On The Surface with Delta

Delta Companies Inc.
  • 4.8 (17)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Opportunity, Leadership, and the Long Game with Derrick Schatte

    2D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. People, Planning and Production: Inside the Paving Foreman Role

    FEB 4

    People, Planning and Production: Inside the Paving Foreman Role

    On this week’s On the Surface, host Seth Stevens and co-host Brad Marotti welcome Shane Moody, Paving Superintendent at Delta, for an inside look at what it really takes to lead a paving crew and build high quality roads across Arkansas. Shane walks through his journey from flagging in Missouri to running full paving crews and eventually stepping into the superintendent role. He explains what a paving foreman does each day, including planning tons, coordinating with the asphalt plant, managing trucks, handling traffic control, and staying ahead of challenges in the field. You will also hear how lead men, equipment choices, and strong communication help crews stay productive and hit their targets. We cover the technical side too, including how mix types, slopes, driveway tie-ins, and road conditions affect tonnage, smoothness, and ride quality. Shane also shares the human side of the job, from developing young operators to building crews that trust each other and hold each other accountable. Safety moments, close calls, leadership lessons, and real-world examples give listeners a clear picture of the responsibility that comes with the foreman role. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    44 min
  6. Snow Day Special

    JAN 28

    Snow Day Special

    School’s out, schedules are on pause, and we’re breaking from our usual programming for something a little different. Thanks to snow days at home, this episode flips the script and hands the microphone to the kids. From what they love most about unexpected days off to how much knowledge they have about their dad's job, this candid, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful conversation captures the energy of a snow day through their eyes. No lesson plans, no bells—just real voices, big opinions, and the kind of moments you only get when winter changes the plan. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    8 min

  7. JAN 21

    How GPS & AI Are Rewriting the Paving Playbook

    On this week’s On the Surface, host Seth Stevens and co-hosts Brad Marotti and Jordan Janet welcome back Patrick Lemley, Construction Technologies Manager at Delta, for a deep dive into how paving has evolved—and where it’s headed next. Patrick maps the journey from labor‑intensive stringline control to today’s full‑GPS model-based paving that can auto-steer the paver, control end-gates, and hold grade. You’ll get a clear, practical breakdown of the paving train and why process specifics matter for ride quality and smoothness. We cover the front end of the workflow too: high‑speed road scanning and rapid model building that lets teams predict leveling quantities and have better conversations with DOTs before the first ton is laid. Patrick also explains critical safety fail-safes, the workforce shift from hot, repetitive tasks to fewer, higher-skill technician roles, and why regulatory readiness will be key for autonomous equipment on public highways. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    38 min
  8. A Project Manager's Playbook: Schedules, Change Orders, and Traffic Swaps

    JAN 14

    A Project Manager's Playbook: Schedules, Change Orders, and Traffic Swaps

    In this episode of On the Surface, we unpack what project managers actually do—from planning and coordinating crews and subs to managing schedules, change orders, and milestones like traffic swaps. Patrick Lemley brings a surveyor’s eye and tech‑forward mindset to working smarter in the field. We cover the rhythm of the job, finishing without a punch list, and what success looks like. Plus: week‑one advice for any role and a question for the next guest. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    39 min
See All (18)

4.8
out of 5
17 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
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On The Surface with Delta
  • Show Website
    On The Surface with Delta

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