On The Surface with Delta

Delta Companies Inc.

On The Surface is the go-to podcast for leaders, innovators, and professionals in the world of construction and materials. Each episode dives deep into the strategies, stories, and insights that drive success in the industry—covering everything from business development and operational leadership to fostering team growth and cultivating a winning culture. Join us as we explore the people and processes that shape the built environment, featuring conversations with experts, thought leaders, and trailblazers who are transforming the way we design, build, and lead. Whether you’re a construction executive, materials specialist, or aspiring industry leader, On The Surface delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to elevate your career and your business.

  1. Attitude, Effort, and Safety: Lessons from the Field with Justin Counce

    1D AGO

    Attitude, Effort, and Safety: Lessons from the Field with Justin Counce

    In this episode of On the Surface, we sit down with Justin Counce—Delta’s Safety Coordinator—to explore the unconventional path that led him from chemistry labs and chromatography machines to job sites, quarry pits, and the front lines of safety culture. From studying finance for “30 minutes” to working in manufacturing and eventually discovering a passion for helping people work smarter and safer, Justin shares how curiosity, real‑world experience, and relationship‑building shaped his entire career. He walks through the evolution of safety at Delta—from the early days of reactive compliance and paper forms to proactive culture-building, CI teams, and digital inspections that keep crews protected and projects moving. Justin opens up about the shift toward collaborative safety, the importance of trust on a job site, and how complacency can sneak in even for the most experienced workers. He also breaks down what safety really looks like today: navigating regulations, supporting crews across multiple states, investigating incidents, managing environmental compliance, and preparing for a future filled with sensors, AI tools, autonomous equipment, and smarter training. Justin also draws surprising parallels between his role at Delta and his life coaching youth sports. From teaching attitude and effort to managing emotions, building mental toughness, and holding people accountable with empathy, he explains how lessons from the baseball field translate directly into leading teams and keeping people safe. Along the way he shares stories about wins, missteps, tough inspections, community complaints, and why treating everyone with respect—no matter their job title—remains his guiding principle. It’s an inside look at the human side of safety: the culture, conversations, and coaching that make a difference long before any paperwork ever does. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    1h 1m
  2. Routines, Values, and Raising Kids Today

    MAR 25

    Routines, Values, and Raising Kids Today

    In this episode of On the Surface, we sit down with Brad Marotti and Jordan Janet to dig into the habits, mindsets, and daily choices that shape who we are as men, husbands, fathers, and leaders. What starts as a light conversation about podcasts turns into a deep exploration of why people crave long-form dialogue, how modern culture is reshaping connection, and why intentionality matters more than ever. Brad and Jordan open up about the flood of information young people face, the difficulty of staying grounded in your values, and the ongoing work of building routines that support physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual wellbeing. From balancing the “five F’s” to shifting your personal bell curve, they share the frameworks that have helped them navigate busier careers, growing kids, and the realities of adulthood. They discuss what it means to stay patient, aware, and present in a world full of noise, the challenges of raising children in a tech-heavy era, and the importance of carving out quiet space to think. The conversation hits on discipline, confidence, marriage, burnout, and the deceptively simple practices—early mornings, movement, reading, prayer, undistracted presence—that can change the trajectory of your life. It’s an honest look at how hard it is to stay balanced, how easy it is to drift, and how powerful small, consistent choices can be over years. Whether you’re a parent, a leader, or someone trying to build better habits, this episode offers perspective that hits differently depending on where you are in life—and that’s exactly the point. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    52 min
  3. IT on the Frontlines: Tech, AI, and the Future of Construction

