Regional Manager
Regional Manager Aaron Applegarth finds the most rewarding part of his role in seeing his teams grow. He takes pride in building stronger crews, investing in training, and helping employees expand their skills.
That focus is especially important in addressing staffing challenges. Like many in the service industry, Applegarth works to maintain enough qualified employees to meet customer needs and support other regions. Instead of relying on short-term fixes, his team enhanced training, offered financial incentives for driver’s licenses and trailer certifications, and invested in career development.
The approach paid off. “Watching the teams expand and really make an impact at the sites we’re working at is what stands out the most,” Applegarth said. “That’s been the biggest success.”
Applegarth is no stranger to management. At 16, he was already managing crews in his family’s business. He joined MPW in 2016 as a recruiter, worked in several positions, and became a regional manager two years ago.
Applegarth’s typical morning begins with phone calls to crews and customers, making sure expectations are aligned and projects are on track. From there, no two days look the same. Some days take him to job sites; others are filled with calls, troubleshooting, and customer visits. “I never really know what the day will bring, which keeps things interesting,” he said.
That flexibility also shapes Applegarth’s outlook for MPW’s future. He sees significant growth potential in the next five to 10 years, crediting the strength of the company’s people.
Outside of work, Applegarth and his wife are raising three children—two boys, ages 4 and 3, and a 2-year-old daughter. Family time is his priority, and the couple values the occasional date night together. “Spending time with my family is my favorite thing,” he said.
For Applegarth, success is about more than projects or cost centers; it’s about people. At work, that means helping employees gain skills and confidence that last beyond a single job. At home, it means being present for the milestones and small moments that matter most. Whether on a job site or with his family, Applegarth measures success by the difference he can make in the lives around him.