Blacktop Banter

About a month ago Daniel, who is owner of Proline Parking Lot Maintenance and a content creator here at BB,  FaceTime calls me... which never happens. Daniel was immediately speaking and being firm about something that he just experienced and something that has been under the surface of our industry fro years, but never been tackled head on by the ones it effects most, the best contractors in the industry. What is this thing that had our friend so up in arms and ready to do something about it you ask? The lack of dedication to producing a quality product, consistantly, every single time. That means no shortcuts, no half-a**ing it, being accountable to the clients and most importantly, SHOWING YOUR WORK aka "being-transparent". The result is a better industry image, with higher margins for higher quality work. I love this discussion and hope you do too. We are excited about launching our #RaiseTheBBar campaign this 2023 season and are looking forward to seeing how everybody pitches in to make this happen. -Marvin 28 CIRCLES BANTER EXCLUSIVE LINK: https://28circles.net/blacktop-banter-asphalt-app/

Winter is Coming. I know we all have a list as long as our arm of things we need to do over the next 4 months or so, but one thing I would like to bring up is Relationships. Relationships with vendors, manufacturers and peers. I have had great advantages given to me over the years by building, and keeping, these relations ship growing over the winter months. In this episode I explain the why, and the how, of this tactic. A tactic...that ultimately leads to some of these people becoming great friends of mine. -Marvin 28 CIRCLES BANTER EXCLUSIVE LINK: https://28circles.net/blacktop-banter-asphalt-app/

Michael Blake is the Marketing Manager at KM International and has been for the last 8 years. It is UNDENAIBLE that during that time, KM has been on a great run as far as bringing products to the market that has in incredible reputation and are dependable for their customers... but how do we use "Know" that? We know that because KM has done a great job through marketing, to show what their brand is about. They have also done a great job building a network through their modern connections through that marketing plan and branding efforts. To put in plainly, they are nailing it, and look to keep nailing it for their customers and the asphalt industry. Michael talks with us about how they are bring in it all together and the importance of their efforts on Social Media and the Marketing tool it is for branding, and beyond. -Marvin 28 CIRCLES BANTER EXCLUSIVE LINK: https://28circles.net/blacktop-banter-asphalt-app/

Carl is a 3rd generation Tarp maker in the Asphalt Industry. Out of their shop in Fort Worth, Carl and his team make tarps for any size truck or dump trailer and can specifically design a custom setup for any rig...and ship it if need be. In this episode Carl goes into the fabric design, framework and what makes them the best in the industry at what they do. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. We love what Carl and his family are doing and look forward to a long relationship with them in the asphalt industry. -Marvin 28 CIRCLES BANTER EXCLUSIVE LINK: https://28circles.net/blacktop-banter-asphalt-app/

Todd Hendricks Jr is the President of Robotic Maintenance Vehicles. The company that unveiled the Robotic Crack Sealing Machine last year and made quite a splash at NPE with it, as well as their social media content showing just what it can do. In this episode Todd tells us how the machine came about, what it can do and what is in store for the future of not only this machine, but more ideas that are in the works from their epic think tank. I geeked out and loved this episode, hope y'all do to! -Marvin 28 CIRCLES BANTER EXCLUSIVE LINK: https://28circles.net/blacktop-banter-asphalt-app/

Ryan Farmer is the 2017 Street Luge World Champion and 2x WRG Silver Medalists. As well as represents Team USA in the World Skate competition. Besides that, the guy takes some epic photos while on his journey through the world, that capture our future and moments that are very thought provoking. Saying Ryan has experience noticing an analyzing the different forms of pavements all over the world, would be an understatement. During his Championship season, he went to 14 different countries to race, in 12 months. In this episode, Ryan gives us a breakdown of his career, but also gives us a breakdown of the different pavement types/conditions and how they effect everything on Raceday. hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. -Marvin 28 CIRCLES BANTER EXCLUSIVE LINK: https://28circles.net/blacktop-banter-asphalt-app/

Was fortunate enough to be asked by Leeboy and the 800 Pavement Network to speak at LeeBoy Headquarters in North Carolina for the debut of their Key Account Program. In this talk I go over how we have successfully merged the new school marketing of Blacktop Banter, with the old school marketing of the 800 Network and the iconic phone numbers they provide. Hope you enjoy this segment and much as I enjoyed delivering it. Sorry about the Mic noise in the first minute, after that it clears up very well. -Marvin 28 CIRCLES BANTER EXCLUSIVE LINK: https://28circles.net/blacktop-banter-asphalt-app/ Audio Recording Credit: CDS Visuals

After my visit to North Carolina this week, I was thinking about what it takes to make Businesses succeed in this industry. Not only Wis-Coat or BB, but big businesses like US Pavememnt, LeeBoy and Dynapac. I go over a few tips that I have learned personally and share them with you here. Enjoy. -Marvin 28 CIRCLES BANTER EXCLUSIVE LINK: https://28circles.net/blacktop-banter-asphalt-app/

10 years in the NFL. Think about that. What kind of drive, experience, dreaming and perseverance does it take to accomplish that?... Will James knows. My friend Will spent that much time playing for the New York Giants and other teams, at the highest level a Cornerback can. Will shares with us his story and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. Will accomplished great things on the gridiron, but as his friend, what I am most proud of, is what he has done off the field since then. The impact Will has made in his community is one to be in awe of and the differences he has made in the lives of the people he has come in contact with through his outreach is something to strive for. Very thankful my man made time to share with me this conversation, and I hope you will be too. Listen and Enjoy. -Marvin 28 CIRCLES BANTER EXCLUSIVE LINK: https://28circles.net/blacktop-banter-asphalt-app/

Longtime friend and fellow Asphalt Industry Business Owner, Todd Eichholz joins me for this podcast episode. Todd owns A&A Paving out of Illinois and shares with us their level of success and scaling, as well as talks to us about an important cause he is running for. Todd is fundraising for World Vision, and is running the Chicago Marathon, in order to raise money to bring clean water to children in parts of the world where that is a struggle. We hope you enjoy this conversation, and if you are inspired to donate to Todds fundraiser, the link is below this description. -Marvin TODD'S LINK: https://www.teamworldvision.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=344855 28 CIRCLES BANTER EXCLUSIVE LINK: https://28circles.net/blacktop-banter-asphalt-app/

Been fortunate enough in the last few weeks to have the honor of mentoring a few gentlemen in person, that aim to start or improve their Asphalt Maintenance business. It got me thinking about my own life, and the "mentors" I have unintentionally made us of, and the ones I intentionally built relationships with to improve my business, relationships and Life. In this episode I reflect on all of that and share my story, as well as the advantages to becoming a mentor, as well as seeking one out. I also touch on just surrounding yourself with the right atmosphere of people, to change your situation by osmosis, I have you find this content helpful wherever it finds you and if you ever feel the need to reach out, we are always at [email protected] -Marvin

After years of preaching the importance of branding, and using social media with all the other forms of marketing to do so, it feels pretty good to have somebody like Jeani on the show to confirm I at least know what I'm talking about in one area of life...I mean, that's a start people. Anyway, all jokes aside, Jeani is a lifetime member of the asphalt industry and has coached many clients to success in their businesses using her strategies. After spending many years at Koch Industries, Brasier Asphalt and Vance Brothers, Jeani took out on her own business venture to help other companies succeed with her guidance. With her company, StoryBuilt Marketing and Coaching, Jeanie is helping owners and clients develop strategies to get them branded in their respective areas, in their respective fields. I really enjoyed this conversation and found it very insightful because of the great tips she gave us. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

My new friend and TOPCON sponsored Indy Lights Racing Pro, James Roe, sits down to talk about his career and how he got started. As well as his experiences racing on different pavement types and conditions. He also goes over what its like to race different car types altogether on different surfaces. One of the most insightful things we talk about is his racing of a famous track in Britain before it was repaved and after. He also gives us an idea of how TOPCON made this track repair as efficient as possible and how many, if not most, drivers are putting up their fastest lap times and records there now. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Times have changed. Some of the guys in this industry adapt well with the changes that come, they do their homework, they understand what it takes to succeed. My friend Craig Granroth is one of those guys. Craig spent 25+ years in the industry and building a juggernaut of a company in Minnesota, that he recently sold his share of. He drops a lot of knowledge on us about Asphalt Emulsion Sealers, Entreprenuerhip and also some key advice on how to stay out of the red, so you can keep scaling. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Wit this being the busiest season by far for messages, emails, calls and visits for advice on how sealcoating companies can generate more leads and build their brand, I came up with 3 tips that you may not hear that often from me. Making YouTube videos, Joining a Chamber of Commerce and Donating your work. I got over all 3 in depth but also offer some actual fundamental advice at the end as well as a bonus. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

