COME SEE YOUR NEW TOY
Crafco’s new EZ Patcher skid steer attachment makes pavement patching faster and safer with innovative features designed for the real world.
See the EZ Patcher’s live-action demo at PAVE/X in Chattanooga on Jan. 28.
Your Asphalt Mill To
The addition of a large milling machine to your pavement maintenance business can open a lot of new doors for you, but there’s a whole other level of value and power to these machine waiting to be unlocked.
Pavement Maintenance
International: Lessons From “Kiwi” Contractors. Part 1 of a new 3 part series from renowned contractor guru Brad Humphrey, the Contractor’s Best Friend, as he travels to the other side of the globe to help you grow your business.
But she would have to start teaching herself if she wanted
WHAT’S ONLINE
4 Biggest Hurdles To New Technology Adoption
At BOMAG’s annual Innovation Days exhibition held in Boppard, Germany, the heavy iron had center stage, but it was technology solutions that stole the show and dominated conversation.
Formoreinformationvisit
https://pavemg.com/tq4u4dz7
[VIDEO] Advanced Asphalt Milling Techniques | No Edge Lines Season 2 Episode 5
Thinking of adding a milling machine to your asphalt business? Or have you recently purchased one and want to get more efficient and more productive? There are lots of ways to level-up your milling game.
Formoreinformationvisit
https://pavemg.com/boctoz5z
LeeBoy Helps Those Impacted Locally By Hurricane Helene
Based in Lincolnton, NC, hurrican Helene came right through their own backyard. With employees, associates, and other locals all effected by the storm damage, LeeBoy is doing their part to help those in need.
Formoreinformationvisit
https://pavemg.com/40halpx7
PAVEMENT
ADVISORY BOARD
Agua Trucks Inc
Wickenburg, AZ, Scott Duscher
Asphalt Contractors Inc., Union Grove, WI Robert Kordus
Published and copyrighted 2024 by IRONMARKETS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.
Individual subscriptions are available without charge in the U.S. only to pavement maintenance contractors, producers and government employees involved in paving or pavement maintenance; dealers, and distributors of pavement maintenance equipment or materials; and others with similar business activities. Complete the subscription form at www.forconstructionpros.com or use your company letterhead giving all the information requested. Publisher reserves the right to reject nonqualified subscribers. One year subscriptions for nonqualified individuals: $35.00 U.S.A., $60.00 Canada and Mexico, and $85.00 all other countries (payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank). Single copies available (prepaid only) $10.00 each (U.S., Canada & Mexico), $15.00 each (International). Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction (ISSN 1098-5875), is published eight times per year: January, February, March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/ November, December by IRONMARKETS, 201 N. Main St. Ste 350, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI and additional entry offices.
POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to , 201 N. Main St. Ste. 350, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Printed in the USA.
PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE & RECONSTRUCTION is proudly supported by these associations:
Asphalt Restoration Technology Systems, Orlando, FL ........................ Connie Lorenz
Brahney Paving, Hillsborough, NJ
Steven Brahney
Maul Paving/Concrete/Sealcoating, PLainfield, IL ........................................ Chris Maul
Parking Lot Maintenance, Lake St. Louis, MO Todd Bruening
Petra Paving, Hampstead, NH Chris Tammany
Pioneer Paving, Albuquerque, NM Don Rooney
Roberts Traffic, Hollywood, FL Lisa Birchfield
Show Striping Inc. (SSI), Wisconsin Dells, WI Amber Showalter
T&N Asphalt Services, Salt Lake City, UT Nick Howell
Young Sealcoating Inc, Lynchburg, VA Steve Young
The Paving Lady Mauro Comuzzi
JMP Excelsior Services Jim Panzenhagen
Sweeping Industry Veteran .................................................................................. Gabe Vitale
Flat Nickel Management .................................................................................. Michael Nawa
Wis-Coat Asphalt Maintenance Marvin Joles
Clear Choice Sealing
Warren Johnson
Jacketta Sweeping Services Debbie Jacketta
Royal Pavement Solutions Kenneth Roy III
ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES:
Pavement Coatings Technology Council Brian Riggs, Executive Director
Vol. 37, No. 8, Decemberr 2024
‘Tis The (Off)Season!
Due to forces seen, and some unseen, the offseason isn’t what it used to be. How can you still make the best of it?
Ilive in northeast Ohio, and as I sit here writing to you today, it was nearly 70 degrees outside...in November. No matter what your thoughts on the climate are, I can tell you this for certain: every contractor I’ve talked to this year has, albeit excitedly, told me that their season was still chugging along. I asked each of them the same question, “Is this fairly normal?” and they each told me plainly, “No.”
Some of you used to end your seasons in mid-October, some at the start of November, and some of you reading this right now in northern states might still be taking calls. What might you be able to do differently with an offseason that is shorter and warmer than it’s ever been?
Some contractors have relied on snow removal services in years past, but even in northeast Ohio there have been historic lows in snowfall in recent years. If that’s true in your part of the country, then it might be time to consider other options to pick up the slack.
PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TOWARD ASPHALT
Brandon Noel, Editor bNoel@iron.markets 234-600-8983
Not everyone, but some of you might be able to take advantage of the warmer off-season by keeping on standby a smaller asphalt team. Perhaps, you’re not going to take on a full paving job, but you could consider talking to a learner version of your paving team who are interested in making extra money and would be ready and willing to do smaller repair work:
• Pothole patching
• Saw cuts and replacement
• Catch basin repairs
• Speedbump/speedtable installations
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but getting in touch with your local municipal office might reveal other types of repair or maintenance services that they need completed over the traditional holiday months.
You might be wondering, “Ok, but where am I going to get asphalt if the plants are closed?”
There are a few ways to handle this issue. The most straightforward way is to get your hands on an asphalt reclaimer and a decent sized hotbox. Now, this might require some small foresight, but it’s extremely doable. Having some reclaimed or even virgin asphalt leftover at the end of the season isn’t a heavy lift. You may need to look into some rejuvinators or other products to elevate the quality of the material to higher standard, but, again, that just takes some preplanning.
THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME
PAVEMENT
EDITORIAL
Editor Brandon Noel bnoel@iron.markets
Content Director, Marketing Services Jessica Lombardo jlombardo@iron.markets
Managing Editor Gigi Wood gwood@iron.markets
Junior Editor Merina Shriver mshriver@iron.markets
AUDIENCE
Audience Development Manager Angela Franks
PRODUCTION
Senior Production Manager Cindy Rusch crusch@iron.markets
Art Director April Van Etten
ADVERTISING/SALES
Brand Director Amy Schwandt aschwandt@iron.markets
Brand Manager ..................................................... Megan Perleberg mperleberg@iron.markets
Sales Representative Sean Dunphy sdunphy@iron.markets
Sales Representative Kris Flitcroft kflitcroft@iron.markets
IRONMARKETS
Chief Executive Officer Ron Spink
Chief Revenue Officer Amy Schwandt VP, Finance Greta Teter VP, Operations & IT Nick Raether VP, Demand Generation & Education Jim Bagan
Corporate Director of Sales Jason DeSarle
Brand Director, Construction, OEM & IRONPROS Sean Dunphy
Content Director Marina Mayer
Director, Online & Marketing Services Bethany Chambers Director, Event Content & Programming Jess Lombardo
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS
201 N. Main St. Ste. 350, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (877) 201-3915 | Fax: (847)-291-4816 circ.pavement@omeda.com
LIST RENTAL
Sr. Account Manager Bart Piccirillo | Data Axle (518) 339 4511 | bart.piccirillo@infogroup.com
REPRINT SERVICES
Brand Manager Megan Perleberg mperleberg@iron.markets | (800) 538-5544
Published and copyrighted 2024 by IRONMARKETS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.
