Blacktop Legends Podcast

Greg & Paolo (The Gullo Brothers)
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

Welcome to the Blacktop Legends Podcast. This show was created to honor the true legends of the asphalt industry — the contractors, leaders, and families who show up every day, go to battle on the pavement, adapt through changing times, and build something that lasts. The name Blacktop Legends comes from exactly that. Not the loudest voices. Not always the flashiest brands. But the people who’ve earned respect through consistency, craftsmanship, and decades of hard work. We launched this podcast because too often, the real stories in this industry never get told — the early mornings, the tough seasons, the risks taken, the lessons learned the hard way, and the pride that comes from building something bigger than yourself.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    #7: From One Crew to 80 Employees in 7 Years | Brandon McRedmond from B.A Road Services

    Summary Brandon McRedmond shares his journey from starting a small asphalt business to building a major company in Australia, highlighting the importance of taking risks, building relationships, and cultivating a strong company culture. Takeaways Brandon's entrepreneurial journey from 2019 to nowThe importance of taking risks and seizing opportunitiesBuilding a company culture focused on inclusion and supportThe strategic move to build an asphalt plant for supply securityLessons learned about perseverance, persistence, and resilience Chapters 00:00Introduction to Brandon McRedmond's journey in asphalt industry 02:37Brandon's early career and decision to start his own business 07:16Challenges of growing a small business in a tough market 12:08Taking on big opportunities before feeling fully ready 14:10Delivering on a major project and building trust 19:09Transforming one opportunity into long-term relationships 21:01Growth challenges and the importance of the right team 27:05Building a culturally inclusive business and community impact 31:52Strategic move to build an asphalt plant for supply control 36:18The future vision: Brandon’s goals for the next decade

    #7: From One Crew to 80 Employees in 7 Years | Brandon McRedmond from B.A Road Services

  2. Aug 31

    #6: The Leadership Shift Every Asphalt Contractor Needs | Anthony Byson from Anthony's Asphalt

    Summary In this episode, Anthony shares his journey from starting Anthony's Asphalt with just a $700 truck to coaching contractors across North America. He discusses the importance of leadership, building a team, and creating a business that thrives without dependence on the owner. Takeaways Anthony's journey from starting with $700 to coaching across North AmericaThe shift from focusing on asphalt to leading peopleThe importance of mindset in leadership and business growthBuilding trust and empowering teamsThe role of systems and habits in scaling a businessThe significance of gratitude and recognition in team retentionStrategies for effective delegation and letting goThe impact of leadership on company culture and employee loyalty Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Anthony's journey and expertise 02:07 Starting Anthony's Asphalt with limited resources 03:54 Realizing the biggest challenge is leading people 05:12 Shifting mindset to prioritize team well-being 08:44 The American paradox: balancing work and family 10:21 Common leadership mistakes and assumptions 13:24 The importance of systems and delegation 19:40 Letting go and building trust in your team 24:07 First responsibilities to delegate as an owner 28:05 Hiring and retaining good people 35:06 Signs of a healthy or troubled company 39:43 Transformational leadership stories 43:49 Managing vs leading people 48:43 First system or habit to create a business independence 52:48 Common mistakes to avoid in system implementation 56:17 The 80/20 rule and focusing on high-impact activities 01:02:36 Final advice for asphalt contractors

    #6: The Leadership Shift Every Asphalt Contractor Needs | Anthony Byson from Anthony's Asphalt

  3. Aug 17

    #5: From Coach to Contractor: Build Resilience in Asphalt | Matt Greene from AAA Top Quality Asphalt

