Episodios

  • The art of the handoff: getting succession planning right with Albert Ciuksza

    The art of the handoff: getting succession planning right with Albert Ciuksza
    Jun 10 2025
    Organizational transitions involve more than balance sheets and operational plans—they require navigating the emotional dynamics that often make or break leadership changes. In this episode, we speak with leadership development expert and author of Succeeding: Stepping Up Without Stepping In It, Albert Ciuksza. With decades of consulting experience, Albert walks us through the nuanced dynamics between successors and predecessors in asphalt and beyond. He emphasizes emotional intelligence as the key to managing transitions effectively and warns how ignoring the human side of leadership can derail even the best-laid plans. Whether you’re planning an exit or preparing to step up, this conversation gives you the tools to lead a successful transition. Tune in today!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    40 m
  • When sales meets service: making deals with strategy, honesty, and patience with Brodie Hutchins

    When sales meets service: making deals with strategy, honesty, and patience with Brodie Hutchins
    Jun 3 2025
    In this episode, we shift gears and dive into leadership in a vital area of our industry: sales. With the help of Brodie Hutchins, Vice President of VÖGELE Products at the Wirtgen Group and Chair of NAPA’s Associate Member Council, we break down what it takes to become a trusted voice in the field. Brodie shares what it truly takes to succeed in sales roles—a blend of deep technical knowledge and relationship-building that puts people first. He discusses key sales philosophies like value over price, how to motivate teams during down cycles, and why honesty builds lasting customer trust. Tune in to sharpen your business development mindset and learn how to thrive in your sales role.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    37 m
  • From accounting to asphalt: a journey of lifelong learning with Amanda Mohr

    From accounting to asphalt: a journey of lifelong learning with Amanda Mohr
    May 27 2025
    Stepping into a new industry can be challenging or intimidating, but for Amanda Mohr, it brought tremendous growth. This week, the President of Superior Bowen shares how her background in finance became a powerful foundation for leading with precision, adaptability, and authenticity. Through her commitment to lifelong learning, she’s embraced every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Whether she's innovating operational practices at Superior Bowen or championing women in the industry through Women of Asphalt, Amanda’s stayed true to her core values of hard work and commitment to excellence. If you’re considering an industry pivot or want to transition your skills, this episode offers actionable advice. Tune in today!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    23 m
  • Leading from within: embracing humility, grace, and accountability at the top with Wally Adamchik

    Leading from within: embracing humility, grace, and accountability at the top with Wally Adamchik
    May 20 2025
    When we think of leadership, we often picture the teams we manage or the goals we set—but sometimes, we need to look a little closer. True leadership starts with self-awareness: it starts with me. In this episode of Pave It Black, executive coach and leadership expert, Wally Adamchik, shares how he has helped leaders grow by embracing grace and humility. With decades of experience coaching executives in the construction industry, Wally breaks down what it means to develop values and why your mission matters more than you think. Listen to uncover the leadership lessons that bring real value to the asphalt pavement industry.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    26 m
  • Winning relationships: how great leaders earn loyalty and build high-performing, diverse teams with Hilary Fordwich

    Winning relationships: how great leaders earn loyalty and build high-performing, diverse teams with Hilary Fordwich
    May 13 2025
    Relationships in leadership are vital for success—both with clients and with your crew. This week, global business development expert Hilary Fordwich brings 30+ years of experience to unpack how strong leadership attracts business, builds loyalty, and drives results. Through her “Want v. Need” framework, Hilary explains how to develop teams that don’t just perform, they believe in the work. Listeners will learn the three characteristics every leader must have to drive team performance and why emotional buy-in matters more than just a paycheck. Tune in to learn how you can build trust and boost morale at your company, plus key tips on how to get more hours out of your workday.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    32 m
  • Driven by curiosity: building the Dirt World’s next generation with Aaron Witt

    Driven by curiosity: building the Dirt World’s next generation with Aaron Witt
    May 6 2025
    This week Aaron Witt, the Founder of BuildWitt, joins us to share how a relentless drive for curiosity has shaped his leadership journey—and how it can do the same for you. Aaron emphasizes that building authentic cultures and investing in people as individuals, not just workers, is the secret to success. Drawing from global experiences and countless conversations with industry leaders, he shows how staying continually curious and bettering yourself can drive real change. Whether you're managing a crew, navigating early leadership challenges, or simply wanting to build a stronger team, this episode will leave you motivated to think differently, lead boldly, and build better.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    38 m
  • Leading with passion and purpose: navigating career transitions and giving back to the industry with Deb Schwerman

    Leading with passion and purpose: navigating career transitions and giving back to the industry with Deb Schwerman
    Apr 29 2025
    How can you transition between roles while staying true to your values? This week’s guest, Deb Schwerman, demonstrates that a passion for your work and industry can reinforce those values, no matter your position. As the current Executive Director of the Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association, she shares her journey—from inspecting asphalt in the field and testing samples in the lab to leading industry-wide initiatives. Her willingness to embrace every opportunity and forward-thinking perspective shows that leadership is shaped by the journey, not just the destination. Be inspired by Deb’s path, passion, and purpose. Listen now!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    23 m
  • Work Zone Safety Special: driving change with awareness, technology, and advocacy

    Work Zone Safety Special: driving change with awareness, technology, and advocacy
    Apr 22 2025
    This special edition honors National Work Zone Awareness Week with an in-depth look at how awareness, advocacy, and innovation are creating safer job sites for road workers. First, we hear from Mitch Baldwin and Cameron Greene —two leading voices in the Work Zone Safety Coalition—who break down the latest policy efforts, the impact of federal and state-level changes, and how you can join the awareness campaign. Then, we spotlight NB West Contracting, winner of NAPA’s 2024 Asphalt Operations Safety Innovations Award. Their team share stories from job sites and explain how they developed this award-winning technology. Whether you're on the job site, advocating on the Hill, or driving through a work zone, this episode will inspire you to play an active role in protecting the people who keep America moving.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    46 m