Of course, the easiest, and sometimes the smartest, thing to do with your offseason is to upgrade and/or maintenance your equipment during the offseason. If you’re finding yourself with fewer weeks of offseason maintenance time because you took a few later/extra jobs, then you’re going to need to carefully manage the weeks you do have so that you’re not behind when it comes time for the spring rush.
Personally, I think it’s important to take time away, step back, recharge and refresh. However, that might not be for everyone, and you’ve got to make the call for your business. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to take stock during the holidays and appreciate the ones around you! Happy holidays, and I’ll see you on the road! ■
Bergkamp Appoints Reuben Lowrey as Chief Customer Officer
Bergkamp Inc., announced the addition of Reuben Lowrey as COO. With a diverse background in customer service, engineering, and manufacturing, Lowrey brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Bergkamp.”
Reuben’s extensive background in agriculture mirrors many of the challenges we face in the construction industry,” said Scott Bergkamp, President of Bergkamp Inc. “His skills in customer service, marketing, and sales will transition seamlessly to our industry, enhancing our customer relationships and service offerings.” Lowrey’s career highlights include prominent roles at leading companies, including:
• Morton Salt – Engineering, Safety, and Operations
• AGCO – Manufacturing Engineering and Plant Management
• Georgia Pacific – Production Management
• Krone Agriculture – Market, Regional, and Director-level roles
His combined expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and direct customer support will provide valuable insight for both Bergkamp’s contractor customers and government agencies in the U.S. and internationally.”Speaking with Reuben feels like connecting with a long-time employee,” added Bergkamp. “We’re confident that his focus on customer success and personal integrity aligns perfectly with our team’s values.” Bergkamp invites customers and partners to introduce themselves to Lowrey and discuss how Bergkamp can support their operations. He is also eager to explore insights on industry challenges and build strong relationships in his new role. For
ONECREW SECURES $3.25M TO MODERNIZE PAVING END-TO-END PLATFORM
OneCrew, an end-to-end business management software platform designed for asphalt and concrete paving contractors, today announced the close of a $3.25 million seed funding round led by Entourage and Bienville Capital, with participation from Alaris Capital.
Founded in 2022, OneCrew simplifies complex workflows for paving businesses by integrating tools for CRM, estimating, scheduling & dispatch, job costing, and more into a single platform.
Built specifically for contractors, OneCrew provides an end-to-end solution for managing operations from the office to the job site, empowering paving companies to streamline their processes, improve efficiency, and boost profitability.
“At OneCrew, we’re committed to helping paving contractors unlock the full potential of their operations by providing them with tools that are designed to address their unique challenges,” said Ari Bleemer, founder and CEO of OneCrew. “Our platform is more than just software; it’s a comprehensive solution that allows contractors to manage everything from estimating costs to tracking performance and crew productivity. By better leveraging estimating data, we’re paving the way for contractors to focus on what they do best—completing high-quality jobs—while OneCrew takes care of the rest.”
This funding round will enable OneCrew to accelerate product development around higher complexity jobs, add new features supporting contractor relationships with customers and subcontractors, and expand its user base throughout North America.
EVERLINE COATINGS RECEIVES STRATEGIC INVESTMENT FROM RED IRON GROUP
The partnership reflects EverLine’s successful journey towards becoming the premier self-performing commercial and industrial facility services brand across North America. The growth equity investment will be used to enhance EverLine’s existing systems further while increasing capacity, ensuring that the company can meet the growing demand for its services across North America. With the capital backing and strategic expertise of Red Iron Group, EverLine will accelerate its expansion into new markets and continue providing the high-quality service it is known for while laying the foundation to revolutionize the facility services industry. EverLine’s CEO and founder, John Evans, will continue to lead the company with his ownership of the business.
“With the support of Red Iron Group, we are poised to elevate our service offerings and expand our reach as we continue to grow across North America,” said Evans. “We are committed to staying true to our values and continuing to provide the exceptional service that our customers have come to expect, all while gaining the enhanced resources necessary to take our brand to the next level.”
EverLine will expand into previously untapped markets, enabling the brand to expand its footprint across North America. This will enhance its overall service capacity, empowering EverLine to take on larger contracts and serve an expanded customer base.
1
R3 Asphalt Crack Router
Cimline, Inc
Cimline has introduced the R3 Asphalt Crack Router, which is designed to support operator safety and sealing operations.
Powered by a 27-hp electric start gasoline engine, the machine features a single piece drum design with cutouts on each side of the housing for access. The R3 is equipped with a 6-gal. fuel tank and dual-stage air cleaners. The base has two wheels and operators can access a portable handle for control during use, as well as for transporting the machine around the jobsite.
Features include:
2
• Belly-bar Hands-Free Emergency Shutdown: Supports operator safety.
• Kohler Engine: Provides performance with low maintenance.
• Quick Stop II Anti-Kickback System: Stops backward travel when handles are released.
• Integrated Depth Gauge: Displays depth gauge.
• Large Tilt-Up Shroud: Allows bit access.
• Electronic Clutch provides a way to disengage cutting drum without powering down machine.
For more information visit https://pavemg.com/pavex
DualEyes Camera System for RegenX Sweepers
Elgin Sweeper
The camera system supports visibility on the front right tire and front right corner of the sweeper in addition to the right-side broom. Visibility of the curbline shows possible obstructions in the sweeper’s path. The new DualEyes will first be available on the Elgin RegenX – a mid-dump, regenerative air sweeper that is both reliable and durable. The DualEyes system is for use when there is no right-hand steering available, so operating the sweeper from the left-hand position is possible. DualEyes can be used in bright sunlight or in darkness without any lighting. A clear color picture is available at night due to the use of Starlight Technology. The camera integrates rear-view and pickup head cameras on RegenX sweepers utilizing a 10-in. dash-mounted screen, so operators only have one central location they need to look.
3
LB5013 Plate Compactor
LeeBoy
Designed for asphalt, paving and utility applications on jobsites. This single-direction compactor is powered by a 5.5-hp Honda GX160 engine with recoil starter. During use, the machine provides a travel speed of 96 ft. per minute and 5,500 vibrations per minute. Operators can access a heavy-duty handle for positioning when guiding the cast iron baseplate. The baseplate features rounded edges for smooth finishes on surfaces. A shock-mount system minimizes hand-arm vibration, enabling control from the handle. The handle can be flipped over to switch positions as needed. An integrated water tank with 13.7-qt. capacity helps control dust and prevents asphalt from sticking during operation by pushing water under the compactor. Optional equipment includes a wheel transport kit and a polyurethane paver stone pad kit.
