With the 'in-person' event of NPE getting cancelled this year, Russ and his team have presented what will be the virtual version of the conference called National Pavement Conference Live! Russ goes over all the valuable information regarding the website, schedule, speakers, registration and cost to attendees (hint: Its free). -Marvin

When I went dow the "Slap Fight" rabbit hole, it was by pure accident. I was watching some UFC Highlights, clicked some Russian videos in the suggested column to the right, watched those and seen these guys slapping each other so hard they were KOing each other. Next thing I know, I seen some suggested video that were Americans doing it. One person dominated the highlights of these videos. The Crazy Hawaiian. This guy was taking some shots, and delivering some colossal ones. I knew, in my typical fashion, I wanted to ask him 1000 questions. I did some research and found him on instagram, the rest is DM history. It wasn't until we first connected that I found out Koa, The Crazy Hawaiian, was in the Asphalt and Asphalt maintenance industry. He has a really motivational and inspirational story that I think any listener will find very interesting and will make you believe you should follow your hunch on where your heart is telling you that you should go, because something awesome can happen. -Marvin

If 2020 showed me anything, it was were my weaknesses were as a business owner. One that was glaring to me at the end of the season was just how unorganized I was, especially in my role as the leader. I always preach efficiency to my team, but realized, I was incredibly inefficient with my tasks. One person I know, that juggles a lot of tasks and hats in this world, is my buddy Brian Hess of The Pavement Group. As the President/CEO of The Pavement Group, a national Pavement company. Brian's family is his greatest source of pride and motivation. He carves out time for them regularly, if you follow him on Social Media, you know that. Brian also runs Top Contractor School, which garners a lot of his attention. He also hosts a podcast, does speaking and coaching. So, how does he stay organized and efficient? I pick his brain and ask some questions that I think you as a listener may wonder, but also... I was asking for myself. I came away with some great takeaways from this conversation and I hope you will too. Thanks for listening and here's to 2021 being productive. -Marvin

I knew of Florida Sealcoating before I first met Jason last year at NPE. I knew of his company beforehand because of their instagram presence. Florida was always a curious state in my mind when I came to sealcoating, mainly because they are on the opposite side of the country from WI and their pavement can't need protected like ours does up here....does it? After meeting and talking to Jason (who is very approachable btw), I realized there is some differences but the need for asphalt maintenance in his climate still exists, sometimes for different reasons than everywhere else, but it exists. This podcast has been a longtime coming, as Jason is a busy guy, but that business is a good thing...it means he is doing something right. During this conversation Jason goes over the differences, how he started and drops some really good lessons that all contractors can take away. Give their instagram a follow at @floridasealcoating . -Marvin

I first stumbled upon Carlos on instagram a couple years ago. I seen a suggested video of a beautiful drone shot on a beach, and realized it was actually part of a marketing video being created. I then seen a video of a "floating breakfast" in Bali, and realized it was the same creator of the first video... I clicked the follow button. Fast forward to this year and I have now followed our guest, Carlos Zatch, for the last two years. He has traveled all over the world creating content for luxury brands and resorts. Im talking places like, Japan, Bali, France, Italy, Mexico, The USA and Dubai. Heres the catch...Carlos is 21. Just turned actually. He has harnessed the use of social media, and its crazy advantages, to create a business that has allowed him to live the life of his dreams. Kind of crazy to see all the places he has went and the opportunities he has capitalized on through the use of social media marketing. Carlos goes over his journey and some tips in this conversation that can't be missed. Whether he is petting an elephant in Indonesia or skiing the slopes in Colorado, Carlos is always working and building his portfolio in aims towards his next client and business venture. Please enjoy this conversation with our friend from Cabo, Mexico. -Marvin

If you have been to NPE at all over the last decade, you have seen Tom Eosso. The guy is just as, if not more, hyped to be there than I am. That's because we both love seeing and communicating with our peers. We both have a passion for our industry. I learn something from Tom every time I speak with him, or just so happen to sit in on one of his courses at the National Pavement Expo. Tom and his brothers own Eosso Brothers Paving in New Jersey, and have had steady growth and success through the years. Tom shares with us how adapting to changing times, and having the right team to help with adaptation allows for long-term success as your company grows. I look up to Tom in many ways, and I'm sure after this conversation you will too. -Marvin

Had a great time talking with my longtime friend and Manager of the Minnesota SealMaster, Jack Pakalski. Jack and his family have owned and operated the Wisconsin Franchise for many years and recently took over the Minnesota area as well within the last couple years. The Pakalski family have always created a great product for us here in Wisconsin and have delivered on customer service that seems to be a high standard for our industry. Jack talks about how he aims to keep that same standard coming from the Minnesota operation, and about the struggles he has overcome right out the gates, in taking on a new area that already has a sideways view of the brand in that area. Its no secret that 2020 delivered its own struggles as well. Jack also goes over the struggles that 2020 brought to him and his team, and what the future goals are for SealMaster of MN as well. This man is always a delight to be around and always makes me smile when he meet. I know he will deliver in MN, he has the chops and integrity to keep the success coming. True heart of Gold. Ladies and Gentleman, ...Skipper Jack. -Marvin

"The Modern Asphalt Aesthetic", Thats the Motto of my friend Braden's company in Kelowna, BC, Canada. When you look and the style and brand of ORCA Asphalt Maintenance, it shows through. From everything looking clean smooth and crisp, from the equipment to the jobs, everything transitions smoothly and you can tell its all with Porpoise (see what I did there?). Seriously though, the quantity and quality of Bradens Social Media content is one that I myself envy. Great camera shots, picturesque photos, upbeat TikToks, and always a full Insta story it seems. All of these things make ORCA's Social something I tune into everyday. Braden talks with us about that clean image, and filthy tank cleaning jobs, and why both are needed by the Contractor who is building his business, especially in this day and age. It was a pleasure to talk with Braden, I can tell he is excited about our industry and wants nothing in return for our friendship, that's how kindred spirits are supposed to be. Hoping you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. -Marvin

Ryan Behan and I have known each other for a few years now, albeit only digitally. He is very active in many online Facebook groups every since he started his business. Thats the magic of it, we have been able to witness him grow Ginger cat Sealcoating from start until now. Hailing from Greenfield, Mass, Ryan is a unique guy, who embraces it and uses it to his advantage. We go over his gameplay, marketing and goals for the future. We also get to but it up near the end about his skills on a drum set. Hope y'all enjoy. -Marvin

Mike Nawa has been in the Asphalt Maintenance industry for 44 years, Mainly sweeping, but doing all aspects over the years.  Based in Pennsylvania, Mike goes over how to start and run a sweeping business, including how to land those lucrative commercial clients. The conversation goes into how to "add" to your top line as being the parking lot contractor that is there more than anybody else. We also get a glimpse into what Mike is up to now and what he hopes to see in the future. Hope you enjoy! -Marvin