When I first seen OnStation in action, I had a "Woah" and "Aha! I get it!" response. So, when Patrick and Jess from OnStation asked me to have them on the podcast and do a demo, I was in. In the podcast they go through the app and the benefits of it to contractors doing large projects, highway projects, municipal projects and more. Joined by a panel of Kirsten Fowler from Women of Asphalt Board of Directors, Keith Callaway Jr from KL Industries, Shane Beckham from Scotty's Contracting & Stone, Mike and Ian Jarboe from CES Jakob Botcher and Mike Randolph. The demo was great and we covered a range of insights and problems the app solved. Hope you find this informative, as we did. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

This episode was recorded LIVE from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. Guests were Jake Abernathy, Daniel Good, Drew Lamy and Cisco Barron. Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

I love Origin Stories, no matter what the person or company is that they are about. MBW has an awesome one, its similar to the Harley Davidson one, that is legendary here in Wisconsin. MBW is also a Wisconsin Company and their story, one of success, is awesome and rich with history. Rick Gramoll is the Director of Sales and Marketing at MBW and he dives into the story of MBW with me, but also goes over their equipment, what makes them SO different than other competitors I his market and how their Plate Compactor Line is MADE with us, the Asphalt and Asphalt Maintenance Industry, in mind. By far one of my favorite conversations yet and really looking forward to making a visit to their facility in the near future. Enjoy. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

James and I connected through LinkdIn. After seeing each other in the comment sections, then seeing more and more of each others posts, it only made sense to have a conversation to see why we are crossing each others paths more often. Well, after talking, I realized we have a lot in common and James has a great story to tell. Not only has he had major success through his pavement company, PMG, but he has now also been featured in Forbes.. as well as a best-selling author. This was an awesome conversation that I couldn't get enough of and James truly has an inspiring story. Enjoy! -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Had a great conversation with Jason Wilk from ECHO. Jason is the Senior Product Manager at ECHO and is able to break down for us the insight and thought that goes into these Power Equipment pieces that ECHO designs and produces for us. We also go over how we use them in the asphalt and asphalt maintenance industry, as well as discuss what changes, attachments or pieces of equipment, we would love to see in our industry to help make the work we do a little easier.  Jason is FULL of knowledge and the portion where we talk about backpack blowers is a MUST LISTEN to part of the episode. Hope you enjoy. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Marco Menna insulted me! At least that's how I like to tell the story of how we met. What Marco was really doing, was trying to give me some insight in 2018, in Cleveland. Marco and his partner Kevin, were coming off a Marquee project, and used drone technology, combined with some great shots, to make a promo video for their company. A great Marketing strategy and something Marco was REALLY stressing to me that I needed to do. Im not saying he was wrong, but the video I was making at that time were for an entirely different audience than the one Marco was trying to reach. Regardless, we stayed in touch and, through my kind heart and open-mindedness *wink*, we became really good friends. I have enjoyed watching my friend succeed, and build, and transform. In this episode, Marco and Kevin give us the history, how they have adapted and where the road goes for All-Out coming up. Enjoy. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Daniel has become a close friend of mine. We talk strategy, family, introspectiveness, purpose and a whole lot more. He also looks out for me, and calls me on my bulls***, as we are in the same industry together. We dive into a great conversation here about all we have learned and our perspectives. Especially from our businesses, Proline Parking Lot Maintenance (Daniel) and Wis-Coat (Me). Its long winded but a great conversation about the journey, keeping things in perspective, and "doing it for a reason larger than ourselves". -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Imagine my surprise, when of all people ThorSport Racing said they could get on the podcast, was Ben Rhodes. Ben is the reigning 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion and currently leads the Points this season. Driving the #99 Toyota, sponsored by Bombardier, Ben gives us insight into what it takes to stay in front, the prep work leading up to the race and how his team studies the Asphalt at every track, in order to give them the best shot on Raceday. Ben also drops a bomb on me during the interview, explains what's next for him and how he is connected to the Asphalt industry.  I am looking forward to y'all earring this one and feel extremely blessed to bring it to you. Looking forward to speaking with Ben on the Banter in the future. Enjoy. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Ray Leonard Jr is the Son of Boxing Legend, "Sugar" Ray Leonard.  Now that is out of the way. Ray Jr has more accomplishments, businesses and downright good things to be said about him than I have letters allowed to type intros description...and through it all, he has kept his family close. With a connection to the Asphalt Industry and an entrepreneurial spirit, Ray speaks to our community very well, and connects even better, as generational success is something our industry is made of. Ray talks about his father, lessons from the sports management world, how he and I got connected, some great stories and where you can catch up with him online. I really loved being able to sit down and record this one with Ray, he is a genuine man of good soul. Hope you enjoy this conversation as well. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