    Summary In this episode, Matt Greene shares his journey from teaching and coaching to leading a successful asphalt company. He discusses lessons learned from sports, leadership, building a team, and strategic decision-making that have shaped his approach to business and life. Matt Greene shares his journey in the asphalt industry, emphasizing sales strategies, the importance of online presence, health, and stress management. This episode offers practical tips for contractors looking to grow and sustain their business while maintaining personal well-being.  Takeaways Leadership lessons from sports applied to business Building and scaling an asphalt company Strategic decision-making and team management Importance of process, culture, and communication Lessons from coaching and teaching that influence leadership Sales strategies for contractors Importance of online presence and reputation Effective bidding and quoting process Stress management and health in entrepreneurship Building relationships and networking in construction Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matt Greene's Journey 01:01 Transition from Teaching to Construction Leadership 02:16 Building Top Quality Asphalt in Central Florida 03:08 Leadership and Life Lessons from a Heart Attack 04:20 Confidence to Leave a Successful Company 05:00 Sports, Coaching, and Leadership Skills 07:01 Early Roles and Growth in Construction 08:01 Joining Top Quality Asphalt and Early Challenges 09:07 Sales Experience and Business Growth 10:01 Levels of Responsibility and Learning from Downturns 12:33 Lessons from Mentors and Building Systems 14:02 Handling High-Stakes Meetings and Decision-Making 16:12 Questioning and Overcoming Challenges 17:52 Adapting Processes and Building a Strong Team 19:20 Operational Improvements and Equipment Investments 22:26 Creating a Positive Company Culture 26:11 Effective Meetings and Communication 27:19 Lessons from Growing a Successful Company 28:16 Starting Over and Building from Zero 36:44 Current State of Top Quality Asphalt 39:53 Team Experience and Knowledge Sharing 43:36 Customer Relations and Honest Communication 46:37 Sales Strategies and Customer Engagement 48:21 Lessons from Coaching and Building Teams 50:21 The Importance of Practice and Work Ethic 52:41 Leadership Philosophy and System Building 54:33 Correlating Football and Construction Management 56:01 Team Specialization and Role Clarity 56:49 Starting from scratch: generating work and online presence 58:57 Cold outreach and grassroots marketing tactics 01:00:15 Measuring properties and quick quoting process 01:02:16 Handling rejection and building resilience 01:04:20 The importance of a professional website and online showcase 01:07:20 The power of answering the phone and follow-up 01:09:16 Managing leads and CRM tools 01:12:24 Using social media and customer testimonials 01:18:57 Health scare and lessons on self-care 01:27:12 Genetics, stress, and heart health 01:30:24 Work-life balance and personal fulfillment 01:37:37 Advice for new contractors and industry insights

    #5: From Coach to Contractor: Build Resilience in Asphalt | Matt Greene from AAA Top Quality Asphalt

  4. Jul 28

    #4: From Zero to 100+ Employees: Here's What Nobody Tells You | Angus Walker from ANA Asphalts

    Summary In this episode, Angus Walker, founder of ANA Asphalt, shares his journey from starting at 17 to building a business with over 120 employees in just over a decade. He discusses strategic growth, branding, operational efficiency, leadership, and innovation in the asphalt industry. Takeaways Business growth and scaling strategies Branding and marketing in construction Operational efficiency and technology adoption Leadership and team development Diversification of services in asphalt industry Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Angus Walker and ANA Asphalt 01:28 Angus shares his early entry into the asphalt industry 04:26 The decision to disrupt and innovate in the market 07:28 The significance of branding and equipment customization 10:11 Overview of ANA Asphalt’s operations and divisions 12:37 Controlling processes and diversifying services 15:11 Building a team and leadership development 18:24 Efficiency, technology, and incentivizing field staff 22:45 Communication tools and operational management 30:17 Leadership challenges in rapid growth 33:37 Operational pressures and market adaptation 36:33 Expanding into larger projects and markets 45:50 Reflecting on the journey and future outlook 48:53 Key focus areas for continued growth

    #4: From Zero to 100+ Employees: Here's What Nobody Tells You | Angus Walker from ANA Asphalts

  5. Jul 15

    #3: Market Leading Paving Business in Only 16 Years | Adrian & Arlun Alblas from Burnaby Blacktop

    Summary In this episode, Adrian and Arlun share the journey of building Burnaby Blacktop from a small seal coating operation to one of Vancouver's top paving companies. They discuss strategies for growth, maintaining quality, investing in equipment, and fostering a strong company culture. Takeaways Business growth and scaling strategies Importance of equipment investment Building a strong company culture Customer satisfaction and reputation management Leadership and decision-making in a growing company. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adrian and Arlun's Journey 01:08 Starting Burnaby Blacktop from Scratch in 2010 02:17 Early Challenges and Self-Teaching in Paving 04:08 Growth Through Small Jobs and Word of Mouth 05:29 Bringing Arlun into the Business 07:24 Reaching the $1 Million Milestone 09:09 From Hardship to Success: Key Turning Points 10:32 Adapting and Learning from Industry Leaders 12:37 Building a Company Culture and Giving Back 13:22 Core Principles: Customer First and Quality Work 14:12 Rapid Growth and Expanding Crew Capacity 17:55 Organizing Multiple Crews and Operations 18:55 Importance of Equipment and Technology 21:44 Managing Growth Pains and Quality Control 27:39 Leadership Roles and Delegation 30:24 Building Systems and Processes for Scale 34:50 Evolving as Leaders and Company Vision 38:49 What Sets Successful Scaling Companies Apart 41:36 The Role of Online Presence and Marketing 45:39 Recognition and Awards in the Industry 47:23 Memorable Challenges and Chaos Moments 49:23 Favorite Equipment and Tools 50:01 Longest Work Days and Competitive Spirit 52:28 Risk-Taking and Decision-Making 53:12 Long-Term Vision for Burnaby Blacktop

