020
AWP continues to expand its footprint by acquiring Traffic Pro, Traffic Safety Rentals, RoadTek Traffic, and Advantage Barricades and Roadmarks.
2021
AWP acquires Statewide Safety Systems, and the traffic safety divisions of Trafficade Service Companies. The combined company serves thousands of customers daily, with more than 150 facilities across 27 states and eastern Canada.
2022
AWP expands its US footprint into the Pacific Northwest with the acquisition of Northwest Traffic Services, and acquires two additional leading traffic control providers-MOTPlans and CrossRoads.
2023
Area Wide Protective becomes AWP Safety, and acquires three leading regional safety companies from RHV Capital as well as Texas Traffic Control and Barricade.

 

AWP Safety is America’s Traffic Safety Leader & TRAFFIC CONTROL COMPANY

With more than 7,800 team members securing over 700,000 annual work zones, AWP Safety is North America’s leading traffic control company. As your traffic control partner, we safeguard your people, your business, and your time. We deliver comprehensive traffic management services, supporting utility, broadband, and transportation infrastructure work in communities across the country. We specialize in supplying the manpower to guide traffic safety around work zones. We also provide consultation and traffic design services, as well as traffic control equipment. Together, our family of brands are committed to improving traffic safety across the areas we serve.

 

AWP Safety

 

Statewide Safety Systems
Safety First SFC
Arrive Alive Traffic Control
 Texas Traffic and Barricade
 Stay Alert Safety Services
Give Em A Brake Safety

 

Traffic Control Company

Service Areas

As America’s leading traffic safety company, our portfolio of regional brands currently covers over 160 locations across 28 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces. Our expansive geographic footprint allows many AWP customers the convenience of using one provider for projects in multiple locations. We like to say that we are local – everywhere.
See our growing list of locations.

 

View Locations

We Are Committed to Safety.

As a traffic control company, and as a team, AWP Safety is dedicated to safety in everything we do.

CPR training
Safety Training
Flagger

 

As a traffic control company, Safety is our Mission

people

We Safeguard
Your People

At AWP Safety, safety is our primary focus. We provide the most comprehensive training and certification of traffic safety personnel in the industry. Your people will be protected by:

Safe Teams

We are safety-minded and professional.

Safe Work Zones

We make sure your employees have fewer accidents and injuries.

Safe Equipment

Our traffic safety equipment exceeds regulations.

communication

We Safeguard
Your Business

With AWP Safety, your business is secure. You will benefit from:

Less Risk

We lower your costs and your risk with services covered by industry-leading insurance.

More Reach

Our large footprint helps you simplify outsourcing with one provider.

Better Reputation

Our reputation as a national traffic control leader can enhance your customer relationships.

clock

We Safeguard
Your Time

AWP Safety understands your time is your money. We strive to work as efficiently as possible:

Reliable Processes

Enjoy accurate invoicing and 24/7 access to your up-to-date project information through our use of tablet technology.

Reliable Performance

Experienced project managers ensure your jobs run smoothly.

Reliable Partner

We are honest, transparent, and available 24/7/365.

Vision

We advance, innovate and automate utility, broadband, and infrastructure project safety with our scale, expertise, and technology – saving lives and protecting progress.

Mission

We provide the safest environment possible for every person building the future utility, broadband, and transportation infrastructure that powers and connects our world.

Values

Ownership
Understand the mission, be decisive, own results

Trust
Be authentic, transparent, and consistent

Teamwork
Be humble, inclusive, and reliable

Customer Testimonials

“They are a top-notch outfit, and their biggest concern was our employees safety. They showed up timely and made sure the site was secure before allowing our employees in the road. Considering the work area is S. Saunders St and I-40 this was not an easy task. I can highly recommend AWP & will not hesitate to use them again.”

– Ricardo Hernandez

Site Supervisor, City of Raleigh

Technology & Innovations

Raising the bar of industry standards through technological advances is one of the many ways AWP safeguards our customers. We are continually seeking out technology enhancements to stay at the forefront of industry best practices, and to better serve you.

AWP Safety Leadership

robert sehnert

Robert Sehnert

President and CEO

Rob focuses on growing AWP Safety’s leadership as North America’s leading worksite safety partner, protecting those who build our infrastructure. He is responsible for driving organizational strategy and performance as AWP Safety expands its capabilities and footprint to serve utility, telecommunication and roadway customers.

Before being named president and CEO in 2021, Rob served as AWP Safety’s chief integration officer, overseeing the transition of strategic acquisitions into AWP Safety’s operations. Prior to joining AWP Safety, he held senior-level and executive roles for 14 years at Wabtec Corporation, a global freight services provider. Rob is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served for 10 years as a Naval Special Operations Officer.

george bullock III

George Bullock III

Chief Financial Officer

George oversees the optimization of AWP Safety’s financial performance and return on investment. He leads all finance and accounting aspects of the company as well as the planning and analysis, corporate controller, treasury, and information technology teams.

