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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In this On The Surface conversation, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet break down the one metric that keeps every business alive: cash. Using plain‑spoken examples—from quarry rock to multi‑month construction projects—they map the full journey from opportunity → revenue → cash in the bank, and explain why profit on paper can hide real cash risk.

You’ll hear how front‑end decisions (quotes, terms, creditworthiness, and relationship building) connect to back‑end realities (billing accuracy, aging reports, finance charges, and collections), and why collaboration across sales, operations, shared services, and accounting is the only way to protect liquidity. The duo digs into milestones and pay estimates, credit checks and insurance, pausing accounts when needed, and forecasting cash needs for payroll, parts, and projects—plus the role site managers play in controlling costs to reduce cash burn.

If you’ve ever wondered why your income statement looks great while your bank balance doesn’t, this episode will help you see—and manage—the difference.

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In this episode of On The Surface, hosts Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet dig into what it takes to transition roles successfully. Drawing on recent role changes and real-world examples, they unpack why leadership transitions matter, how “sink-or-swim” cultures set people up to fail, and what smart companies do instead: build structured support, training, and clear timeline plans. Seth and Jordan cover the tricky shift from peer to manager, the value of functional mobility, and the mindset pivot from “doing the work” to leading the work. They also explore imposter syndrome, why emotional intelligence is becoming the decisive edge in the age of AI, and how focusing on your strengths (think CliftonStrengths) helps you lead with confidence.

You’ll hear practical tactics you can use today: intentional 1:1s, regular team cadences, purposeful performance reviews, and creating trust through listening first and changing later. The takeaway? Own your career—speak your ambitions out loud, map your first wins, and communicate, communicate, communicate. If you’re prepping for a promotion or guiding one on your team, this conversation will help you make the transition seamless—for you, your people, and the business.

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What does it take to lead more than 100 people, manage complex operations, and shape the future of a construction division? In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet talk with Daryl Masingale, Regional Manager of Construction, about the realities of high-level leadership and the vision required to succeed.

You’ll learn:
 ✅ How Daryl transitioned from hands-on roles to leading at scale
 ✅ The biggest challenges of managing people, strategy, and performance
 ✅ Why culture, collaboration, and efficiency matter more than ever
 ✅ How future-focused thinking drives growth in a competitive market

If you want an inside look at what leadership at scale really means—and how to balance day-to-day operations with long-term vision—this episode is packed with insights for aspiring leaders.

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Running a successful construction operation takes more than managing projects—it requires vision, strategy, and relentless focus on efficiency. In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet talk with Brian Kelso, Delta’s Operations Manager for Construction, about what it takes to lead large-scale operations in today’s competitive market.

You’ll learn:
 ✅ How operations management differs from project management—and why it matters
 ✅ The KPIs that drive profitability, from trucking costs to tons-per-hour
 ✅ Why customer relationships and collaboration are key to growth
 ✅ How technology and process improvements shape the future of construction

If you want to understand the big-picture role of operations in heavy construction—or how to move from jobsite execution to strategic leadership—this episode is packed with actionable insights.

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