In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews growing YouTuber's and business owners Michael and Seth from Michael's Paving. They discuss the unique social media presence of Michael's Paving, their content strategy and the impact social media has on growing their business. //SHOW SPONSORS KM International, Dynapac, Crafco, Stencil Plus, Jobber and Aquaphalt //DISCOUNT LINKS ►(Jobber) https://go.getjobber.com/blacktopbanter ► (Stencil Plus) Save 10% with code BB10 at stencilplus.com...
May 20, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 157
Mark Peach, CEO of Pittbos, discusses the development of their cloud-based estimating platform for paving contractors. Pittbos streamlines the entire estimating process, from project discovery to proposal delivery, and integrates with CRM and backlog management tools. Pittbos allows contractors to create opportunities, distribute project information to sales reps, build a library of labor and equipment costs, and generate quotes quickly and accurately. It includes features such as estimating, qu...
May 13, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 156
In this conversation, Marvin Joles interviews Wally Adamchik, an author and construction industry expert, about leadership in the construction industry. They discuss the fear and imposter syndrome that can hold people back from becoming leaders, as well as practical steps to improve leadership skills. They emphasize the importance of systems and processes in leadership and the need for self-awareness and asking questions. They also discuss the value of focus and making choices, as well as the po...
May 06, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 155
In this episode, Marvin interviews Michael Melicia, founder and CEO of Coastal Paving and Excavating. Michael shares his journey in the industry, from starting out doing seal coats and small patch work to expanding into full engineering and excavation projects. He discusses the importance of social media in showcasing the industry and building a community. Michael also emphasizes the simplicity of success by making choices and taking action. //SHOW SPONSORS KM International, Dynapac, Stencil Plu...
Apr 29, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 154
In this conversation, Kevin Gray of ADC Paving shares his journey of self-discovery and transformation. He discusses how he realized that his previous pursuits were not fulfilling and how he found a new purpose in helping others. Kevin emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, humility, and genuine connections. He reflects on the dangers of isolation and shame and the power of embracing growth and change. Kevin and Marvin discuss the significance of enjoying the journey, living with humility, ...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 153
"It's not the "time" you put in but the intensity you put in during that time that has the biggest impact on your results. Like anything in life, earning the results you want comes down to being effective with your time, acting with proper intent and execution," says guest Will Grumke, director of education at 1st Phorm. In this episode, Marvin talks with Will about the importance of nutrition in the construction industry and how making good, better, and best food choices can improve overall hea...
Apr 15, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 152
In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin interviews Kraig Carmickle and Wesley Hunt from Optic Systems. Optic Systems provides a platform for recording and uploading video footage of roadways, allowing users to access and evaluate the videos for inspections and evaluations. The videos can be shared with contractors and municipalities, and the platform also offers tools for marking up videos and adding work orders. The system benefits asphalt company leadership by providing a way to remotely mo...
Apr 08, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 151
In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews John Felkins, the Executive Director of EntreLeadership Elite. John shares his journey from working in construction to becoming a leadership coach, emphasizes the importance of transitioning from being a skilled tradesperson to a leader and offers advice for construction leaders. John discusses the concept of command and control leadership and highlights the significance of building rapport, credibility, trust, and influence with your t...
Apr 01, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 150
Zach Laberge, founder of Frenter, discusses the beginnings and evolution of his construction tech company and the parallels between tech and construction entrepreneurs. He shares his journey from starting the company at only 14 years old to securing investments of over $1M dollars while pivoting the business model. Laberge explains how Frenter's hardware-enabled software helps construction companies track and manage their equipment, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings. He emphasizes ...
Mar 25, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 149
Spencer B, the owner of SB Mowing, is a YouTuber with more than 1 Million subscribers and 3 BILLION+ views!! During this conversation on the Blacktop Banter podcast, Spencer shares his top tips for aspiring YouTube creators, his process for making engaging content and why spreading goodwill has been essential to his YouTube success. //SHOW SPONSORS This episode is brought to you by Crafco, the official sponsor of Blacktop Banter. Learn more at crafco.comPodcast sponsors: Crafco, Dynapac, KM Inte...