MY friend, and repeat BB guest, Brian Hess and I talk about where we are at in our ventures, Blacktop Banter, Top Contractor School...and how they are coming together at an epic event coming up soon. We also talk about other topics within, and outside our industry. This combo of Brian and I is one that gets requested often by listeners and we are both very happy to bring it back to you. -Marvin

Casey and I are aquatinted through a friend in the Sport Court business, and former podcast guest, Adam Gholston. Casey has an amazing story about his company Bin Blasters and how it started, what they do and where its going. Casey also would like to help entrepreneurs get into working in the outdoor business space as well. think service industries like sealcoating, pressure washing, lawn care, painting and more. Had a great time talking with Casey and we hope you enjoy this episode as well. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Jason Thompson is a dear friend of mine. We connected through the Lawn Care and Landscape Industry Community about 6-7 years ago now, and when we met in person, we were instantly connected. We both knew the other was was genuine as they come and the integrity ran strong in both. Jason is an entrepreneur, father, singer jeep enthusiast and husband. Family comes first with Jason, which is why his company Grass is Greener is a family operated company. In this podcast, I ask my friend to get extremely candid, as we dive into some of the hardest things anybody could ever talk about personally. Depression, anxiety, stress, loss, suicide and more...coupled with owning a business. It is not an easy one to talk about, but one we both realize is very important to go over, because sometimes just knowing that there are others out there who have and do deal with these issues, can be a life saver. We really hope this one finds you well and if you ever need an ear, either one of us are here. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Returning guest Steve Flaherty, CEO of necoTECH, just won't stop. The dude is always inventing something new, developing something new, investing in something new and doing something new. In the short span since his last visit, necoTECH as become Multi-faceted, with developments in different areas. Which, has forced the development of necoBrands. Steve goes over what all is going on at Neco and HOW YOU CAN INVEST IN IT....did I say that loud enough? You don't want to miss this episode, which is literally an opportunity, to be part of the future of the Asphalt industry...in my opinion. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Remember back when you were a kid and loved everything Asphalt and Aggregate? And all you wanted was for the field you loved most, was for there to be a SUPERHERO that represented it? Yeah, ME TOO. Well, meet Flexman. Judas Vriseno has been in the Asphalt world for many years, and awhile back transitioned to the aggregate side. It wasn't long before he found his niche, Screens and Screening. Judas brings that expertise in his niche of Wire Screening in Shakers to his alter ego Flexman. In one of the most interesting technical interviews we have ever had on the podcast, Flexman goes over what is good or bad when it comes to screen, what to expect, how problems can be alleviated and how he is here to save us from it all. Hope you enjoy this interview with my new friend. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

About an hour and a half away from me here in Lone Rock, WI, there is a company called Rock County Sealcoating. So you would think, being as rural as Wisconsin is and the fact that WisCoat services about a 2 hour radius, that we would run into each other. We don't. In fact, the day Bob came by to visit and record this podcast, was the very first day we had met. We took a tour of Lone Rock and I showed him where I started, and talked about how. Then, it was Bob's turn to tell his story about how he got into Asphalt Maintenance and how he has grown...so naturally, we turned the mic and camera on.  Hope you enjoy this one. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Our Buddy is Back! Spencer Boyd drives the #12 Youngs Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. This is Spencers 3rd time on the podcast and this time he goes over some new Asphalt at Atlanta Motor Speedway, his Throwback Paint Scheme, Elon Musk, and his booming TikTok account...amongst a slew of other things that he's been up to. Spence is going to Darlington to race next and goes over what he is going to expect there, while also telling us how Bristol was this time around. I always have a great time talking to my friend and you can tell we are getting comfortable shooting the Sh**, because we laugh damn hard this time around. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. -Marvin