    #3: Market Leading Paving Business in Only 16 Years | Adrian & Arlun Alblas from Burnaby Blacktop

  6. Jul 8

    #2: Building a 69-Year Legacy in Asphalt Paving | Scott & Danny Brown from Huntington Paving

    In this episode, Scott and Danny Brown of Huntington Paving share their family legacy, leadership lessons, and the resilience needed to sustain a successful paving business for over 69 years. Discover insights on hard work, adapting to industry changes, and maintaining family harmony in business. In this episode, Scott and Danny Brown share the legacy, values, and future vision of Huntington Paving, emphasizing the importance of relationships, integrity, and adapting to technological changes in the construction industry. Takeaways Family legacy in paving industryLeadership, business growth, and resilience in constructionAdapting to industry changes and technologyImpact of technology on construction and marketingWork ethic and perseveranceBuilding relationships and reputation in the industry Chapters 00:00 Legacy of Huntington Paving02:55 The Evolution of the Asphalt Industry06:00 Lessons from Growing Up in the Business09:10 Navigating Challenges and Resilience12:05 Memorable Projects and Experiences14:53 The Importance of Consistency in Business18:12 Family Dynamics in Business20:49 Learning from Mistakes and Growth24:01 Working with Family: The Good and the Bad26:44 The Role of Tradition and Change29:57 Reflections on Family and Business32:59 The Importance of Family Support in Business34:10 Transitioning Leadership and Business Vision35:14 Looking Ahead: The Future of Huntington Paving37:35 Adapting to Change: From Tradition to Technology40:31 Crew Dynamics and Project Management42:33 Memorable Experiences and Lessons Learned51:21 Chaotic Job Site Moments and Teamwork58:14 Legacy and Community Impact01:01:09 Advice for Young Contractors

    #2: Building a 69-Year Legacy in Asphalt Paving | Scott & Danny Brown from Huntington Paving

  7. Mar 2

    #1: 50 Years In Asphalt - What It Takes To Last | Vince & Flavio Petrozza from Empire Paving

    This podcast episode features a conversation with Vince and Flavio Petrozza from Empire Paving Limited, focusing on the origins and growth of their family-owned asphalt paving business. The discussion delves into the early days of the company, the influence of destiny, the challenges and advantages of a family business, and the significance of leadership and growth in the industry. The conversation delves into the intricacies of business dynamics, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and adapting to market changes. It also explores the challenges of employee management and the need for meticulous attention to small details in business operations. They also get into the importance of work-life balance and the need to unplug and recharge. It also explores the ways in which individuals find time to recharge outside of work, reflecting on career choices and marketing strategies, and discussing the factors that separate lasting companies from others. Takeaways Consistency and craftsmanshipLegacy and leadership Attention to DetailAdapting to Market Changes Work-Life BalancePassion for Work Chapters 00:00 Honoring the Legends05:22 The Influence of Destiny11:39 Leadership by Example17:31 The Strength of Family Business41:40 The Importance of Unplugging and Recharging48:09 Reflections on Career Choices and Marketing Strategies53:25 What Separates Lasting Companies from Others

    #1: 50 Years In Asphalt - What It Takes To Last | Vince & Flavio Petrozza from Empire Paving
  • 7 Episodes

About

Welcome to the Blacktop Legends Podcast. This show was created to honor the true legends of the asphalt industry — the contractors, leaders, and families who show up every day, go to battle on the pavement, adapt through changing times, and build something that lasts. The name Blacktop Legends comes from exactly that. Not the loudest voices. Not always the flashiest brands. But the people who’ve earned respect through consistency, craftsmanship, and decades of hard work. We launched this podcast because too often, the real stories in this industry never get told — the early mornings, the tough seasons, the risks taken, the lessons learned the hard way, and the pride that comes from building something bigger than yourself.

Information

  • Creator
    Greg & Paolo (The Gullo Brothers)
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Greg & Paolo (The Gullo Brothers)

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