4
580EV Electric Backhoe Loader
CASE Construction Equipment
Carries over the same dimensional loading and digging specifications and delivers the same breakout forces as the fourwheel-drive, 97-hp CASE 580SN diesel model. Powered by a 400V, 71-kwh lithium-ion battery platform the new electric backhoe loader is designed to deliver up to eight hours of operational runtime on a single charge, depending on the application. The four-wheel-drive 580EV uses two independent electric motors for the PowerDrive transmission and hydraulic pumps feeding the loader, backhoe and steering systems for performance in loading applications.
What Do Alternative Fuel Options & Emission Regulations Mean for Contractors?
Will the impacts outweigh the benefits?
What factors can help you make the transition? How will the industry move forward, and what power sources are ideal for your equipment and applications?
OPTIMIZED DIESEL ENGINES
Any reduction in emissions that can be made today is a viable option. We will not just flip a switch and move all existing and new equipment to a zeroemission fuel. Diesel will be an option for years. However, looking at different engines for your equipment can help decrease your company’s carbon output immediately.
“Diesel engine technology has advanced significantly with emissions reductions, optimized engine componentry, combustion technology improvements and improved low-carbon renewable fuels,” Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation, Doosan Bobcat, said. “What is particularly exciting about diesel engine advancements is we expect to see continued investments and improvements with this technology.”
Features like selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filters help reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions, meeting increasingly stringent regulatory standards.”
Optimized engines also use less fuel and require less maintenance while being capable of burning fuels other than diesel.
ELECTRIC: SHORT-TERM FOR SMALL TO MID-SIZE EQUIPMENT
For small and mid-size machines, battery-electric power has a foothold. According to Ray Gallant, for Volvo
Construction Equipment North America (Volvo CE) “in the short-term … I think all the focus right now is on batteries and electrification.”
“Batteries and related component costs are dropping in price while charging times are improving and will provide more options to customers in the future,” Honeyman said.
This decrease makes battery-electric equipment more cost-effective. The decreased maintenance for batteryelectric equipment also reduces the total cost of ownership of these machines.
“We have [many] grid-connected machines and applications that are starting to appear on the market or starting to be more prolific on the market. We’ve had grid-connected machines for years, but they’ve been restricted to very few applications. Now you’re starting to see them going [into] more … applications out there.”
HYDROGEN & BIODIESELS
With larger equipment, electric power is likely not the ideal solution. Because of this, manufacturers are designing drivetrains that use hydrogen and other fuels that produce zero or markedly fewer emissions.
“We are working on new engine projects focused on hydrogen, methanol and other non-diesel fuels to support our customers,” Paul Muller, senior engineering manager for Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems, said.
JCB is all-in on hydrogen combustion engines.
“Research that JCB has done in England has found that battery electric systems work well in excavators up to 4
tons or 5 tons, but for machines bigger than that, batteries are too expensive, too impractical or too heavy,” Lee Tice, JCB product manager, said. “To power heavier equipment, JCB is developing hydrogen engines and has built and tested a hydrogen-powered backhoe and telehandler.”
MOVING FORWARD
With any new fuel, the priority will be building the infrastructure to support contractors wherever their sites are.
The diesel infrastructure has existed for decades. Planning for the delivery of these new power sources must occur as the technology is being implemented by manufacturers and used by contractors.
“The technologies aren’t all mature yet,” Gallant said. “We have a lot of work to do, so it’s not reasonable to expect everybody to jump to the end state today.”
Another priority is getting buy-in from the operators doing the work. Your team must want to use the equipment, feel safe and know that they will have the power and functionality they are used to.
“As the industry evolves, electric and alternative fueled machines will need to coexist alongside today’s dieselpowered machines as diesel power is the predominant power source, although some may switch from fossil-based fuels to using increased usage of renewable diesel,” Muller said. ■ by Lori Ditoro, former editor of Equipment Today.
For more information visit http://asphalt.com/kk3fi1
January 28 - 30, 2025
Chattanooga Convention Center | Chattanooga, TN
This new, exciting event is designed to enhance your business through a full three-day schedule.
The first ever PAVE/X Show was host to nearly 1,700 paving and pavement maintenance professionals for live equipment demonstrations, an in-depth educational program and deeper connection opportunities on an expansive sold-out trade show floor.
After a successful year one, PAVE/X 2025 will head to Chattanooga with even more space, revamped hours and of course outdoor equipment demonstrations.
We’ve planned for accelerated growth in year two, securing nearly double the size of space at the Chattanooga Convention Center. To date, PAVE/X is officially a packed show floor featuring the top exhibitors in the industry.
The PAVE/X difference begins with a robust educational program that is unlike any other learning experience in the market. The educational program featuring 90+ hours of education will cover topics, such as: Paving, Striping, Sweeping, Sealcoating, Business Management, and more. Attendees can choose the sessions that will be most impactful to them and their needs.
Following education, contractors will be able to see equipment in action - an incredibly important part in any equipment buying decision.
Most notably in 2025, we are changing up the outdoor demo experience so that contractors can engage with the equipment and the operators for an even more hands-on experience. We will do this in a controlled space with manufacturer representatives on-hand to answer all contractor’s questions. We will also have a daily safety briefing, sponsored by Rabine, to ensure each contractor practices the correct safety protocols onsite.
The final leg to the PAVE/X experience is creating meaningful connections. Over the three-day event, there will be ample opportunity for next-level networking that will create and strengthen the relationships that are vital to the success of business owners working to grow.
“Like everything else we do, our IRONMARKETS team wouldn’t take on an event like the PAVE/X Pavement Experience unless we could do it better, bigger and bolder than anyone else. We owe you that and we’re looking forward to hitting the pavement with you in 2025,” says Amy Schwandt, Chief Revenue Officer, IRONMARKETS (previously known as AC Business Media).
We hope you can join us in Chattanooga as we continue to build on the success of year one!
Brought to You By:
By Brandon Noel, Editor
PAVE/X 2025 Tradeshow Preview
The first PAVE/X was a smash success and everything in 2025 is going to be bigger and better.
Several of the biggest names in the blacktop maintenance world had splashy reveals of brand new products, never before seen. Crafco, LeeBoy, Dynapac, and JCB were among those who had worldwide firsts on hand for their customers and show attendees. What’s exciting about 2025 is knowing that everyone who had booths in 2024 is back and has increased their booth size significantly.
SHOWROOM TO DEMO-SPACE
The new schedule for 2025 ensures ample time for you to see everything you want to see from all the most popular manufacturers. Many of these exhibitors are also providing equipment for live HANDS ON demonstrations for attendees [shown in bold]. You’ll actually be able to get some seat time with experts nearby to answer any and all questions you might have:
• Asphalt Drum Mixers, Inc.
• Astec
• Bergkamp Inc.
• Billy Goat
• Bitumio Asphalt Software
• BOMAG Americas
• Cemen Tech
• Chemtek Inc. (PavePro)
• Cimline, Inc.
• CMC Equipment Inc.
• Crafco Inc.
• Curbo Parking Curbs
• Ditch Runner
• Dynapac
• Elgin Sweeper Company
• Etnyre International
• Falcon Asphalt Repair Equipment
• FleetWatcher
• Flores Automation & Machine Control
• Graco Inc.
• Heat Design Equipment Inc.
• HOG
• JCB, Inc.
• KM International
• LeeBoy
• M-B Companies
• Mauldin Paving Products
• Neyra Industries
• ODRA Road Sweepers
• OneCrew Software
• Portable Lighting Solutions
• PROcru
• SAKAI America
• Salsco Inc.
