Blacktop Banter

In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Mike Claudio, CEO of Winrate Consulting and Profit Panda. They discuss Mike's journey, the importance of consistency and being true to oneself and the common issues faced by entrepreneurs, such as being afraid to take risks. Mike emphasizes the need for a clear mission, vision, and core values in business, and the importance of continuous...

In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Adam Piché from Prestige Sealcoating. They discuss Adam's background, growing up, and how he got into the seal coating industry. Adam shares the story of how Prestige Seal Coating started and the growth they have experienced over the years. He also provides key takeaways for achieving longevity in the industry, the importance of continuou...

In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Timothy Murphy, an asphalt expert and asphalt scientist. They discuss various topics related to asphalt, including basic considerations, factors affecting longevity, the use of recycled asphalt product (RAP), and the importance of proper education and training in the industry. Murphy also shares insights on improving product performance a...

In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin interviews Sam Wilkinson from Liberty Supply, a company that provides spray tips, tools, and supplies for the asphalt industry. They discuss how Sam and his brother Mike took over the business, their customer base, and their focus on providing quality products and excellent customer service. They also touch on the challenges of shipping and packaging orde...

In this conversation, Marvin interviews Keith L. Callaway Sr. about leadership, legacy, and personal growth. Keith emphasizes the importance of influence and the essence of leadership. He shares his journey of personal development and the significance of faith and core values. The conversation explores the balance between goals and legacy, the importance of small wins and service, and the interpre...

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 LIN...

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 equi...

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-awaren...

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...

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 a...

"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 imp...

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...

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 leadershi...

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 com...

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 off...

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 emphasi...

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 effect...

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...

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 cra...

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 d...

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 i...

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...

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 i...

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 vete...

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 empha...