Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors learn to lead stronger, scale faster, and build businesses that last.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with John Rugg, owner of Laurel Asphalt, to unpack 30 years of wisdom in business, leadership, and legacy. From starting with nothing but two barrels of sealer and a 2x4, to running one of Johnstown’s most respected paving companies, John’s story is one of persistence, family, and focus.

🔥 Inside this episode:

✅ How John and his wife grew Laurel Asphalt from scratch into a 30-year success story

✅ The challenge of giving up control—and how his son Tyler is leading the next generation

✅ Why persistence and consistency matter more than talent or shortcuts

✅ The shift from operator to CEO: learning to coach, not control

✅ Building a strong reputation in a small town through integrity and honesty

✅ The biggest lessons from working with family (and how to stay aligned)

✅ Why communication is the most underrated skill in construction

✅ How Laurel Asphalt keeps crews motivated during the busy season

✅ The role of personal development in leadership—even after decades in business

✅ How TCS helped John embrace being uncomfortable as a path to growth

If you’re building a family business, leading a team, or preparing to hand off responsibility to the next generation, this episode is full of timeless wisdom and practical lessons you can apply right now. 

👇 Get plugged into a network that helps you grow—personally and professionally:

🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/

\📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors learn how to scale smarter, lead stronger, and build businesses that last.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Josh Trolinger, National Account Manager at Leeboy, to talk about what sets great contractors apart when it comes to equipment decisions, leadership, and long-term strategy. From his years in heavy road construction to helping contractors grow with the right machines, Josh brings a perspective rooted in both hands-on experience and industry innovation. 

🔥 Inside this episode:

✅ Josh’s journey from road building to leading national accounts at Leeboy

✅ What makes Leeboy unique—and why contractors trust the brand for 60+ years

✅ The biggest mistakes contractors make when buying equipment (and how to avoid them)

✅ Why thinking bigger with equipment can accelerate growth and profitability

✅ How Leeboy trains its people to support contractors in the field, day or night

✅ The role of trust, service, and relationships in contractor-manufacturer partnerships

✅ How TCS has bridged the gap between equipment makers and end users

✅ What’s next in paving equipment: automation, telematics & smarter machines

 ✅ Why the most successful contractors focus on working on the business instead of just in it

✅ Josh’s advice for smaller contractors ready to take the next leap

If you’re serious about scaling your business the right way—by making smarter investments, surrounding yourself with the right people, and staying ahead of the industry curve—this episode is packed with wisdom you can use right now. 

👇 Get plugged into the network that helps you level up in business and life:

🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/

📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where elite contractors come to lead better, scale faster, and build legacies that last.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Maris Todaro, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, of Holland Paving & Sealcoating for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and thriving in a male-dominated industry. Maris shares her journey from growing up in an asphalt paving family to co-owning one of Cleveland’s most respected paving companies—and how her father’s early encouragement helped her see opportunity where others saw limits.

 🔥 Inside this episode:

✅ Maris’s path from measuring driveways as a teen to buying into Holland Paving in 2018

✅ What it’s like leading in a male-dominated industry—and why she embraces it

✅ Lessons from building a strong, loyal team culture in the field and office

✅ Why removing emotions from tough business decisions is a leadership superpower

✅ How to handle difficult conversations with empathy and understanding

✅ Advice for women entering the trades and stepping into leadership roles

✅ The power of community—how TCS members showed up for her in unexpected ways

✅ How she protects her team’s culture and ensures every new hire is the right fit

✅ Leadership traits, morning routines, and mindset tools that keep her grounded

If you’ve ever faced challenges in leadership or questioned whether you belong in your industry, this episode will inspire you to own your voice, play to your strengths, and build something worth protecting.

👇 Join a network built to help you grow—personally and professionally:

🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/

📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where elite contractors come to lead better, scale faster, and build legacies that last.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Bryce Herham, General Manager of Central Paving, for one of the most raw and inspiring conversations we’ve had on the podcast. Bryce shares how his first year in leadership nearly broke him—and how hitting rock bottom helped him rebuild his company, his mindset, and his mission from the ground up.

🔥 Inside this episode:

✅ Bryce’s journey from “briefcase contractor” to GM in the paving world

✅ The story behind Central Paving’s biggest loss—and the lessons that followed

 ✅ Why spreadsheets don’t build teams—and how he shifted from assets to people

✅ The team meeting that changed everything (and started with “I’m sorry”)

✅ How he turned the company around by prioritizing purpose over pride

✅ The daily habits and mindset tools that keep him grounded today

✅ Why vulnerability, journaling, and gratitude are his leadership secret weapons

✅ How Central Paving sets itself apart in a fast-paced, high-pressure market

✅ Creating team buy-in: open communication, transparency, and alignment with goals

✅ How TCS gave Bryce the community and conversations every leader needs

If you’ve ever felt the weight of leadership or doubted your ability to carry it, this episode will hit home. Bryce’s story is proof that failure isn’t final—it’s the foundation for something greater.