• Schwarze Industries LLC
• Seal-Rite
• SealMaster
• Star Inc.
• Titan Laboratories Inc.
• TransTech Systems, Inc.
• Trimble
• TYMCO, Inc.
• Victory Sweepers
• Weiler
• Wirtgen Group
• XBroom Manufacturing AND MORE!!!
EXPANDED EDUCATION
One of the biggest point of feedback we received from the 2024 PAVE/X educational sessions was that contractors were hungry for deeper, more challenging classes. On that front, we’ve also delivered! In addition to the many entry-level
and foundational topics, here are some of our new and expanded offerings.
On Monday, January 27, a day before the show officially opens, the one and only Contractor’s Best Friend himself, Brad Humphrey, will be teaching a three hour course from 1:00pm - 4:00pm titled, “People, Processes, and Profits: A Boot Camp for Owners & Their Leaders,” a session not to be missed for those in-the-know.
During the 2024 PAVE/X some of the more in-demand classes were packed, wall-to-wall, and seats will fill up quickly this year. You should absolutely be looking at your schedule and be registering for a seat now in order to get the sessions that you want.
If you wait, the seats may all be taken. Here are some of the most exciting new classes this year, but, by no means, is this the full list. Visit PAVEXshow.com/sessions for a full listing of the more than 60 available educational hours. No matter what your expertise level there is something for everyone. Understanding Density & Rolling Patterns
This session will help paving crews understand the basic elements of compaction and the use of various types of rollers, including static steel wheel, pneumatic tire and vibratory steel wheel rollers. Speaker: John Ball
Data-Driven Sales Excellence
Most salespeople aren’t limited by their selling ability as much as they are limited by the lack of sales structure and process. Fortunately, there is tremendous data available on what makes or breaks sales success. Speaker: Neal Glatt
The Keys to Building Specialty Paving Projects
Many factors need to be considered when designing and constructing recreational facilities such as running tracks,
Adam Rahn
tennis courts and golf cart paths. These types of facilities do not carry heavy loads and therefore need to be built differently than roads and parking lots. They also require different project planning and equipment. Speaker: Wayne Jones
Durable and Decorative Pavement Markings: Integrating MMA, Thermoplastic, HFS, and More
Explore the best practices for using durable pavement marking materials and HFS treatments, from MMA and thermoplastics to advanced water- and solvent-based paints. Learn about the latest innovations and techniques to enhance both the longevity and aesthetics of road markings and crosswalks. Speaker: Kurt Gruenberg
Adding Concrete as a Service: The Why, The When + How to Make a Profit
This session will touch on the basics of Concrete 101 with Bob Kordus, a “been there” industry expert, who has successfully brought a concrete division into his asphalt paving operations and expanded it tremendously. Speaker: Bob Kordus
How a CRM Can Grow Your Profitability
A CRM is like having a world class personal assistant who works 24/7, never takes PTO and doesn’t need a company car. Properly implementing a CRM will improve communication with clients, lead management, sales management and forecasting, marketing automation and company data which WILL lead to greater customer satisfaction and more business! Speaker: Todd Eichholz
PANEL: Merger, Acquisition, Or Succession? Expert Tips for Navigating Your Next Steps
Business owners who have dedicated their lives to growing their business are faced with many challenges in today’s market. This panel will discuss the many options that are available to companies who are considering their future strategy. Do you continue to grow? How will you do that? Then what? Speakers: Rick Barrett, Jeff Stokes, and Matt Slawson
Register now and find all the information on the 2025 PAVE/X: Pavement Experience at PAVEXSHOW.COM! ■
For more information visit https://pavemg.com/ fdbyom
CRACKSEALER CRACKSEALER
Sales: Sales: 815-732-2116
By Brandon Noel, Editor
Taking Your Asphalt Mill To THE NEXT LEVEL
There’s a whole other level of value and power to these machines waiting to be
unlocked.
Ayear ago, the Buck Brothers were in a different place. They were pretty sure that they wanted to add a milling machine to their yard, but they hadn’t pulled the trigger just yet. All the math looked good, and they had become far too busy to keep subcontracting out for their future milling needs. That didn’t make the enormous investment any easier, or smaller, to swallow.
During a panel discussion at the 2023 IGNITE conference, Chad Buck had mentioned his two sons’ desire to make the move. “I’m trying to get retired,” he told the crowd of other pavement
professionals in attendance. “They want to spend a million dollars or something, and get this milling machine, and we’ve never done that before.”
It’s never a decision to be taken lightly. After plenty of research, shopping around, and some training with other experienced contractors, they bit bullet. They acquired a Caterpillar PM820, which can mill up to thirteen inches deep, and has 815 hp which puts it into a high enough class to be above the emissions level, not requiring DEF testing.
Throwing down for their new highway class milling machine wasn’t the end of their vision, or ambition, because the plan was always to push the mill’s capabilities to the next level.
3D MILLING: THE BASICS
Earlier this summer, I received some very limited training on a Wirtgen 200
Fi, and when I say, “Limited training,” I mean that I was allowed to do a single pass in a straight line for about twenty-five feet. I was grateful for that experience, and, in all honesty, that’s about as much as I would have let me do too. But I was definitely anxious to get some more time at the controls when I could. That’s when Jacob Buck reached out to me, and asked if I knew anything about three-dimensional milling.
I decided that I should go and see for myself what the Buck Brothers were getting into. They were as new to the process as I was, having just got into milling in general, the addition of a totally new layer of complexity seemed like a gamble. The day I joined them on the jobsite, was the first time they were giving the 3D milling set up a go.
“It’s our first year doing it,” said Jacob Buck, VP of Buck Brothers standing next to their new behemoth.
Jacob Buck
“So far, we’re really satisfied with it.”
The components they purchased in order to do 3D milling with Trimble can all be acquired separately, but they need to work in concert to produce the desired machine grade control:
• Total Station Tripod
• Data Collector and Target on a rod with Trimble SiteWorks
• Machine Display on the mill with Trimble RoadWorkds 3D
• Machine Target ECM and Radio
• Trimble Business Center (to build the 3D model)
That might seem like a lot of different pieces of the puzzle, not counting the mill itself, but the benefits of 3D can be quickly understood.
While everyone is familiar with a tool like the global positioning system (GPS), machine grade controls for 3D milling require something much more refined and accurate. Universal Total Station (UTS) provides a much more refined level of specificaiton.
“GPS is not nearly as accurate as UTS. GPS has roughly golf ball sized accuracy, versus UTS which has millimeter level accuracy,” said Buck. “So whenever we’re fine grading something, whether it be with our grader blase on skid steer or this, we know that it has to be UTS.”
What does the process look like? It begins on the site before any of your heavy iron gets there.
“What we do before the job starts is we’ll come out here, survey it using the total station and a rod with a data collector, and then bring that back to the office. We’ll make a model of the job, optimize it, smooth it out, and make sure there’s no water holding anywhere. After we’re done, then we come out here and we put that model into the machine.”
Once the 3D model is in the machine, and the automatics are set, the operators can focus on driving the mill and directing the conveyor system, and the mill will automatically direct itself according to the pre-designed model.
