The days of employees staying with their employer for 30, 20 or even 10 years have in most cases gone the way of vinyl records, the Model T and drive ins. But like the old record collection you have stashed away in the back of the closet, it still contains a few classics.

Leslie Graves is one of those. In early February, a key member in the purchasing department at Multiquip's Whiteman operations celebrated 50 years with the company.

"I have enjoyed the challenges, the people I work with and most of all the way the company has treated me all these years," said Graves, who joined Whiteman on the recommendation of his brother Rodney who worked for the company at the time. "Some day I should write a book about my time working here."

Graves started at the concrete working product manufacturer in 1955 spending his early years as a conventional machinist and equipment assembly worker. He later supervised the parts department and receiving before Whiteman relocated to Boise, Idaho from Pacoima, Calif.  After turns as plant manager, in planning, and shipping and receiving, he moved into his current position in Whiteman's purchasing department.

Graves' hard work and commitment to the success of the company has helped Multiquip's Whiteman division become one of the world's largest manufacturer's power trowels, screeds, concrete and masonry saws, concrete vibrators, power buggies and diamond blades. And if it's up to Graves, the company won't stop there.

"The construction industry has taken a huge leap in growth and equipment with even bigger and better changes to come," he said.