What do you get when you mix a southern drawl, Division 1 College Athletics, Line Striping, Release Agents, Cowboys and a Taste for Whiskey on Broadway in Nashville? The Answer... Josh Rigsbee. Josh is a generational cog in his family's business machine, ChemTek. ChemTek makes many chemicals used in the asphalt industry, with PavePro (a diesel replacement release agent) as their marquee product. Josh also has a small niche clothing brand called Asphalt Cowboys, geared toward "Good Ol' Boys" within the Asphalt Industry. If that wasn't enough, he also has started Bull City Blacktop, an Asphalt Maintenance Company in Durham, NC. Josh has grown up in the industry and still does Line Striping on some of the major airports and Air Force bases in the country, then flies back home to handle sales at Chemtek. His clothing website is usually out of stock, because of demand....but also because Josh has a lot of irons in the Fire, as he takes care of his Asphalt Maintenance in any extra free time he has. Lets just say, he has no trouble sleeping like a log. Really hope you enjoy this one, as we were a little more lax than usual because of our close friendship. Hope to have more banter like this in future episodes as well. Enjoy. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Scott Morse and I have been friends ever since I started the US Sealcoaters Group on Facebook. Scott was in there consuming all the knowledge and insight he could, while I was getting my first taste of controlling this social media thing. As time passed, both our businesses grew, as did our impact on the Asphalt and Asphalt Maintenance community. Scott still runs his business, Arch City Sealcoating, while also being a Full-Time BMW Mechanic, running a Music Production company and hosting a YouTube channel called "Blacktop Tech Talk". Also, for the first time ever, this podcast was recorded here at the WisCoat/Blacktop Banter Office here in Lone Rock, so forgive me if the audio isn't perfect, including the phone ringing near the end. I hope to see more people come by the office and "studio" here in Lone Rock, walk away with a good feeling, and maybe some merch to remember the visit by. Really enjoyed this visit and conversation with an old friend, and I hope you do too. -Marvin  Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

If you have used any kind of a oil-jacketed crack-sealing machine in our asphalt industry, the chances the are it has a hose from Copperstate hose on it. Also, the hoses that Evan and Copperstate Hose make, and design, are not just limited to our industry. In this podcast, Evan explains to us how Copperstate got started, their history with almost every Hot-Applied Crack Sealing Machine manufacturer in the industry and some of the BIG names outside of our industry that they have designed some very unique hoses for. There is a lot more going on when it comes to making a specialized hose than you can imagine. This episode was honestly far more interested than I originally imagined and it was a great conversation. Hope you enjoy. -Marvin Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

If you have followed the podcast for the last few years, you know that I took a break...for almost a year. I break down why, and how I got prepared and re-motivated to fire up the 3rd season again. I also comment on the asphalt industry community and how y'all have supported the podcast, and how that is creating great opportunities for the Future. That being said, I talk about what the podcast's future looks like...for all of us. I am thankful for all the support from everybody that follows and listens, our past - current -and future sponsors as well. Looking forward to the journey going forward with y'all and the legacy we are creating. Link to save $199 off the 28 Circles Marketing Package: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Software. We have all seen the booths, convos in the Facebook groups and Ads in the Magazines. With so many choices with software for contractors, which ones do we use and why? Some are too simple, some are way too complicated. Two main areas of software that we cover in this episode is Estimating/Mapping and Group/Client communication. Co-Founder, Hayden Cortez introduces us to a new software program called SpotOnSite, and tells us what it can do for contractors like us, as well as for the clients we work for. Hayden has been in the industry for a bit now, and actually still works for one of the most reputable companies in Colorado and the southwest. I really enjoyed this conversation with the mighty Hayden Cortez and I hope you do too. -Marvin 28Circles $199 savings promo link: https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Jason Scherer is CEO of 28Circles, an Internet Marketing Service Company based in Colorado. They specifically help Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating contractors grow their revenue, sales and margins, through a simple and affordable service, directed at contractors just starting out to contractors looking to take the next step in more leads. Jason provides his background in the asphalt industry, from toting buckets of sealer up driveways and details just what we can start doing as contractors on our own to prepare for hiring a service like 28Circles once we get there. Hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. The link for Blacktop Banter listeners to save on a service from 28 Circles is listed below. -Marvin https://28circles.net/asphalt-app/?fpr=marvin21

