MOB Traffic sets its sights on new headquarters.  

Masters of Barricades (MOB Traffic) is on the move — literally — as it begins clearing an undeveloped parcel of land for its new headquarters near Las Vegas Boulevard and Pecos Road in North Las Vegas. The site will provide MOB Traffic with more parking, offices, and yard space at a little more than three acres.

This will be the second move in the company’s history, with the last move being to the office and yard at the Goldfield location. But unlike the Goldfield Street address, MOB Traffic won’t have to adapt to existing real estate. The new parcel will be developed from the ground up.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for us to design-build the entire parcel to serve our employees and customers better,” said Jeff Pritchett, CMO for MOB Las Vegas. “While the Goldfield location served us well over the years, we couldn’t always maximize the space. Some offices were at capacity, while others were underused. Parking could be a challenge during peak times and special events.” 

While MOB Traffic plans to design offices with a smaller overall footprint, Pritchett says a better layout will maximize the space and allow for the inclusion of an elevator or lift, something the Goldfield address could not accommodate. This sometimes prevented MOB Traffic from hosting larger traffic certification classes despite the building being grandfathered in under prior ADA laws and rules.

“Of course, the offices will be the last phase of a multi-phase plan over the next two years,” said Pritchett. “The first phase, and the easiest, will be preparing the site to accommodate our fleet of flatbeds and equipment.”

Pritchett says the first phase of the move will be easy. Certified traffic technicians will take equipment out to a job from the Goldfield address and then return it to the new Las Vegas Boulevard address. In contrast, moving the offices will be more challenging. 

“The first move will largely consist of personnel who need to work onsite,” says Pritchett. “They’ll move into well-equipped mobile offices, while others might work remotely during the construction of our permanent building.”

MOB Traffic has some experience with this type of working arrangement. In the early days of the public health crisis caused by COVID, MOB Traffic was one of the first companies to answer the state’s call to service. Their early outreach helped streamline a barricade program for satellite testing sites managed by the Henderson Fire Department, Clark County Fire Department, and Las Vegas Fire & Rescue.

“During the crisis, many of our office employees worked remotely,” said Pritchett. “So, we already know what that might look like for the short term. As more mobile offices become available or offices inside the future building are complete, we’ll move everyone back.”

Pritchett says transitional times like these present the perfect opportunity for new hires. The company currently needs collections assistants, shop/yard workers, draft planners, flaggers, and traffic control technicians. Applicants can fill out online applications.

“We’re very willing to help train people into various positions as long as they meet the minimum requirements,” says Pritchett. “We’ve even taught a few new hires basic skills like changing out a drill bit. We don’t mind. All we ask is that they meet the minimum requirements of the position they apply for.”

A traffic control technician, for example, is a driving position. The applicant must be 23 or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and have an OSHA 10 (construction) certification. Flaggers must possess ATSSA Flagger and OSHA 10 (construction) certifications.

“Another benefit to joining the company now is that it’s easier to learn the traffic control technician position before summer when the temperatures rise,” said Pritchett. “Starting in the spring allows you to adjust to the summer heat. I know because, like all of our founders, I also worked as a traffic control technician. I know how to pack a truck to make unloading easier, put out a proper taper, and pack it all up.”

Pritchett says new employees are looking for a career in traffic control, and the location will be great for the company and the surrounding community. Development of the parcel could help elevate the area, stimulate economic recovery, and reduce crime by providing a 24-hour presence. 

“Sometimes people think that a traffic control company will increase area traffic,” Pritchett said. “But it’s not really true. Our well-maintained trucks will generally operate out of the yard at non-peak times and work offsite, on their routes, for the rest of the shift. There were also times when we were so busy that almost every arrowboard and delineator was out on the job. There isn’t any clutter.”

Pritchett expects the first phase of the move to start in the early summer, giving MOB Traffic a few more months to clean up the parcel, bring utilities online, and perform area improvements. After the parcel is improved, MOB Traffic may move some of its fleet early as it begins a new era in traffic management.