Pave It Black is the official podcast of the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Hosted by NAPA's Richard Willis and Brett Williams, Pave It Black focuses on the people, issues, and technologies of the asphalt pavement industry, road building, and research and innovation. You can listen to Pave It Black on all available streaming platforms.
Beyond the Pavement: Lessons in Leadership
Season 9 explores leadership experienes and qualities as told by leaders inside and outside the asphalt pavement industry. In this season of unprecedented conversations, our guests share challenges and accomplishments from their personal leadership journeys. Find out what advice they would give their younger selves, how to be resilient in times of change, and what they do to key their leadership skills sharp.
Recent Podcast Episodes
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S9EP1: Leadership equals influence: why advocating for your industry matters with Pat Nelson, NAPA Chairman and President of Lehman-Roberts Co.
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S9EP2: Setting the tone: leading an industry of leaders with Audrey Copeland, NAPA President & CEO
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S9EP3: We’re built to be creative: unlocking innovation in leadership with Josh Linkner, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author
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S9EP4: Leading with values: the power of people-first leadership with David White, President of Superior Paving
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S9EP5: Investing in people: leading with presence and building strong partnerships with Christine Shaw, President & CEO of Naylor Association Solutions
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S9EP6: Building teamship through leadership: the essential qualities that breed success and culture with Adam Tarnow, Partner at PeopleWorks International, Speaker, Author
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S9EP7: Encouraging diversity of thought: leading with lessons from the past and creating forward-thinking teams with Maure Creager, Circular Economy Manager at CertainTeed. This episode is sponsored by CertainTeed.
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S9EP8: Work Zone Safety Special: driving change with awareness, technology, and advocacy with Mitch Baldwin, Director of Government Affairs at NAPA, Cameron Greene, Vice President of Government Relations at the American Traffic Safety Servics Association (ATTSA), Tim Swaringam, Safety Director at N.B. West Contracting, Nick Brewer, Shop Manager at N.b. West Contracting, and Noah DeRousse, Paving Operator at N.B. West Contracting
Previous Seasons
S8E10 - [Part 2] Paving the future: Cold central plant recycling and 3D paving
In the final episode of Season 8, we pick up our conversation with Tim Kowalski and Laikram Narsingh from Wirtgen Group. We explore two innovative technologies changing the asphalt pavement industry: 3D paving and Cold Central Plant Recycling. We learn what these technologies are, how they were developed, and we share real-world examples of these technologies in action. Join us as we wrap up this season focused on Technology and the People Who Use It!
Episode sponsored by Wirtgen Group
S8E9 - [Part 1] Paving the future: Achieving sustainability goals through technology and training
For the penultimate episode of Season 8, we kick off the first half of a two-part conversation with Tim Kowalski and Laikram Narsingh from Wirtgen Group. During this conversation, Tim and Nars delve into the critical role of training and sustainability in asphalt paving. We explore how to help the workforce understand and adopt new technologies and discuss the retention challenges manufacturers are facing. Finally, we discuss how equipment technology can contribute to the sustainability goals of the industry and the steps contractors can take to join this movement.
Episode sponsored by Wirtgen Group
S8E8 - Built to last: Enhancing productivity and sustainability through wear parts
This week, Richard and Brett explore the technology of wear parts. With the help of Brian Handshoe and Randy Barrington from Kenco Engineering, we break down what wear parts are, how this technology evolved, and where Kenco stands as an innovator in the field. From asphalt drums to auger blades, we’ll discuss specific examples of wear parts, including best practices for integration and maintenance to maximize equipment lifespan. Finally, we take a look at the future of wear part technology and discuss how wear parts contribute to the sustainability efforts of our industry.
Episode sponsored by Kenco Engineering
S8E7 - Designing pavements in a changing world: How technology shapes asphalt in Europe
In this episode of Pave It Black, we delve into the technologies and strategies shaping the European asphalt pavement industry. With the help of Breixo Gómez Meijide, Technical Director for the European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA), we look at the innovations helping the industry work towards its goal of being carbon-neutral by 2050. We discuss emerging topics such as low-temperature asphalt, the circular economy, and the potential impact of the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles on road durability. Lastly, we highlight the relationships between NAPA, EAPA, and other international organizations, and their role in driving technological advancements in the asphalt pavement industry.
S8E6 - Better management, better processes: Enhancing asphalt operations with specialized software
In this episode of Pave It Black, we discuss how specialized software can enhance your operations. While many think of everyday tools like Office 365 and CRM databases, there are software platforms uniquely designed for the needs of asphalt pavement companies. To dig deeper, we talk to Ari Bleemer from OneCrew, a company at the forefront of creating innovative software solutions for our industry. Ari shares the story behind developing a unified platform for asphalt professionals and explains how digital tools can streamline operations, enhance productivity, and overcome common industry challenges. We also explore the broader trends in software adoption, the hurdles companies face when integrating new technology, and the exciting emerging technologies on the horizon.