3D milling is especially effective at fixing and repairing the liabilities of
preexisting pavements, a big benefit and selling point to potential clients. When trying to remove areas where potholes developed or water pooled in large sections, it is almost always an issue with what is underneath the asphalt.
To properly deal with this issue when you’ve been hired to resurface means getting down below and regrading the base material to prevent a repeat scenario when you repave fresh wear-layer overtop. It’s not usually a matter of inches, however, that’s why the UTS accuracy is so vital, because a contractor using 3D can make the careful adjustment and get a big result and a happy customer.
BOOM IN BUSINESS
The Buck Brothers knew there was demand for milling services beyond their own needs, but they didn’t exactly know just how big the demand was going to be. The result has been a serious expansion of their business, more than they had even anticipated.
“We are getting like five hundred calls a week,” said Buck. “People think I’m bull-shitting them, but I’m not. We’ve adopted a new software so that everything in the background is running a lot smoother. It’s been the biggest game changer.”
While demand for their services was scaling up, it was vital that they realized their need to scale up the behind-thescenes workflow to help them manage everything. The Buck Brothers utilize HubSpot for their customer relationship
Jacob Buck
manager (CRM) needs, and OneCrew for everything else. It didn’t just help them scale up their capabilities, but it helped them quantify what kind of scaling and where they needed it most.
“If I didn’t have it, we’d just be guessing, right? The office might just tell me they were really busy, but what would that really mean? How many calls? What were they calling about? What are people calling the most about,” explained Buck. “Now, we can look at all that data and make educated decisions, which is really important.”
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
While the Buck Brothers use two different pieces of software for their backend management, and that works really well for them, I was curious about a possible solution that might do the job of both on a single platform.
The software created by PROcru just so happens to combine the needs for job costing, scheduling, CRM, and more all in one place.
“Right from the initial call you’ll pull three things: the contact who you spoke with, the company they are associated with that needs the potential pavement work done, and you will have the site or services they need completed,” said Tom Hastings, Technical Director of Software at PROcru.
This generates a new lead for your sales team, from there someone on your team can be assigned to it, and then it continually and automatically track all the data associated with it for years to come. Whether or not the bid was accepted, the entirety of the client’s work-performed history, the performance efficiencies, and all costs associated with them.
After the lead is created and handed off to a sales team member, it continues its job tracking any and all proposals and communications between sales and the client. Even after initial proposals go out, if resolution isn’t reached, the platform will track and encourage follow-up communication until a definitive outcome is recorded.
“That information never goes away as it moves through the process,” said Hastings. “Sales can always see what needs to be done next from their dashboard, and automatic reminders can be sent to unresponsive clients if it’s still in an open status.”
However, PROcru can do more than just individual client and/or project management, the platform also works as a scheduling tool for your different teams and crews on the ground. It acts as their very own time-clock right on their phones, which, in turn, generates labor cost and efficiency reports, all of
which are aggregated into larger job costing reports.
It can, in real-time, compare the projected use of labor-hours and materials to what is actually happen on a given day. This type of data can show where things might be falling through the cracks, like the phantom phone calls Jacob Buck talked about. You can’t fix what you don’t know you’re missing. Capturing and quantifying what’s happening is essential.
“We can schedule by either serviceline or by crews,” said Hastings. “Through it, you can schedule each different phase of the job. The employees, having the app installed on their phones, can then see on a daily basis where and to what they’ve been assigned to get done.”
You can see clearly what’s going on, because it takes the information from your proposed job, its materials and man-hours, and then records the actual. For instance, if you propose a three day
project, and after one day the project is less than a third of the way completed, then you know right away you have a problem.
“I think the most beneficial portion of PROcru for contractors is the instantaneous job costing every day,” said Hastings.
For those paving companies looking to truly breakthrough the invisible ceilings they’ve hit over the last few seasons, it might be worth taking a look at different technological offerings to either expand their service offerings or to improve their backend management, or, perhaps, even both.
“Without the help of Kevin Garcia from Trimble, and Alan Sharp from Rockpile Solutions, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we have this season,” Said Buck. ■
For more information visit https://pavemg. com/2a6kgs
Adam Rahn
Should You Add a Volumetric Concrete Mixer to Your Fleet?
Rainier Asphalt & Concrete in Seattle asked this question and found their niche business model made the investment pay off. Owner Tom Merry breaks down the benefits for your concrete operations.
Asphalt and pavement maintenance companies can find synergies and ancillary revenue streams from offering concrete services to their customers. But they face a big challenge that the concrete specialists don’t: Scale. Round-tripping to the concrete plant every day to buy 30 yards of concrete for a job that’s a fraction of that size creates waste. Offset waste with increased prices and it’s harder to compete. Keep the customers’ prices down and you cut into margin.
Tom Merry, owner of Rainier Asphalt & Concrete, faced this test when he purchased a company in Seattle that was doing small concrete utility restoration patches in 5’ x 10’ and 10’ x
10’ panels. His previous experience was in residential driveway sealcoating and small commercial paving and striping projects. Concrete was new.
“A lot of concrete companies will go out and do big 100-yard pours,” Merry says. “We need a yard-and-a-half here, and then a couple of hours later, another yard-and-a-half, maybe four yards to finish out the day.”
PART OF A BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGY
Rainier stuck with primarily outside concrete delivery at first. The reason: Sticker shock. Merry went to World of Concrete thinking he’d buy a volumetric mixer but wasn’t ready for the
half-million-dollar investment.
That changed over time as Rainier grew. First there was a half-milliondollar investment in asphalt milling equipment that paid off. Then new locations in Tacoma and Everett.
Merry knew better than to “bite off too many big initiatives all at once.”
When the time was right, he applied that same ingenuity to improve the profitability and efficiency of Rainier’s concrete operations. The company purchased both a used and new Cemen Tech C-Series Volumetric Mixer. The models are fully automated and allow Rainier’s drivers to batch, measure, mix, pour, record, and analyze jobs digitally as they go.
Cemen Tech
COST SAVINGS COME FAST BUT NOT EASY
The trucks cut costs immediately. Instead of $600-700 per yard of outside concrete, Rainier spends $110 per yard on their own.
But it wasn’t quite as easy as it looked at first. Merry recalls “the initial pain and suffering” of the first six-months of integrating the mixers into operations. They made mistakes around perfecting the temperature of the water and the temperature of the aggregate, especially that first winter. They eventually brought in Cemen Tech to train and get them on track. Onboarding new drivers now takes just two weeks.
Concrete “isn’t terribly complicated,” Merry says, but there are some things “you can only really learn from experience.” With operations streamlined and lessons learned, the biggest savings come
on municipal road projects completed on weekends and in evenings. Opening the concrete plant in off-hours costs a premium – sometimes up to $4,000 per yard. And waiting on delivery adds to crew hours.
“Our crew can be a lot more efficient,” Merry says. “Now we control our dispatch, so we can set up three or four jobs in a day and know that our truck is going to be following them around, and they’re not going to be waiting for the concrete.”
NEW MARKETS AN UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE
In a funny twist, Merry says he wasn’t motivated by business growth in getting his volumetric mixers. Growth was an “unintended consequence” of efficiency. Rainier now bids and wins more of these municipal projects. Rainier has also multiplied their
daily concrete work to 20- to 30-yards of concrete per day by centralizing services from one office giving them the ability to serve up and down the I-5 corridor in the Seattle metro area. For longer-distance projects they’ll still supplement their concrete with delivery for max flexibility.