Mar 18, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 148
In this episode, Dr. Erin Craw discusses mental health in the workplace, specifically in the construction industry. She highlights the need to shift the conversation from focusing solely on mental illness to promoting mental health and wellbeing. Dr. Craw explains the cultural barriers and expectations that contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health in the construction industry and emphasizes the importance of education and knowledge in understanding the physiological responses to stress...
Mar 11, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 147
Marvin and Josh Kosnick discuss the topic of leadership and personal growth. They share their personal experiences and insights on the importance of surrounding yourself with upper echelon individuals, the journey of climbing the mountain of success, and overcoming challenges to find happiness. They emphasize the value of personal development, mentorship, and continuous learning in becoming effective leaders. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of leadership and the pos...
Mar 10, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 146
In this conversation, John Pajak shares his journey from working in heavy industry to starting his own lawn care business and creating the Budgets Break Evens and Bottom Lines workshop. He also discusses the importance of joining a mastermind group and the success of his podcast, Profits with Pajak. John emphasizes the value of learning from failure and offers advice to not let setbacks discourage you. The conversation highlights the power of friendship and collaboration in the industry, as well...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 145
In this episode of the Blacktop Banter Podcast, Marvin recaps the 2024 PaveX show in San Antonio, Texas including the Blacktop Banter Kickoff Event, show floor and outdoor demos, special guests, community and collaboration, after party and the anticipation for next year's event. //SHOW SPONSORS This episode is brought to you by Crafco, the official sponsor of Blacktop Banter. Learn more at crafco.com Podcast sponsors: Crafco, Dynapac, KM International, 800 Pavement Network, Stencil Plus, Aquapha...
Feb 21, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 144
In this conversation, JP Dinnell shares insights on managing expectations, driving ownership, and applying lessons and tactics learned from the military to personal and business life. He and Marvin discuss leadership methods, the importance of working smart, the value of hard work, and the power of belief and execution. They also explore the need for forward thinking, learning from setbacks, and developing a thinking culture within organizations. The conversation highlights the role of Echelon F...
Feb 14, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 143
In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Jamie Cochran, the Chief Operating Officer at Echelon Front. They discuss the importance of leadership and how to improve leadership skills. Jamie shares her journey to Echelon Front and how she developed her own leadership skills. She emphasizes that leadership is a skill that can be learned and improved upon. Jamie also highlights the importance of applying leadership principles at home and being an example for children. The episode c...
Feb 06, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 142
Adrian and Arlun Alblas share the story of the growth of their company, Burnaby Blacktop, in the paving industry. They started with humble beginnings, knocking on doors to sell sealer and gradually expanded their services. Challenges in finding the right staff and creating a positive company culture were overcome through perseverance and dedication. The brothers focused on improving efficiency by investing in new technology, such as milling machines, and implementing systems and software for bet...
Jan 30, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 141
In this episode, Marvin and Naylor Taliaferro, the Lawn Care Rookie, discuss their backgrounds and how Naylor got into the lawn care industry. They talk about their experiences in retail management and the challenges they faced in balancing work and family life. Naylor shares how he discovered his passion for lawn care and the journey that led him to start his own business. They also discuss the importance of self-reflection and making changes to improve one's quality of life. The conversation c...
Jan 21, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 140
In this episode, Marvin interviews Jack Child, the founder of G-Force Parking Lot Striping. Jack shares his journey from being a pilot to starting his own franchise of veteran-owned line striping companies. He explains how he got into the driveway sealing business and eventually transitioned into striping. Jack also discusses the challenges and rewards of franchising, particularly focusing on veterans as franchise owners. He emphasizes the importance of a supportive network and company culture. ...
Jan 15, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 139
In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin interviews Shawn Prince, VP of Business Development at Attentive AI, about the benefits and misconceptions of AI in the construction industry. They discuss the hesitancy surrounding AI, the potential for AI to improve efficiency and accuracy in estimating and sales processes, and the future integration of AI in various aspects of the industry. Shawn emphasizes the importance of finding a partner, not just a product, when implementing AI technology and h...