Easy, beginner, and affordable Office/Estimating/ Invoicing software. Where to start and what to jump to next? First off, I have to apologize for the crappy audio/mic on my end, my normal mic is malfunctioning. I really wanted to talk to Ryan about his use of the software program he uses called Jobber. He is the only guy I know in the industry that uses it, but I know many contractors from the Lawn Care and Landscape industry that use it and love it. In this episode we discuss that software, and its features vs Joist, which we currently use at Wis-Coat. In all honesty, we are looking to upgrade, but want something that isn't intimidating and has a great ease of use for everybody on staff. Hope you enjoy this conversation and breakdown of the programs, and Ryan/s take on the Soft Heat melter adapter, that we briefly discuss in the beginning. Enjoy. -Marvin

Since our very first conversation, Matt Stanley and I connected with a common goal and interest...Branding. In this conversation, Matt of course talks about American Pavement, his family's iconic business, but also gives us the story of Raised On Blacktop and its rise to being the Asphalt Industry's Leading clothing, merch and workwear brand. The brand even had their recent collaboration with LeeBoy, the Raised On Blacktop Edition Paver, on display at National Pavement Expo in Charlotte. Matt gives us the story behind the brand, where its headed and where you can catch up to Raised On Blacktop next, in this exclusive episode. Enjoy. -Marvin

Adam knows Sports Courts. When we say sports courts, we mean tennis courts, pickle ball courts, basketball and more. Adam owns AG Sports Surfaces in Indiana and has traveled across America installing the. He has also mentored contractors in our industry on how to install sports courts as well. In this Episode, Adam explains his business, how he got started and how the installation process is done. It was a pleasure to have somebody who gives back to the industry in such a niche market, on the show. Enjoy.

Chad Jung owns Preferred Striping out of Elk River, Minnesota. When it comes to credentials, this guy has been striping longer than I've been alive almost and his seminars show it. With years of knowledge and constantly adapting to innovation in the striping industry, Chad has cemented his place as one of the top minds in his field. His class, "Improve Striping Productivity Using Todays Technology" is one of the most frequented at the national Pavement Expo. In this podcast. we cover his business and also discuss the future of striping technology. -Marvin

Recently, I had noticed this guys name popping up in Facebook groups a lot then he started joining the Blacktop Banter Clubhouse and chiming in. My first impression of Nik Biddinger is "This is a really Nice Guy'. After awhile we started talking a little more here and there, and realized we were having some great convos.  So why not record one for the Pod? Nik is a "lifer" in the industry. His family started Great Lakes Striping & Sealing in Michigan and he is former Co-President at Molon Asphalt. He now is a business coach at WinRate Consulting and a podcast host. In this conversation, Nik goes over his start in the industry to where he is now, and how he has pivoted to that path from where he began. Great convo with some great laughs. please enjoy. -Marvin

Steve Flaherty and I met in the Blacktop Banter Clubhouse room.He spoke a couple of times and on one of those occasions he mentioned "Plastic in Asphalt" and that his company makes it... OK, you have my attention. Steve is Founder and CEO of NecoTech, out of Delaware, Ohio. If you pop over to the NecoTech Instagram profile it says "We help upcycle waste materials into sustainable infrastructure products". After my conversation on the podcast with Steve, I realize it is much more than that. You can literally listen to me trying to wrap my brain around all the opportunities and questions about the future of their "Plastic Asphalt" product. The concept and description of what they are doing at this company is so intriguing to me. I really loved listening in to the science and application of this product and how the United States Government is getting involved with this company and also, I REALLY LOVE THE ORIGIN STORY with its "Wal-Mart" roots. I loved this conversation and topic and I hope you will too. We gotta have Steve Back in the Future. -Marvin