Before joining AWP Safety in 2022, George served as chief operating officer at ASG Engineered Solutions, a leading industrial distributor. He also worked in chief financial officer roles at Smith Cooper International, Airborne Systems and IMI’s Severe Service group. Early in his career, George held financial management positions with firms in the fluid engineering, insulation, and automotive industries. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and the University of Colorado.

Jarrod Wachter

Jarrod Wachter

Chief Operating Officer

Jarrod leads day-to-day operations in support of customer needs and AWP Safety’s business plan. He oversees AWP Safety’s business model at the enterprise level to ensure safe, efficient and reliable traffic control solutions are delivered across the company’s footprint.

Before being named COO in 2019, Jarrod served as AWP Safety’s vice president of field operations. Prior to joining AWP Safety, he was a regional manager for Asplundh Construction Corp., one of the largest electrical utility contractors in the U.S. Jarrod also worked as vice president of operations at Midwest Electric, a regional industrial and utility electrical contractor. Jarrod is a graduate of the University of Dayton.

josh shipman

Josh Shipman

Chief Revenue Officer

Josh drives AWP Safety’s organic growth by leading the company’s sales and marketing initiatives, with a focus on market strategy, customer engagement, sales penetration and brand enhancement.

Josh has more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in the utility and digital networking industries. Before joining AWP Safety as CRO in 2021, Josh served as the senior vice president of global sales of Itential, a provider of network compliance and automation software. He also held the position of senior vice president at Osmose Utilities Services, a global leader in critical inspection, mobile contact voltage testing, maintenance and restoration services for electric transmission, distribution, and telecommunications utilities. Josh is a graduate of Duke University.

Michael Shearer

Michael Shearer

Chief Human Resource Officer

Michael leads all human resource activities in support of AWP Safety’s business goals and strategies. Responsibilities include overseeing talent acquisition and development, building a robust leadership pipeline and managing competitive benefits. He also optimizes AWP Safety’s organizational structure to support effective operations.

Before joining AWP Safety as CHRO in 2021, Michael served as the vice president of human resources for Shearer’s Foods, the largest supplier of private brand salty snacks in the U.S. with a national footprint of production facilities. He also worked as a senior human resources manager at Graco Children’s Products, a division of Rubbermaid, and as an area employee relations manager for Coca-Cola. Michael is a graduate of Bowling Green State University.

Matthew Hunt

Matthew Hunt

Chief Legal Officer

Matthew is the trusted legal advisor to the company’s leadership team and implements legal policies that protect the interests of AWP Safety’s customers, workforce and business. He is responsible for all aspects of legal strategy, services and compliance. Before joining AWP Safety in 2021, Matthew was an attorney and director at Ohio law firm Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty for 13 years. At Krugliak, he specialized in corporate law, workers’ compensation and commercial litigation. Matthew is a graduate of the Case Western School of Law and John Carroll University.

Bryan Brandstatter

Bryan Brandstatter

SENIOR Vice President, Corporate Development

Bryan creates, leads, and executes all corporate growth initiatives. His primary focus is on merger and acquisition activity and other atypical commercial arrangements for AWP Safety.

Bryan has more than 20 years of experience in investment banking and corporate development. Prior to joining AWP Safety in 2021, Bryan served as vice president of business development and commercial operations at Harsco Rail, a leader in track maintenance and construction. He also worked as the director of corporate development at Wabtec Corporation, a rail equipment provider. Bryan is a graduate of both Allegheny College and Hood College.

Nate Ice

Nate Ice

Senior Vice President, Information Technology

Nate guides the strategy, planning, implementation and security of all AWP Safety business systems and technology infrastructure. This includes all internal platforms that allow AWP Safety team members to collaborate effectively, as well as customer-facing technology that enables better operational efficiency, speed and service.

Before joining AWP Safety in 2022, Nate served as chief information officer at Premier Trailer Leasing, a national leader in the semi-truck trailer leasing industry. He also worked as the vice president of technology at iProspect, a global provider of business intelligence, strategy, planning and marketing services. He spent his early career in IT consulting and investment firms, specializing in project management and systems analysis and development. Nate is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and completed a post-graduate marketing program at Southern Methodist University.

We Are Your TRUSTED TRAFFIC CONTROL COMPANY AND Safety Partner

Learn more about AWP Safety, and our commitment to our customers, our team, and the communities we serve.

AWP NEWSROOMOUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY