Pave It Forward Podcast

It's been a few months since we sat down to record, and a lot has changed. In this episode, Kevin and Phil kick off Season 3 of the Pave It Forward Podcast with a real look at how the company rebuilt its crew heading into 2026 — from switching to Google Ads recruiting over Indeed and Facebook, to pre-screening candidates instead of just getting warm bodies in the door.   Kevin walks through the fi...

What does it take to become a property manager's absolute FAVORITE subcontractor? In this episode, Kevin breaks down a massive week of commercial paving success, including a 500-ton shopping center project in Prospect, Kentucky, and reveals the exact systems that transformed a new client relationship into a long-term partnership.   🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS:      - The customer experience process that made...

Episode 50 dives deep into the strategic decisions that define our paving season and explores how AI assistants can transform business operations.  We're talking about the balance between maintaining quality standards and managing a stacked workload, plus how artificial intelligence is changing the game for contractors.  Pave It Forward has moved into a new office location, and we're exploring the...

Go inside the minds of Kevin Gray (Pave It Forward Asphalt company president) and Phil Metzger (head of marketing) as they discuss strategies for asphalt paving contractors. This behind-the-scenes conversation reveals innovative approaches to customer service, project execution, and business growth specifically for asphalt industry professionals. WHAT ASPHALT CONTRACTORS WILL LEARN: 🎪 The " @TheS...

Discover how Pave It Forward scaled to $3 million in revenue in just two years while operating on a 4-day work week schedule. Kevin Gray and Phil Metzger reveal counterintuitive strategies that challenge traditional assumptions about running an asphalt paving business. In this candid episode, Kevin shares hard-earned wisdom from 17 years in the paving industry, including how costly mistakes became...

This week on the Pave It Forward Podcast, we're pulling back the curtain and showing you how we're running our proposal process and sales systems. Phil, Josh (our VP of Projects & Consumer Experience), and Kevin recorded their actual strategy meeting! What You'll See in This Episode: • Custom proposal creation with professional attachments • Remote proposal workflows using aerial photography  ...

Join Kevin Gray and Phil Metzger as they dive deep into what it takes to build a successful asphalt paving company while maintaining a strong company culture. Kevin shares invaluable insights from his 17+ years of experience on managing growth, developing teams, and creating lasting success in the industry.   Key Topics Covered: • The reality of starting and growing a paving business from scratch...

Here's a YouTube description for the live recap video:   Join Kevin Gray and Phil Metzger as they break down what's included in the Asphalt Operating System (AOS) Winter 2025 Program. With over 15 years of asphalt industry experience, Kevin shares insights on what it takes to run a profitable paving business and how AOS can help establish the systems you need.   Topics covered: - Financial trackin...

In this in-depth episode, industry veterans Kevin Gray and Phil Metzger discuss critical equipment assessment and maintenance strategies for the offseason. Learn how successful paving companies prepare their equipment for the next season while maximizing profit margins through smart equipment decisions.   Key Topics Covered: 🔧 End-of-season equipment evaluation strategies 🏗️ Making informed equip...

Discover how decades of paving industry experience have been transformed into a structured system to help contractors build sustainable, profitable businesses through mentorship, proven frameworks, and ongoing support.   Hosts Kevin Gray and Phil Metzger announce an innovative new program designed specifically for asphalt paving business owners. They introduce the Asphalt Operating System (AOS), a...

Join Kevin Gray and Phil Metzger as they dive deep into operational planning, hiring decisions, and building a winning culture in your asphalt paving business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your existing operation, this episode offers practical insights on making data-driven decisions while maintaining strong company values.   ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 8:53 - Curren...

Kevin Gray takes us behind the scenes of managing a 5-person asphalt paving crew during an unexpectedly extended season. As temperatures stay mild and projects keep flowing, discover how this lean team delivers million-dollar results through exceptional communication, laser-focused quality control, and unwavering customer service.   View the full episode notes and more here: https://www.paveitforw...

Essential Strategies for Maximizing Asphalt Paving Equipment Efficiency and Business Longevity In this episode of the Pave It Forward podcast, hosts Kevin Gray and Phil Metzger delve into the critical world of asphalt paving equipment maintenance and offseason planning. Drawing from decades of experience in the paving industry, Kevin shares hard-earned lessons and practical strategies that can mak...

This episode is packed with practical advice on data analysis, team involvement in planning, effective meeting strategies, and continuous improvement techniques. Whether you're a seasoned paving professional or new to the industry, you'll discover actionable takeaways to help you make the most of your off-season and position your business for success in the coming year.   📝 Full Episode Show Note...

Networking and Business Growth in Asphalt Paving   In this episode of the Pave It Forward podcast, Kevin Gray and Phil Metzger share expert strategies for maximizing ROI at industry events. Learn how to set up an effective booth, network with potential clients, and turn connections into profitable opportunities for your asphalt paving business.   Listen now at: https://www.paveitforwardllc.com/pos...

Pave It Forward Podcast: Networking and Business Growth in Asphalt Paving   Episode Length: 60 minutes of pure paving wisdom   In this episode of the Pave It Forward Podcast, hosts Kevin Gray and Phil Metzger dive deep into the world of networking and business growth in the asphalt paving industry. Learn how joining chambers of commerce, attending industry events, and strategic relationship-buildi...

Unlock the secrets to boosting your paving business's profitability in this game-changing episode. Industry veterans Phil Metzger and Kevin Gray break down the power of data-driven decisions, smart marketing strategies, and calculated expansion moves. Learn why obsessing over your numbers is crucial, how to build a brand that stands out, and when (or when not) to add new services. Whether you're a...

Join us as we dive deep into the world of asphalt paving business finance and operations. In this episode, we explore crucial topics like maximizing profit margins, overcoming industry cha llenges, and smart equipment purchasing strategies. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll gain valuable insights to help your paving business thrive.   Listen and get the full episode notes...

Dive deep into the world of seal coating with Kevin Gray and Phil Meder. Learn about the importance of seal coating in pavement maintenance, the science behind the materials, and professional application techniques. Discover why DIY seal coating can be challenging and hear expert tips on achieving the best results. Whether you're a contractor or a homeowner, this episode offers valuable insights i...

  Asphalt Paving Lifecycle: Maximizing Your Driveway's Lifespan Understand Your Driveway's Journey From Fresh Asphalt to Long-Lasting Investment   Introduction In this informative episode of the Pave It Forward Podcast, hosts Phil Metzger and Kevin Gray dive deep into the asphalt paving lifecycle, focusing on residential driveways. They explore the stages of pavement deterioration, the importance...

1:20   Why partner with a National Paving Contractor as a local asphalt contractor 6:09   How to approach large asphalt paving accounts 9:39   Plan Rooms and Job Boards 12:02   Establishing a relationship with a local large parking lot owner 16:55   Creating relationships with National Paving Vendors 27:08   How to stay on time and on budget 29:16   The planning is different 33:04   Sub-contractor...

Welcome back to the Pave It Forward Podcast! 2:42   What are the differences in buying in vs starting fresh? 5:04   What are your survival metrics 10:19   What are you feeling starting a paving company from scratch and what is your mentality? 13:27   How do you stay patient enough for growth? 17:11   Thought process behind setting and scheduling goals 26:34  What education are you, yes YOU! lookin...

Welcome back to the Pave It Forward Podcast! In this season premiere, Kevin Gray, owner of Pave It Forward Asphalt, and his marketing-savvy co-host, Phil Metzger, delve into Kevin's journey of starting and growing a successful asphalt paving company. Kevin shares his mentality and the steps he took when starting his business, the priorities he set for his first paving season, and why he chose to p...