The latest growth for Rainier was another unintended consequence, this time of Merry’s commitment to retaining top concrete talent. In February, Rainier purchased a retail concrete manufacturer. Merry views it as a key to business stability that adds some ancillary revenue.
“We were almost too efficient. So, we really pursued the outside retail acquisition to try to augment that to make a full paycheck for our drivers. All this stuff doesn’t work if you don’t have drivers,” Merry says. “We are pursuing that to make a well-rounded operation that works for our employees.”
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Although he’s a 25-year asphalt veteran, it would be fair to say that Merry has become a bit of a concrete enthusiast since launching his volumetric operation.
NR-201 is a one-part, selfleveling, moisture-curing, isocyanate free sealant based on a unique hybrid STPU (Silyl Terminated Polyurethane) designed for use as a traffic loop sealant and applications requiring jet fuel resistance.
300SL
300SL is a self-leveling onepart, ultra low modulus elastomer designed for sealing joints in roadways.
322FC
Pecora 322FC is a two-part, coldapplied, self-leveling, fast-curing, ultra-low modulus 100% silicone material designed for the sealing of concrete pavement joints that experience thermal movement. 301NS 301NS is a non-sag, one-part, ultra low modulus product designed for sealing joints in concrete or asphalt.
“We’re using 100% recycled aggregates, none of our rock is virgin aggregate that’s having to get mined, which is great because you’re disturbing the earth less. There’s a huge carbon footprint we’re reducing,” he says.
Merry calls the volumetric business “awesome,” one that any asphalt company owner should be able to get behind.
“One of the coolest things is that it’s exceedingly green. Concrete production has, pound for pound, the highest carbon footprint of any building trade, more than lumber, more than steel, more than anything,” Merry explains. “With volumetric there’s exactly zero waste.” ■
For more information visit https://pavemg. com/2a6kgs
NR201
300SL & 301NS
322 FC
NR201
Corporate Transparency Act and Beneficial Ownership Reporting
The CTA created a new requirement for all businesses to disclose certain ownership information.
If you own a business, you need to be aware of the new Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and Beneficial Ownership Reporting requirement.
UNDERSTANDING THE CTA
The CTA requires specific businesses to disclose information about individuals who hold significant control over or ownership in the company. This is designed to prevent illicit activities, such as money laundering and frauds.
At the heart of this requirement is the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report, which must be submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of Treasury. For purposes of the CTA, a “beneficial owner” includes anyone who either:
• Holds at least 25% ownership in the company, or
• Exercises significant control over company decisions.
SHOULD YOU FILE?
Two primary categories of businesses are required to file under the CTA:
• Domestic Reporting Companies: U.S.-based entities like corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), or other businesses formed through state filings.
• Foreign Reporting Companies: Companies created outside the U.S. but legally registered to conduct business within it.
Most small businesses are going to be required to file. Certain businesses, however, are exempt. Exemptions cover specific types of organizations, including banks, credit unions, large corporations, and insurance companies. In total, there are 23 exemptions, so companies unsure of their status should review this list.
FILING DEADLINES
As with all compliance filing requirements, meeting deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties. Filing requirements differ based on when a business was established:
• Existing Businesses: If your company was created before January 1, 2024, your BOI report must be submitted by January 1, 2025.
• New Businesses: Companies formed in 2024 have a 90-day window from the time they receive public notice of their official formation.
• Future Entities: For businesses formed after January 1, 2025, the BOI report is due within 30 days of registration.
Once filed, businesses are generally not required to update the report annually. However, if there are significant changes in beneficial ownership or if corrections are needed, the company must submit an updated BOI report. There is no requirement to report the termination or dissolution of a company.
REQUIRED INFORMATION
The BOI report gathers essential information about beneficial owners to
create a transparent ownership profile. Required details include:
• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Current residential address
• A unique identification number (e.g., passport or driver’s license number)
This information ensures the government has accurate and up-todate records of individuals who control business entities within the United States.
HOW TO FILE
The process can be completed electronically via FinCEN’s secure website (www.fincen.gov/boi).
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with the CTA can result in severe penalties. Failure to file a BOI report, submitting incorrect information, or failing to update the report when required may lead to:
• Civil Penalties
• Criminal Penalties
To support businesses, FinCEN has developed a Small Entity Compliance Guide, providing step-by-step instructions and answers to frequently asked questions.
Be cautious of scams —FinCEN does not solicit BOI information through calls or emails. If you receive unexpected communications asking for your company’s details, exercise caution. by Shauna Huntington, founder and CEO of Fortiviti.
For more information visit https://pavemg.com/ mz1q1r
FROM THE OWNER’S DESK
BY NICK HOWELL
Complacency can lead to getting a little “fat and happy.”
It’s not what you think, I promise. What is “fat and happy” then? How does it apply to the pavement maintenance industry? Have you experienced it in your company?
A “FAT AND HAPPY” EXAMPLE
A Hilton I stay at from time to time at Chicago O’Hare Airport has become this way. I’m pretty sure that in their sleep they can sell out each night -- from blocking many rooms for overnighting airline crews, to rooms for stranded airline passengers, to even just business travelers. This hotel has no problem staying full.
What happened when they don’t need to work for their business? Well, things fell apart. Over the years I’ve noticed a decline in overall service and attention to customers, the place isn’t quite as clean as it used to be, and general maintenance of the property could use a little TLC. And why? Because they don’t need to work for customers.
It happens because it’s easy to become fat and happy when you aren’t forced to work for business, and it can be tragic to a small company. I have personally seen several complete business failures from people who thought they were top of the pack. Usually uncontrolled growth is involved, but also a common theme is that they were the ones that stopped working for their business.
How To Avoid Complacency, Growing Your Pavement Business
A “FAT AND HAPPY” FIX
This provides a huge lesson for us in our pavement businesses: Don’t get fat and happy and become complacent. No matter what your current schedule or workload, try and give each customer or potential customer the respect all customers and prospects deserve. That doesn’t mean you have to take all the work that comes your way, but simply be respectful to them, even if you have to decline to bid.
My company often books up rather fast, and some years we’ve scheduled out for the season very early. While a good “problem,” it doesn’t stop the phone from ringing. But I always respond to people, even if I can’t bid.
I do try to get that work for our company, either when it fits our schedule or even the next season, but I often refer the customer to other decent contractors. I can’t tell you how much this has paid off. We consistently have customers use us later in the season or the next year, just because of how we handled the first interaction.
Another way it’s paid off is when I make a referral, that receiving contractor generally won’t forget and eventually I get paid back with a referral from them. I call it “the circle of friends.”
Another example: I have some #LowBid competitors that spend a fortune advertising online, mostly to feed leads to their dozens of estimators. They get tons of calls, and their schedule gets booked up very fast, and I mean fast What happens then? They simply stop responding to calls. This way of doing business frustrates so many people, and it happens so often. The
crazy thing is that so many businesses just don’t care and will ghost customers completely. How often has someone called and told you that they have called several other contractors, and you were the only one that responded?
BUILD YOUR CUSTOMER BASE
We take a different approach, an approach so simple and obvious that it’s easy to overlook: Answer the phone and return all calls. If you are booked, politely decline, rather than ghost them. Simply by answering and giving that caller a little respect for their time, we potentially can gain a loyal client, and one that for sure won’t be calling Mr. Low Bid back.
True, it does take a little more effort and a little more time. But every customer interaction – even if you can’t provide the service right then – is an opportunity to build your book of business. So don’t let your business get fat and happy. Return your calls, develop a “circle of friends” … and build your business! ■
For more information visit https://pavemg. com/9zys7k
Nick Howell, president of T & N Asphalt Services, Salt Lake City, UT, has been a regular presenter at National Pavement Expo since 2008 and a member of the Pavement Advisory Board since 2007. Let him know your thoughts on “From the Owner’s Desk,” and if you have a question or topic you’d like covered – let him know that too! You can reach Nick at nick@tnasphaltservices.com.
Presenting the 2024 Best Contractors to Work for in Construction
Tackling the Construction Labor Shortage Starts with Great Employers
Recruiting and retaining skilled workers is crucial as labor shortages continue to challenge the construction industry. While there’s no shortage of gimmicks and quick fixes out there, the real solution begins with being a great employer.
That’s why Equipment Today, Asphalt Contractor, Concrete Contractor, Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction, and ForConstructionPros.com hosted the Best Contractors to Work For recognition program. This program goes beyond surface-level strategies, offering a comprehensive, research-based analysis of a company’s workplace culture, benefits, and employee satisfaction.
To be considered, employers needed to register, while employees filled out surveys about what it’s like to work for their boss. Entry forms and surveys were handled by the Best Companies Group, who analyzed the data and provided an actionable insights report that companies can use to improve employee recruitment and retention.
Want to be considered for the 2025 Best Contractors to Work For?
Please contact Emily Leising at: ELeising@Iron.Markets
★ After a few months of tallying and analysis, the results are in! Congratulations to the 2024 Best Contractors to Work For in Construction award winners:
Winners include, in alphabetical order (company name, number of employees, headquarters):
A & A Paving Contractors, Inc., 16 Roselle, IL
AGUA TRUCKS LLC, 30 El Mirage, AZ
K-Five Construction Corporation, 114
Westmont, IL
Reed Construction, 61 Chicago, IL
Robbins Construction Group, 30 North Charleston, SC
C.W. Driver Companies, 323 Pasadena, CA
CF Evans Construction LLC, 128 Orangeburg, SC
D.A. Sullivan & Sons, Inc., 50 Northampton, MA
Diamond Surface, Inc., 101 Rogers, MN
Fessler & Bowman, Inc, 775 Holly, MI
Fite Building Company, 141 Decatur, AL
Four Seasons Kanga Roof, 63 Roseville, MI
Hayner Hoyt Corporation, 114 Syracuse, NY
Kent Design Build, 85 Mandeville, LA
KNL Industries Inc., 58 Canby, OR
Landis Construction Corporation, LLC, 68 New Orleans, LA
McHugh Concrete Construction, Inc., 38 Chicago, IL
Millstone Weber, LLC., 326 Saint Charles, MO
Morrey’s Contracting, 45 Detroit, MI
MYCO Mechanical, Inc., 207 Telford, PA
Palmetto Sitework Services, 46 Orangeburg, SC
Precision Concrete Construction, Inc, 614 Alpharetta, GA
Stevens Construction Inc., 65 Fort Myers, FL
Stronghold Engineering, Inc., 147 Perris, CA
Supersealers Asphalt Maintenance INC DBA Black Eart Pavement, 59 Delafield, WI
T&K Asphalt Services, Inc., 135 Whitman, MA
The Garrett Companies, 300 Franklin, TN
The Pavement Group, 29 Wexford, PA
Wm Winkler Company, 49 Newman Lake, WA
Please join us in congratulating these leading employers!
SWEEPING ASSOCIATIONS
NAPSA’s Events at PAVE/X 2025
Great education sessions and social events!
by Nancy Terry
Through our partnership with PaveX, NAPSA members get many free and deeply discounted education sessions. Let’s start with the freebies! These 60 minutes sessions are 100% at no cost to NAPSA members who register using the membership discount code:
• Intro to Construction Sweeping by Cole Watts, More Clean of Texas
• Protecting Your Assets by Scott Duscher, Agua Trucks
• Understanding WBE/DBE Certifications and Their Impact on Business Operations by Debbie Jacketta, Jacketta Sweeping
• Intro to Sweeping as a Service by Bill Smith, Smith Property Service NAPSA members continue to receive
benefits through a discount on these powerful sessions:
• Sweepers Best Practice moderated by Dustin Moist, Cantel Sweeping
• Combining E-Myth and Traction by Mark Carter, Peloton Sweeping
• Construction Superintendent and Manager Viewpoint by Scott Duscher, Agua Trucks
• Comparing Sweeping Essentials by Jim Blackerby, Louisville Pavement Sweep
• Growth/Scaling from 6 to 7 Figures and What Mistakes to Avoid by Cole Watts, More Clean of Texas
• Cross Training by Karen Figor, Agua Trucks
• Employee Engagement and Workplace Culture by Chris Dick, Katsam Property Services
NAPSA’s Keynote Speaker - Paving the Path Forward: Building a High-Impact Workforce presented by Lisa Ryan NAPSA members also have the
opportunity to get free show floor passes. NAPSA members can attend our Sweepers Night Out which is the see and be seen event of the show! This year’s Sweepers Night Out will feature activity stations including moonshine tasting and entertainment by American Idol guitarist Brandon Elder and, back by popular demand, cigar rolling. The whole night will be a blast!
For more information on these events or on NAPSA membership, email us at info@powrsweeping.org for more information. ■
Improving Employee Retention for Power Sweeping Contractors: Key Strategies
Several strategies to enhance retention rates.
by Ranger Kidwell-Ross
Hiring the right individuals is essential. This involves conducting comprehensive background checks and reference verifications to ensure candidates possess not only the necessary skills but also align with the company culture. It is advisable to avoid hiring based solely on superficial qualifications.
Training programs play a vital role in employee retention. Pairing new hires with experienced operators for mentorship can facilitate smoother onboarding experiences. Utilizing daily training forms allows for objective tracking of progress.
Clear job descriptions are fundamental in setting expectations from the
outset. By outlining specific responsibilities, potential hires can better assess their fit within the organization, which may reduce turnover rates.
Recognition of employee efforts is another critical factor in retention. Regular acknowledgment of achievements fosters a positive work environment where employees feel valued. Additionally, soliciting feedback from staff encourages their involvement in decision-making processes, promoting a sense of ownership over their work.
Safety education is paramount, especially for those working night shifts. Providing comprehensive training on safety protocols ensures employees understand how to protect themselves.
Moreover, considering the welfare of employees’ families can significantly impact retention. Simple gestures like recognizing birthdays or offering
family-oriented benefits demonstrate that the company cares about its workforce beyond mere productivity. Lastly, implementing performance bonuses tied to accountability can motivate employees to maintain high standards while rewarding exceptional performance. Engaging with local ‘blue collar educational institutions’ can create a talent pipeline that attracts eager candidates ready to contribute positively to the company culture. ■
WSA contributor Ranger Kidwell-Ross has been providing information to the power sweeping industry since 1988. He is editor of WorldSweeper.com, an information resource for power sweeping, as well as founder and executive director of the World Sweeping Association. For more information about WSA visit www.WorldSweepingPros.org or contact Kidwell-Ross at director@worldsweepingpros.org.
The North American Power Sweeping Association (NAPSA) is a nonprofit association made up of 200+ contract sweepers, service providers and sweeping equipment dealers, manufacturers and suppliers. NAPSA is dedicated to providing beneficial support to the membership and enhancing services to the sweeping industry. NAPSA is
BY MERINA SHRIVER, JUNIOR EDITOR
A Woman’s Calling for Asphalt
Jennings never let go of the idea that she wanted to revive her grandfather’s business.
It isn’t that rare to have a company passed down through the family for decades-tocome, but it isn’t an easy feat. The only problem is that if a family-owned company no longer has an expert in the industry who wants to run it, it often falls away and disappears. That’s what happened to Jenning’s Asphalt & Construction.
The determination and commitment of a grandchild is the only thing that revived a family-owned asphalt business. With the help of a few supportive people and a very ambitious woman, Jenning’s Asphalt & Construction is thriving today.
ASPHALT CALLING
Ebony Jennings has her grandfather to thank for her interest in the asphalt industry. Jenning’s Asphalt & Construction was started by her grandfather, John Lee Jennings, back in 1984. He did mostly sealcoating and the majority of his work was on driveways and small parking lots.
“When I’d hear his truck coming down the street with the big seal tank on the back, [I’d] be running after it,” Ebony Jennings recalled fondly.
When John Jennings passed away in 1996, the company was left with nobody to run it. The equipment was sold and the company went stagnant. Not long after, Jennings felt compelled to start her grandfather’s asphalt company back up. Unfortunately, a family member who had worked with her grandfather dissuaded her from pursuing it. She was told by that family member that it would be too much work and it was not the kind of job she should be doing.
Jennings Asphalt & Construction
Jennings explained, “He was like no, no, it’s too hard of a job. That’s not for women, it’s too much work. And so I went on to do other things.”
Jennings never let go of the idea that she wanted to revive her grandfather’s business. But she would have to start teaching herself if she wanted to pick the asphalt company back up.
“Something always was in me to start this business. And once the pandemic happened, that was my shot. I didn’t quite know exactly what I was doing, but I just knew it was my purpose.” said Jennings.
Jennings’ father told her that if she really wanted to run the business, she needed to go find Karen — the woman who runs Eaton Asphalt in Wisconsin.
Jennings said, “She took me under her wing. She taught me about estimating. She taught me about bidding jobs. I got in the field with the guys. [I was] shoveling and raking, and I was taught
how to operate the roller. I learned so much. All the pieces to the puzzle just kept coming together.”
With the help of these two asphalt companies, Jennings was able to learn what she needed to know in able to bring her grandfather’s company back to life.
The asphalt industry is not known for their women employees. Women are often deterred from working in the industry or don’t have enough available to suit them and keep them safe and happy.
While the journey was a very tough one for Jennings, the outpouring of support that she has received from other women has been well worth it.
Jennings said, “I get so many women that are laborers or they do milling or just any level of construction - they message me, they DM me on all my platforms [saying] you inspire me so much.”
Jennings has made a lot of progress and holds high hopes for the future. She
wants to keep getting bigger and start competing in the same leagues as the larger companies and prime contractors.
“We want to be able to be in the same arenas as these bigger prime contractors. I want to be able to do state projects and that’s the way that we’re going. We’re doing bridges, we’re doing highways, we’re doing private roads — and still never forget where we come from,” said Jennings.
Jennings has a strong driving force and a deep-rooted loyalty to the community and the smaller jobs that got Jennings Asphalt & Construction back on its feet. With her devotion to the community and the company founded by her late grandfather, Jennings Asphalt & Construction has a lot of pavement it can trek. ■
For more information visit https://pavemg.com/ fdbyom
RPavement Maintenance International: Lessons From “Kiwi” Contractors
Part 1 of a new 3 part series!
ecently, I had the privilege to visit with many contractors in the beautiful country of New Zealand. Proud of their Kiwi Bird and their Kiwi fruit, these contractors were some of the nicest people I’ve met anywhere.
While “on assignment,” I took time to visit jobsites and to interview a host of “Kiwi” contractors, owners and leaders, about their current challenges in the construction industry. I found three very real issues and will address the first one in this article.
First, the challenge to find good talent continues as their No. 1 challenge and issue. As one owner told me, “Brad, we are in a real threat of maintaining many of our construction companies due to the lack of workers coming up.” He confirmed so many things that I’ve heard all across the United States and sadly, what I’ve heard voiced in Europe, the United Kingdom, and many area of Indonesia, South America, and Australia.
As contractor Ben McMillan shared, “We
are having to go through maybe, two, even three times the number of candidates for hire than we did just five or six years ago. It’s a real time waster ‘mate,’ and that’s just the beginning. After we find a candidate, and hire them, we are spending a longer amount of time training them on just the basics of the trade like the tools used and the equipment purposes.”
This sentiment was shared by several contractors in a session I led on how to move the “Gen Z” generation forward in our industry. Most in attendance confessed that they have never seen so much time spent on recruiting and training. And as they also have found, this effort is fast becoming the way of business, the “new normal.”
Finally, here are some things that I shared with the construction owners and leaders in almost all my workshops. (Even when I was discussing another topic, the audience always wanted to circle back to this employment issue.)
• Start engaging the cell phone in training by
recording each of the important tasks for the company. Then, accessing either an app or software, simply do a “voice over” describing the actions being taken.
• Always start all learning with the “Why?” behind why we are doing each task before we explain the “How” and “What” that executes the filmed tasks.
• Start and continue to employee a “buddy system” with new workers as building relationships is still key to attracting and holding on to employees.
• Intentionally talk to new workers more often, asking them how they are doing, feeling, and what they would like more support with learning. We must admit that it will take longer to educate many of our new and younger workers as many have not simply performed any construction related work…ever!
• Finally, reach out to educational outlets anywhere they can to talk to students about your trade and company. I’m convinced there
are many students who just haven’t been exposed to the many benefits to construction such as working with their hands, working outside (versus stuck in a fast-food environment perform the same old boring procedures every day), and contributing to building something that will be around for a long time. This first challenge is not a surprise to many of you as we face the same issues. However, like the Kiwi Owners and Leaders, you too have to determine how you will prepare tomorrow’s workforce. As my contractor friend, Ben told me, “Brad, it’s either instruct or destruct.”
Known as The Contractor’s Best Friend, Brad Humphrey continues to write and speak in support of the construction industry. His international podcast, sponsored by IRONMARKETS, continues to be one of the favorites of suppliers and contractors alike. As vice president of Pavecon Ltd., a large and growing pavement maintenance contractor, Brad continues to develop, teach, write, and share his 35-plus years of industry knowledge.
AdobeStock/ Angelov
RAISING THE STANDARD
Since its introduction, the Weiler P385 has set the standard for commercial pavers. The P385C raises that standard.
Variable speed and reversible conveyors and augers and a 25% increase in tunnel height provide optimal material output.
Increase to 120 hp with the Cat® C3.6 Tier 4F/Stage V engine.
Modular conveyor drive and sealed chain case increase feeder system reliability and life.
Enhanced heat system performance with direct-drive hydraulic generator and elimination of GFCI breakers.