    MAR 18

    IT on the Frontlines: Tech, AI, and the Future of Construction

    In this episode of On the Surface, we sit down with Craig McClellan and Russell Goss—Delta’s IT Manager and IT Technician—to uncover the technology, teamwork, and troubleshooting that keep our construction operations running every single day. From dial‑up internet and building their first PCs to supporting hundreds of employees across multiple states, Craig and Russell share how they each found their way into IT and why the role has never been more essential. They walk through the realities of modern tech in a construction environment—networking, VoIP systems, cybersecurity, cloud servers, and the never‑ending stream of access requests and password resets—while also breaking down the “boots on the ground” part of IT that most people never see. From plant outages and high‑pressure fixes to organizing messy network rooms and prepping for AI‑driven support tools, they explain how IT touches every dollar made in the company. Craig and Russell also explore the future: fully connected plants, AI‑powered troubleshooting, drones that analyze job sites, and the expanding need for digital security as cyber threats grow. They open up about leadership, staying curious, adapting to constant change, and why construction is a rock‑solid industry for young people entering the workforce—especially those interested in technology. It’s an inside look at the people behind the screens who keep the business online, secure, and moving forward—one ticket, one server, and one reboot at a time. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    50 min
  4. From Asphalt Plants to Estimating: Austin Williams

    MAR 11

    From Asphalt Plants to Estimating: Austin Williams

    In this episode of On the Surface, we sit down with Austin Williams, Senior Estimator at Delta Companies, to explore a career built through unexpected turns, steady growth, and a willingness to step into unfamiliar territory. Austin grew up with sports at the center of his life and initially expected to follow his parents into education. A college drafting class changed everything and introduced him to construction management, eventually leading to an internship with MoDOT. That experience became his first exposure to horizontal construction and ultimately guided him to Delta, where his career took shape through trial, learning, and a lot of night work he didn’t see coming. Austin reflects on what it felt like to walk into an asphalt plant role with no experience and lead people who had spent years mastering their craft. He explains how leaning on others, staying humble, and being open to learning helped him gain trust and confidence. His time at the plant became a turning point in his career, giving him hands‑on knowledge he still depends on today. We talk through his move into project management after the Ace Asphalt acquisition, the unique world of commercial estimating, and the emotional side of bidding work. Austin shares how competitiveness can be both motivating and challenging, why teamwork keeps estimating grounded, and how strong relationships inside the office help maintain perspective when the pressure is on. Finally, he discusses his goals for the future, including expanding Delta’s reach beyond its traditional footprint and focusing on work that is fulfilling, not just profitable. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    42 min
  5. Opportunity, Leadership, and the Long Game with Derrick Schatte

    MAR 4

    Opportunity, Leadership, and the Long Game with Derrick Schatte

    In this episode of On the Surface, we sit down with Derrick Schatte, Delta’s Paving Superintendent for Missouri, to trace an unconventional path from a thousand-acre farm to leading crews and building winning asphalt operations. Starting on a tractor at nine years old, Derrick shares how farming shaped his work ethic—and why increasing red tape, unstable margins, and debt pressure pushed him to find a more sustainable future for his family. From land investing (including strategic flips and big “catapult” moments) to habitat creation and waterfowl management, Derrick explains how passion projects can become real businesses—and how construction became the perfect blend of building something tangible and solving problems in real time. He tells the story of how fate (and one very unlucky paver operator) put him in the driver’s seat early at Delta, and how he grew from paver operator to foreman, to estimator/project management, and now into a superintendent role. Along the way, Derrick opens up about leadership learned in the field—earning respect through empathy, calm, and consistency—plus the real challenges of stepping up: new terminology, paperwork, pay requests, and the fear of missing details that matter. It’s a candid conversation about taking opportunities before you feel “ready,” staying grounded in faith, and building a life your family can enjoy—not just endure. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    59 min
  6. Lessons From Every Level: Zach Green’s Path to Executive Leadership

    FEB 25

    Lessons From Every Level: Zach Green’s Path to Executive Leadership

    On this week’s On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Marotti talk with Zach Green, Executive Vice President of Colas Inc., about his career journey and the leadership lessons he learned along the way. Zach shares how he grew from an entry level role in quality control at the Cape Girardeau Quarry to leading multiple business units across the country, and how accountability, mobility, and strong mentorship shaped his development. He also discusses the challenges of managing managers, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how honest feedback helps leaders grow. The conversation covers work life balance, major transitions in his career, and the tough decisions that come with senior leadership. Zach closes by looking ahead at the future of the industry, including technology, automation, workforce changes, and his upcoming role as Chair of NSSGA. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    56 min
  7. Inside the Asphalt Plant: Breakdowns, Safety, and the Foreman’s Reality

