Awards & Recognitions

Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces List, Received 2021-2026

Aster Brands was recognized five years in a row for implementing an adoption benefits program that provides financial assistance and paid leave to employees growing their families through adoption. The initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting families, removing barriers to adoption, and fostering a workplace culture centered on employee well-being.

Read the Forbes recognition story (subscription required) and visit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption website to see how this honor reflects a deeper commitment to supporting families, children, and life-changing adoption journeys.

Project of the Year by the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA), 2026

Aster Brands was recognized by NLEA for a transformative $7.2 million headquarters redevelopment project in Harbor Springs, Michigan, which consolidated operations from multiple Northern Michigan locations and strengthened the region’s economic vitality. The project, supported by a performance-based grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, reinforced Aster Brands’ long-term commitment to Northern Michigan while laying the foundation for future growth.

Outstanding Business Leader Award from Northwood University, 2022

Awarded to Ben Manthei, Managing Partner of Redi-Rock International, for his exemplary leadership, business success, and commitment to developing people and organizations. The award recognizes leaders whose achievements and character inspire the next generation of business professionals to pursue meaningful success.

French Innovation Award, 2020

French Redi-Rock producer Lachaux Beton - BBLOX was selected as one of 101 companies to showcase innovation at the Great Exhibition of French-Made Products at the Élysée Palace. The recognition highlighted BBLOX’s contribution to French manufacturing, innovation, and job creation, earning praise from President Emmanuel Macron for supporting the nation’s economy and industrial future.

President’s E Certificate for Exports, 2020

Recognized by the President and the U.S. Department of Commerce for excellence in exporting, demonstrating leadership in global trade, and expanding the international reach of innovative retaining wall technology, this award honors Redi-Rock International (Aster Brands) for its significant contribution to export growth and worldwide business success. International law expert Jean Schtokal of Foster Swift complimented Redi-Rock's efforts, saying, “Redi-Rock is such a truly innovative company when it comes to not only their products, but how they see obstacles as opportunities. They found creative ways to connect with organizations and manufacturers all over the globe, while protecting their intellectual property. They’re doing good around the world by creating these other business opportunities while also growing their company in Michigan.”

Thriving Petoskey Award from the Petoskey Chamber of Commerce, 2020

Honored for championing conscious business practices that support employee well-being, local community impact, and sustainable growth. The recognition highlighted Aster Brands’ commitment to building a strong workplace culture while contributing to the livability of Northern Michigan through its Rosetta Hardscapes and Redi-Rock precast solutions.

For more information, read a Petoskey News-Review article (subscription required) that covered the details of this honor.

U.S. Small Business Administration Michigan Exporter of the Year, 2020

Awarded for rapid global expansion, successful licensing of retaining wall technology in international markets, and the creation of new jobs through the export of forms and engineering methods, this recognition from the U.S. Small Business Administration highlighted Redi-Rock International’s (Aster Brands) growing international customer base and expanding global footprint.

A Petoskey News-Review article (subscription required) and a Michigan Business Report feature more information on this award, and check out the testimony of Kevin Loe, presented to Congress.

U.S. Commercial Service’s Export Achievement Certificate, 2019

Redi-Rock International (Aster Brands) received the Export Achievement Certificate, presented by Congressman Jack Bergman, for successfully expanding its sales into international markets. The award recognizes U.S. companies that achieve export growth with support from the U.S. Commercial Service. Congressman Jack Bergman stated, “Aster Brands has a long history of success in northern Michigan. I’m proud to join the team today to recognize the impact their work is having not only in Michigan but throughout the world. It’s my pleasure to recognize their achievements in international sales and to congratulate them on this momentous occasion.”

View the Aster Brands Knowledge Hub article and official press release about this award.

2018 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award, 2018

Redi-Rock International (Aster Brands) was recognized as one of Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch for its entrepreneurial leadership, sustainable business strategies, and economic impact. The company also received Distinguished Alumni and Strategically Focused honors for its significant international expansion and continued business growth.

• Redi-Rock Lands on 'Companies to Watch List' - The Petoskey News Review (subscription required)
• Aster Brands Expands Internationally - Aster Brands Knowledge Hub
• Congratulations to the 2018 MCSB Award Winners - Small Business Association of Michigan

Vidyard’s Top 3 Breakout Video Marketer of the Year, 2015

The 2015 Vidyard Video Marketing Awards (VMAs) recognized marketers who went beyond chasing video views to create campaigns that generated measurable business results. Aster Brands Marketing Manager Matilyn Meadows earned this recognition for her innovative storytelling approach, demonstrating how strategic video content can build meaningful customer connections and drive real business impact.

