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Welcome to the Pave It Forward Podcast, where Kevin Gray, owner and operator of Pave It Forward Asphalt, and Phil Metzger, owner of Mirror Marketing, join forces to empower leaders in the paving industry. With a combined experience of over 15 years in asphalt paving and a deep understanding of digital marketing and market research, Kevin and Phil are dedicated to helping contractors run their businesses more efficiently, connect with their ideal customers, and make a positive impact on their communities through meaningful work. In each episode, Kevin and Phil dive into the challenges faced by paving industry professionals and provide actionable solutions and innovative ideas to help listeners transform their day-to-day operations, culture, and branding for the better. They share their expertise and insights to help you visualize the changes you can make in your business and guide you through the process of implementing lasting improvements that will lead you closer to your goals. From exploring cutting-edge marketing strategies to discussing best practices in asphalt paving, the Pave It Forward Podcast covers a wide range of topics designed to help you stay ahead of the curve in today’s competitive landscape. Kevin and Phil’s passion for the industry and their commitment to making a difference shine through in every episode, as they inspire listeners to embrace innovation, cultivate strong relationships, and pave the way for success. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran in the paving industry or just starting out, the Pave It Forward Podcast is your go-to resource for expert advice, practical tips, and the motivation you need to take your business to the next level. Tune in today and join Kevin and Phil on a journey to revolutionize the paving industry, one podcast at a time!
Episodes

Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
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
• How to maintain quality while scaling operations
• Building and retaining reliable crews through transparency and culture
• The importance of treating employees as humans, not just workers
• Strategic planning during the winter/off-season
• Setting realistic growth goals and backing into them with actionable steps
🎯 For Asphalt Business Owners:
Learn why Kevin prioritizes employee development and company culture over rapid growth, and how this approach has helped him build reliable, long-lasting teams in an industry known for high turnover.
🔑 Key Takeaway: Success in the paving industry isn't just about technical skills - it's about building strong relationships, maintaining transparency with your team, and creating an environment where people want to work.
Connect with us:
📱 Instagram: @paveitforwardllc
🌐 Website: www.paveitforwardllc.com/podcast
For information on AOS, visit: https://www.asphaltoperatingsystem.com/
For more show notes, visit: www.paveitforwardllc.com/podcast

Monday Feb 24, 2025
AOS 2025! Overview and Q&A (Live Episode from January 2025)
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
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 tracking essentials
- Operations management
- Hiring and team building
- Marketing strategies
- Systems implementation
- Industry-specific challenges
🎉 Enter to win a FREE spot in AOS ($499 value):
https://forms.gle/oh3vUikK6LuCQNZ89
Learn more about the Winter 2025 Program:
https://www.asphaltoperatingsystem.com
Connect with us:
Instagram: @AsphaltOperatingSystem @paveitforwardllc
LinkedIn: Asphalt Operating System
For more show notes, visit: https://www.paveitforwardllc.com/post/announcing-aos-an-8-week-course-for-asphalt-paving-business-owners

Monday Feb 24, 2025
Asphalt Paving: Offseason Equipment Assessment | Pave It Forward Podcast
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
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 equipment purchasing decisions
🔄 When to repair vs. replace equipment
💰 ROI analysis for new equipment investments
🛠️ Dealer maintenance programs and diagnostics
⚙️ Creating effective maintenance schedules
Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the industry, this episode provides actionable insights on:
- Developing preventative maintenance programs
- Working with equipment dealers
- Managing equipment costs effectively
- Planning for future equipment needs
- Protecting your equipment investments
- Building efficient maintenance systems
Don't miss this essential guide to equipment management in the asphalt paving industry!
Episode Length: 75 minutes
Learn more about optimizing your asphalt paving business:
https://asphaltoperatingsystem.com
More Episodes and Notes at: https://www.paveitforwardllc.com/podcast

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Announcing AOS: An 8-Week Course for Asphalt Paving Business Owners
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
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), an 8-week course launching in January 2025 that combines structured education, practical resources, and ongoing mentorship to help contractors build sustainable businesses.

Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Planning & Systems for Asphalt Paving Success | Pave It Forward Podcast Ep.38
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
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 - Current State of Fall Paving Season
14:30 - Weekly Planning & Operations
19:18 - Customer Communication Priority
26:41 - Equipment Investment Decisions
31:46 - First Hire Considerations
38:40 - Sales Team Development
43:52 - Finding the Right Cultural Fit
49:16 - ROI-Based Decision Making
54:24 - Building a Championship Team Culture
58:46 - Leadership Starts at the Top
🔑 Key Topics:
• Creating effective weekly planning systems
• Balancing customer demands with operational efficiency
• Making smart equipment investment decisions
• Hiring strategies for growth
• Building and maintaining company culture
• Data-driven decision making
• Leadership development
💡 Connect with us:
Instagram: @paveitforwardllc
YouTube: @paveitforward

Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Leadership Lessons from the Front Lines and Extended Season Success
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
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.paveitforwardllc.com/post/leadership-lessons-from-the-front-lines-and-extended-season-success

Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Equipment Maintenance and Offseason Planning for Asphalt Paving Businesses
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
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 make or break an asphalt paving business. Whether you're a seasoned paving contractor or new to the asphalt industry, this discussion is packed with actionable advice to keep your paving equipment running smoothly and your business thriving year-round.
🔔 Subscribe for more expert paving advice and industry insights!
📺 Watch the full episode and access additional resources at: https://www.paveitforwardllc.com//post/equipment-maintenance-and-offseason-planning-for-asphalt-paving

Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Off-Season Preparation: Maximizing Success in the Paving Industry
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
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 Notes: https://www.paveitforwardllc.com/post/off-season-preparation-maximizing-success-in-the-paving-industry

Pave It Forward Podcast
Welcome to the Pave It Forward Podcast, where Kevin Gray, owner and operator of Pave It Forward Asphalt, and Phil Metzger, owner of Mirror Marketing, join forces to empower leaders in the paving industry. With a combined experience of over 15 years in asphalt paving and a deep understanding of digital marketing and market research, Kevin and Phil are dedicated to helping contractors run their businesses more efficiently, connect with their ideal customers, and make a positive impact on their communities through meaningful work.
In each episode, Kevin and Phil dive into the challenges faced by paving industry professionals and provide actionable solutions and innovative ideas to help listeners transform their day-to-day operations, culture, and branding for the better. They share their expertise and insights to help you visualize the changes you can make in your business and guide you through the process of implementing lasting improvements that will lead you closer to your goals.
From exploring cutting-edge marketing strategies to discussing best practices in asphalt paving, the Pave It Forward Podcast covers a wide range of topics designed to help you stay ahead of the curve in today’s competitive landscape. Kevin and Phil’s passion for the industry and their commitment to making a difference shine through in every episode, as they inspire listeners to embrace innovation, cultivate strong relationships, and pave the way for success.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran in the paving industry or just starting out, the Pave It Forward Podcast is your go-to resource for expert advice, practical tips, and the motivation you need to take your business to the next level. Tune in today and join Kevin and Phil on a journey to revolutionize the paving industry, one podcast at a time!
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