S8E5 - Loader, no driver: Transforming plant operations with remote-operated autonomous loaders
This week, we’re exploring a technology that will significantly change how asphalt plants operate: remote-operated, autonomous loaders. To learn more about this technology, Richard and Brett talk to Vince Hafeli of Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, the first company in America to introduce this technology. Vince walks us through the technology behind autonomous loaders, how Ajax began its journey with this tech, and its impact on its operations. We dive into the challenges of introducing new technologies, from team training to integration hurdles, and hear Vince’s advice for other companies considering similar advancements.
Episode sponsored by ADM
S8E4 - Integrating technology at your plant without disrupting flow: Using aramid fibers in production
In this episode of Pave It Black we’re diving into the world of additive technologies. Additives play a crucial role in enhancing mixture performance and promoting sustainability through increased recycle content and lower production temperatures. To help us learn more about this topic, Richard and Brett talk to Patrick Weaver from Surface Tech. Patrick discusses best practices for introducing and controlling new technologies in asphalt mix production, the benefits of precision dosing, and key metrics producers should consider when evaluating additives. Whether you're an asphalt producer or just curious about the latest technologies, this episode is packed with essential information and expert advice.
Episode sponsored by Surface Tech
S8E3 - People, process, then technology: Unlocking operational efficiencies with AI
In the third episode of season 8, Richard and Brett discuss today’s most popular technology advancements: artificial intelligence. In 2023, in partnership with XBE, we launched HeyNAPA, a dedicated AI search engine that lets you access technical documents and helps answer any asphalt pavement-related queries. As more companies within the industry adopt AI technologies, we talk to Luke Kotz of Mannatts, Inc. to discuss how AI is making a noticeable impact, the unexpected benefits it’s brought to their operations, and how to overcome challenges in adopting the technology. If you're curious about how AI is transforming construction and what the future holds for the asphalt pavement industry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
S8E2 - Giving kids a test drive: Using simulators to recruit the industry’s next generation
In this episode of Pave It Black, we tackle one of the asphalt industry’s biggest challenges: recruiting and retaining talent. While many regions are struggling, Georgia is seeing success thanks to the integration of innovative workforce simulators. To help us dive into this topic, we asked Ray Rodriguez from CW Matthews to explain what these simulators are, how they work, and the tangible benefits they provide for both companies and workers. Listen to learn more about Georgia’s HEO Program, its impact on CW Matthews’ recruitment, and how this technology is reshaping workforce strategies.
S8E1 - There's a synergy between technology and sustainability: Understanding digital solutions for asphalt
Description: Welcome back to a brand-new season of Pave It Black! For Season Eight, we are revisiting the topic of technology and learning from the people who use it. To kick off our season, Richard and Brett explore how technological innovations are enhancing sustainability in the asphalt industry. With the help of Trevor Wagoner and Eric Baker from Astec Industries, we explore how data analytics aid sustainable decision-making, why integrating technologies can be advantageous, and future technology trends for the asphalt pavement industry. Don’t miss the first conversation of season eight!
Episode is sponsored by Astec Industries.
Season 7: Conversations from the Capital
Season seven of Pave It Black looks at the relationships between industry leaders and agency stakeholders by learning more about these vital Conversations from the Capital. Topics range from low carbon construction materials initiatives, how companies can get involved with the ENERGY STAR program, and what NAPA's Government Affairs Team advocates for.
Season 6: Groundbreaking Projects
In season six of NAPA’s flagship podcast, Pave It Black, Vice President of Engineering, Research, & Technology Richard Willis, PhD, and Director of Engineering & Technical Support Brett Williams explore groundbreaking projects and the people wielding the tools and power to break new ground. Topics range from emerging regulatory and legislative impacts like defining ‘environmentally preferred asphalt’ in episode one to diversifying the industry through affinity groups that recruit and support women and minorities not always readily identified with the industry in episode 10.
Season 5: Climate & The Road Forward
Pave It Black's fifth season explores the people and technologies of the asphalt pavement industry and how they are working toward creating the future of net zero emissions pavement.
Season 4: Career Opportunities
Pave It Black rolls into its fourth season of exploring the people, issues, and technologies within the asphalt pavement industry. In Season Four, hosts Richard Willis and Brett Williams will focus on workforce opportunity, speaking with guests whose workplaces range from the corporate office to the work zone.
Season 3: Technology
In Season 3 of Pave It Black, Richard and Brett talk technology. With the help of our expert guests, we debunk the common misconceptions about innovation, explore vehicle electrification, and discover how robots are increasing work zone safety.
Season 2: Asphalt Perspectives
Pave It Black returns for a second season and this time, we’re looking at our industry from different perspectives. We explore the impact of digitalization by discussing social media and marketing, followed by conversations on resilience and new technologies. Listen to learn about the different paths our guests took to get to this industry - maybe you’ll be inspired to join us too!
Season 1: The Journey Begins
Pave It Black offers an insightful journey through the asphalt industry, featuring stories from industry veterans and experts, guided by Dr. Richard Willis and Brett Williams. During this season, we highlight innovative technologies, family business dynamics, and industry challenges.