Honor Award at the 2025 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Colorado, 2025

Engineering firm Otak Engineering earned an Honor Award at the 2025 ACEC Colorado event for the Maroon Creek Trail Redi-Rock gravity wall project, reflecting low-impact engineering that protects sensitive landscapes while connecting communities.

See why this project became an industry benchmark in this Redi-Rock Knowledge Hub article.

Colorado Contractors Association (CCA) Infrastructure Construction Excellence (ICE) Award for the Pedestrian/Bike Infrastructure category, 2025

When the city of Aspen, CO needed to connect various areas of the city via a trail network through sensitive alpine terrain, Redi-Rock's minimal-excavation gravity wall made it possible. Gould Construction, a Colorado-based retaining wall contractor, earned the CCA ICE award for the Maroon Creek Multi-Use Trail project, which consisted of constructing a Redi-Rock gravity wall to preserve trail access. The award recognized Gould's minimal-impact installation approach and the long-term durability of the Redi-Rock retaining wall solution.

Discover what made this project stand out and earn industry recognition in this Redi-Rock Knowledge Hub article.

Storm Water Solutions (SWS) Top Project Honorees, 2023

After severe storms compromised a critical drainage channel in Tauranga, New Zealand, a Redi-Rock mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall stabilized the site, protecting vulnerable sand dunes and preserving the adjacent roadway, public parking, and walking paths, and earning this project recognition at the 2023 SWS awards.

Read the SWS article about this project and visit the Redi-Rock Knowledge Hub for a full project spotlight.

Storm Water Solutions (SWS) Top Project Honorees, 2023 A Redi-Rock project in Chicago, IL, stabilized a cumbersome ditch, reducing flood risk for 430 properties, earning a 2022 SWS Top Project honor, and showcasing the engineering precision behind Redi-Rock streambank and water retention solutions.

For more details about this award and the project that earned it, explore the spotlight on the Redi-Rock Knowledge Hub.

Storm Water Solutions (SWS) Top Project Honorees, 2022

The Storm Water Solutions (SWS) Top Projects Awards program recognizes the year's most innovative stormwater and erosion control projects. A Cincinnati, Ohio, Redi-Rock project received this honor for transforming a long-standing wastewater management challenge into a sustainable, multi-use solution that significantly reduced harmful sewage overflows while creating valuable urban greenspace. The Lick Run Greenway project used 11 Redi-Rock retaining walls across a 1.5-mile valley to reduce estimated combined sewage overflows by 400 million gallons per year while creating a public waterway and community recreation areas.

See how this project solved a complex challenge by reading the full spotlight on the Redi-Rock Knowledge Hub.

Constructing Excellence SECBE Award in the Health and Safety category, 2020

Redi-Rock installer Kier Highways in the United Kingdom helped deliver £16 million (roughly 21 billion US dollars) in efficiency savings on some of England's busiest motorways with the construction of two Redi-Rock gravity retaining walls, earning the project a 2020 Constructing Excellence SECBE Award.

Go behind the award and discover the project that earned national recognition in the Redi-Rock Knowledge Hub project spotlight.

American Council of Engineering Companies Colorado Excellence Awards Outstanding Engineering Design and Outstanding Graphics, 2017

The Clear Creek Canyon Trail project earned Muller Engineering two ACEC Colorado Excellence Awards for Outstanding Engineering Design and Outstanding Graphics, recognized for building a 10-foot-wide trail in a narrow canyon with steep slopes and limited space.

Discover the story behind this award and the project that made it possible on the Redi-Rock Knowledge Hub.

Hardscape North America Award for Best Commercial Retaining Wall, 2025

A Rosetta Hardscapes project in Pennsylvania was recognized at the HNA awards for creating The Garden of the Empty Tomb, a 325-foot memorial wall that combined beauty, strength, and meaningful design. The award honored installer Kerr Landscaping and Rosetta Hardscapes producer R.I. Lampus for their craftsmanship and collaboration in building a space that will honor families for generations to come.

Go beyond the award and explore the project that made it possible on the Rosetta Hardscapes Knowledge Hub.