John Michael Ratliff is a Richmond, Kentucky, resident who works at RL Caudill Construction as a drill operator and blaster. He mobilizes heavy equipment and high explosives, including transportation to the on-site setup. As core duty is ensuring Kentucky Department of Mining and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) compliance. John Michael Ratliff also performs pre-site evaluation and notifies affected residents and businesses of blasting operations and temporary road closures.
John Michael Ratliff is a longtime whitewater kayaker who helped launch the Sparta, Tennessee, manufacturing business Jackson Kayak in the early 2000s. He drove growth and oversaw the creation of an expansive new warehouse facility. He also developed a real-time quality assurance protocol in tandem with Apple, Inc., and was responsible for tooling, mold procurement, vendor sourcing, and innovation-centered production.
Additionally, he launched Sparta Plastics as a subsidiary rotational- and thermo-forming company that met the needs of major clients, such as a highway safety system manufacturer. Community involved, he donated a police dog and GPS units to local law enforcement and worked with Paws for a Cause in facilitating food, training, and veterinarian care for police K-9 units.