Ive known this guy personally for a number of years now. We actually used to be in a snapchat group together and talked EVERY SINGLE DAY for about 3 years. The transition from then to now is unbelievable when I think about Paul. We has accomplished so much business-wise and personally, that I knew his story would be great to have brought to your ears. Also, Paul hosts what many would say, is the most recognizable podcasts in the green industry... The Green Industry Podcast. In this interview, Paul and I take turns interviewing each other and Paul talks about his new book, "Cut That Grass, Make That Cash"....yeah, he wrote a book too! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and it was fun to have Paul flip the script on me a little. -Marvin

I met Prince on Clubhouse. I was in a room just listening while working out, and this guy had the mic for about minute. During that minute, he told of his College football accolades and of his NFL career...and that was the most brief part. The rest of the time he spoke about how he had really benefited from Meditation and breathing, and wanted help others. THAT is the part that drew me in. I have had many moments in my own life where I am overwhelmed by anxiety and depression, stopping to think, breath and find myself has been the key to getting out of those moments and Prince, like myself, has found himself in that process. He shares some great football stories about his time at Georgia Tech, where had over 3,300 yards rushing, 360 yards receiving, 230 kick return yards, and 26 all-purpose touchdowns...where he was a walk-on. As well as, holding the NCAA records for most yards by a RB in a bowl game. Then, was selected by the Baltimore in the fourth round in the 06' NFL draft. Now and Author and Speaker, Prince is on a mission to help Athletes and Leaders to find mindfulness and a clear path to becoming the ultimate version of themselves. Such a humble man, and now my friend, please enjoy this podcast with the Prince of Power & Peace. -Marvin

Two heavy-hitters, two different parts of the country, and a TON of Value. Usually when there is any kind of Expo or Conference in our industry, you can catch these two power-houses together. Last Year at NPE they but on a Stellar Seminar and it brings me great joy to have them join me on this episode. Steven Brahney owns Fix-Asphalt and Brahney Paving to of New Jersey and Craig Granroth is Founder at ACS (Asphalt Concrete Solutions) in Minnesota. This was a great conversation about our industry and community, and the way we all contribute to making it better, as well as a ton of value for contractors on the business side of the conversation. please enjoy. -Marvin

Back again before the BIG Race, Spencer Boyd is here to talk about what he expects at Daytona coming up soon and about racing on dirt at Bristol this year. He also goes into some details about the pavement conditions and what to expect, as well as the beautiful Raised On Blacktop/American Pavement #20 Chevy Silverado he will be manning at Daytona. Join in as we have a great conversation from the tires, to the aerodynamics of his truck, and beyond. So grateful to get another conversation in the books with my friend. Hope Y'all Enjoy. -Marvin

I met Crux at a dinner, at a mutual friends house a couple years ago outside of Louisville, Kentucky. He was using social media in many of the same ways I was, but he was in the hardscape world. In the Chicago area, he started his own business doing simple landscape projects and now he does complete outdoor recreational space design...all while letting followers take a look via his various social media outlets. Besides smashing Tacos on the regular, Crux is smashing it in business as well. in this episode he joins me from his plow truck, that right, they do snow removal too, to talk about his journey and some advice to contractors just coming up in the game. -Marvin

Old friends are the best friends. I don't know for sure if that is a saying, or I made it up just now...anyway, these two have been my friends for a long time now. We grew wings with our businesses together and have had the pleasure of seeing each others success take flight. In this conversation with Caleb and Brittany, we go over the history of their business, Auman Landscape LLC and talk about a lot of the regular struggles that contractors encounter. Caleb dives into his "kid contractor" days a little and tells the story about getting back on his feet, and Brittany tells us how she saved the day and got Caleb back on his feet, lol. Seriously, they have a great story and great insight into running a business, and running it as a couple. Please enjoy sitting in on this conversation as much as I did, because there were definitely some nuggets to take away....be sure to follow them on social. -Marvin

Chris has been a longtime face and presence at NPE. The things he learned early on at the Expo and Conference were key elements, that he implemented, of creating a successful Paving business. Petra Paving is a staple in Hampstead, New Hampshire. Around since the Early 90's, the company is now starting to replace pavement that they originally installed! Petra also does Sealcoating and Asphalt Maintenance in their area as well. Chris drops some great knowledge in this podcast. If you are a company starting out, or on the rise, this isn't one you want to miss. Chris's story is truly motivating if you are in this business. -Marvin