    FEB 18

    Inside the Asphalt Plant: Breakdowns, Safety, and the Foreman’s Reality

    On this week’s On the Surface, host Seth Stevens and co-host Brad Marotti welcome two of Delta’s most experienced plant leaders, Andy West and Don Brumley, for an inside look at what it really takes to run an asphalt plant and keep production moving safely and efficiently. Andy and Don walk through the reality of the asphalt plant foreman role, including what their days look like, how they respond when equipment breaks, and the problem solving it takes to keep operations running. They share real examples from the field, such as repairing trunnion shaft failures, working around 600 degree drums, tackling drag slat issues 80 feet in the air, and figuring out complex mechanical problems on the fly. Listeners will also hear how foremen develop the intuition to notice when a plant sounds or feels “off,” and why the first several years in the role are all about absorbing experience. Safety and technology are a major focus of the conversation. Andy and Don discuss how the industry has transformed from minimal guarding and limited protocols to today’s strict lockout and tagout procedures, kill cords, guarding standards, and extensive documentation. They also explain how modern tools like FleetWatcher have changed communication with paving crews and made it easier to control production pacing. The episode highlights the challenges that come with new plant technology too, including advanced sensors, metric to imperial conversions, and the learning curve associated with modern batch and drum plants. The discussion paints a clear picture of what success looks like at an asphalt plant. Sending everyone home safe, minimizing waste, adapting to changing production demands, and keeping equipment running strong are all core parts of the job. Through stories, lessons learned, and practical insights, this episode gives listeners a deeper understanding of the responsibility and complexity behind the asphalt plant foreman role. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    47 min
  8. A Day in the Life of a Plant Foreman with Andy West and Don Brumley

    FEB 11

    A Day in the Life of a Plant Foreman with Andy West and Don Brumley

    On this week’s On the Surface, host Seth Stevens sits down with two longtime leaders in Delta’s asphalt operations. Andy West, HMA Manager over all eight Delta asphalt plants, and Don Brumley, Plant Foreman with more than three decades of experience, join the show to break down what the plant foreman role looks like day to day and why the job matters. Andy and Don share how plant operations have evolved over the years, from early equipment and batch plants to today’s continuous mix plants, heavier production demands, and fast-paced communication with road crews. Don explains the daily rhythm of getting a plant online before sunrise, coordinating material deliveries, loading trucks, and keeping the operation running safely and smoothly. They talk through what it takes to manage raw materials, liquid asphalt supply, and traffic flow on a busy site that can see more than 200 trucks in a single day. The conversation also highlights the tougher parts of the job. Both guests discuss why managing people is often harder than managing the plant itself, how constant change impacts seasoned teams, and what it takes to keep crews supported through long days and shifting expectations. They also dive into the most rewarding moments, including big production days, smooth runs, and seeing their teams succeed. To close out the episode, Andy answers the question left by the previous guest, and both foremen reflect on the advice that shaped their careers. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    35 min
See All (22)

4.7
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

On The Surface is the go-to podcast for leaders, innovators, and professionals in the world of construction and materials. Each episode dives deep into the strategies, stories, and insights that drive success in the industry—covering everything from business development and operational leadership to fostering team growth and cultivating a winning culture. Join us as we explore the people and processes that shape the built environment, featuring conversations with experts, thought leaders, and trailblazers who are transforming the way we design, build, and lead. Whether you’re a construction executive, materials specialist, or aspiring industry leader, On The Surface delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to elevate your career and your business.

Information

  • Creator
    Delta Companies Inc.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On The Surface with Delta
  • Show Website
    On The Surface with Delta

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