Jan 03, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 138
In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Chad Buck of Buck Brothers Asphalt, Paving and Concrete takes us on a fascinating journey through the trials, triumphs, and evolutions of a family business during a call with members of the Blacktop Banter Success Group. When Chad took over the family business at 21, the venture was struggling against the weight of outdated operations and practices. Chad dives into the difficulties encountered and successful strategies he implemented to turn the business from ...
Dec 19, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 137
In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin interviews Drew Mohatt, the Business Development Manager at Holcim US. Drew shares his journey in the asphalt industry and discusses the focus on safety and sustainability at Holcim US. He emphasizes the importance of communication between contractors and material producers and encourages feedback to improve processes. Drew also highlights the value of networking and maintaining relationships in the industry. In this conversation, Drew Mohatt discusses ...
Dec 12, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 136
Summary In this conversation, Eli Stoehr shares his journey in the asphalt industry and his role in The Pavement Group. He discusses his upbringing in Wisconsin, his parents' careers, and the importance of work-life balance. Eli also talks about his transition into the asphalt industry and the challenges he faced. He emphasizes the significance of building authentic relationships in sales and shares a tactical tip of using selfie videos to connect with clients. Eli's story highlights the importa...
Dec 05, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 135
They say you can measure a person's success by the things they build. But what about the intangibles - the trust, the support, the community we foster? For Daniel Good of Bay Country Contractors, it's about family, fostering mutual respect, and stepping up for one another. It's about the deeds that let people live better lives including being in a peer group and helping others achieve success in life and business. For Daniel it's not just the size of the impact, but the heart behind it. //SHOW S...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 134
Vince Hafeli is President of Ajax Paving Industries in Florida. Several years ago, Hafeli considered ending his life. The unrelenting pressure to do more, under budget, on time without any incidents or safety problems, added stress to an already physical demanding job and became too much for him to handle. Construction is a male dominated industry, attracting people who are tough minded and not willing to talk about their struggles openly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent...
Nov 21, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 133
Fred Laberge lives life on the edge of danger. An extreme sports athlete and physical trainer from Quebec Canada, Fred began his career as a high-level snowboarder and downhill, competitive skateboarder. But, it was ultimately the luge that had him instantly hooked. If you've seen the luge on MTV or X-Games you know these guys put themselves and their bodies at risk by flying down hills at CRAZY high speeds. Fred's "No Fear" attitude and knowledge of pavement conditions help him plan his lines, ...
Nov 14, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 132
As cities get more congested with cars and pedestrians, deploying large asphalt pavers, motorized sweepers and other heavy machines becomes a larger challenge. Enter JCB and the Pothole Pro. An all-in-one solution, the Pothole Pro is capable of performing a pothole “Cut, Crop and Clean” process with a uniform hole profile consistently with only a single operator in the cab. A pothole repair that would typically require 20 to 30 minutes of manual labor with a jackhammer, can be completed in just ...
Nov 06, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 131
In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin has an enlightening conversation with Vijay Palanisamy of Dynapac North America. An engineer by trade with a passion for marketing, Vijay hails from Coimbatore, India where he worked in the manufacturing and mining industries before joining Dynapac and moving to the US in 2008. Their conversation delves into his journey and the strides that Dynapac has made towards becoming a leader and innovator in the asphalt industry, particularly with their seismic ...
Oct 28, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 130
In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Joseph Blackman guides listeners through the evolution of on-the-job training, focusing on the empowering influence of technology in the workforce. We dive into the concept of upskilling with video tutorials, and how companies like Vitendo are on the cutting edge of job training and knowledge sharing models. Joseph explains how the shift from needing to know everything beforehand to learning on the go through video tutorials redefines what it means to be “job-...
Oct 16, 2023•55 min
'Dozer Dave' Turin, star of the hit TV series 'Gold Rush' joins the Blacktop Banter podcast for a conversation about his life, television and the upcoming Dirt World Summit. During our conversation Dave recalls memories from more than 50 years in the asphalt, paving and mining industries and how working in a family business shaped his future. Dave explains how the family business expanded gradually, leading to major infrastructural purchases like an asphalt plant and rock quarry and ultimately t...
Oct 16, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 127