👇 Join a network built to help you grow—personally and professionally:

🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/

 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where high-level contractors learn how to lead, scale, and win in business and in life.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Josh Tohey, owner of Three Rivers General Contracting, to unpack his inspiring journey—from launching his company just weeks before the world shut down in 2020 to building a premium brand in the luxury remodel and commercial build space. With honesty, grit, and a long-term mindset, Josh shares how he’s navigating growth while building a people-first culture that stands out.

🔥 Inside this episode:

✅ What it was like starting a business right before the COVID-19 shutdown

✅ How Josh pivoted early to survive—and later thrived by getting focused

✅ The critical importance of client selection and pre-qualifying leads

✅ How he’s building a niche in high-end remodels and small commercial work

✅ His hiring philosophy: lead with trust, expect accountability

✅ The role of vision in creating team buy-in and leadership development

✅ Josh’s approach to client communication, reputation, and quality

✅ Why slowing down to plan—and verify—is key to profitability

✅ What separates Three Rivers in a tight-knit community like Pittsburgh

✅ How TCS helped him level up through connection, clarity, and confidence

 If you’re a contractor building from the ground up, facing growing pains, or trying to step into the next level of leadership, this one’s for you.

👇 Join the network that helps you go farther, faster:

🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/

 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where elite contractors come to grow themselves, their teams, and their companies.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Jason Oberman, COO of Diamond Solutions, to talk about what it takes to scale the right way. From building out systems and developing leaders to navigating 80% year-over-year growth, Jason shares a no-fluff, experience-driven roadmap for contractors who want to grow—and stay sane while doing it.

🔥 Inside this episode, we cover:

✅ Why sales and operations alignment is a game-changer

✅ How Jason transitioned from real estate to running a national pavement company

✅ The key signs your business is ready to scale (and what to do next)

✅ Why communication is the most underrated contractor skill

✅ How Diamond invests in its people—books, leadership videos, and more

✅ The role of faith, fitness, and music (hello, AC/DC) in staying grounded

✅ Why customer experience is a non-negotiable—and how they tie it to bonuses

✅ The power of creating systems that work without you

✅ The importance of developing leaders long before you need them

✅ How TCS has provided real-time tools, access, and community for next-level growth

If you’re looking to scale with intention, build a culture that wins, and avoid the chaos of growing too fast, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and leadership fire. 

👇 Ready to stop winging it and start scaling it?

🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/

📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, the place where high-performing contractors come to grow, lead, and win.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Ryan Yorgen, Director of Production at 1 Team Media, to talk about a topic every contractor needs to hear: why you can’t afford to ignore media anymore. Ryan shares his journey from the NHL to TCS, and unpacks how content creation, branding, and video storytelling are changing the game for contractors when it comes to sales, hiring, and long-term growth. 

🔥 Inside this episode, we cover:

✅ Why “word of mouth” isn’t enough anymore in today’s market

✅ How to start creating content even if you’re uncomfortable or introverted

✅ The two questions your social media should always answer

✅ What customers and job seekers are really looking for online

✅ Why employee-driven content builds engagement, pride, and retention

 ✅ Easy content strategies: before/after photos, project walk-throughs & culture highlights

✅ How Ryan’s team helps TCS members build their brand without burning time

✅ Why good audio + captions matter more than fancy cameras

✅ The difference between being busy—and being visible

✅ How one simple post turned into 50,000 views in under 12 hours

Whether you’re trying to attract more leads, recruit better talent, or just stand out in your market, this episode will show you how to start—without overthinking it.

👇 Want to make your brand impossible to ignore?

🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/

📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, the show where we equip elite contractors with the tools, mindset, and network to build businesses that win.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Alex O’Quinn, the 24-year-old owner of Pavement Pro Asphalt Maintenance, to talk about what it really takes to start a business young—and scale it fast. From knocking doors with a used truck to running a multi-crew operation with vision, culture, and discipline, Alex’s story is a masterclass in grit, sacrifice, and showing up.

🔥 Inside this episode:

✅ How Alex went from broke college dropout to business owner in under a year

✅ The role of mentors, mindset, and a Google Drive in building his first system 

✅ Why personal discipline, routine, and faith fuel his leadership 

✅ The truth about managing employees older than you—and how to earn respect

✅ Why hiring for character over skill changed everything

✅ Culture killers: how one toxic employee can infect your entire team

✅ The underrated power of branding and social media in the paving world

✅ What Alex learned from TCS—from systems to sales to personal growth

✅ How TCS helped him go from winging it to scaling with intention

If you’re a young entrepreneur—or anyone building something from scratch—this episode will remind you that you don’t need to wait for permission to chase greatness. 

👇 Get plugged into the network that helps you level up in business and life:

🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/

📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where we help contractors grow smarter, lead better, and build businesses that last.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with John Jeanguenat, VP of Equipment for the American Rental Association, to break down everything contractors need to know about the rental market—what’s changing, what to watch out for, and how to decide whether renting or owning your equipment is the right move for your business.  🔥 In this episode, we unpack:

✅ How market uncertainty is reshaping the rental landscape

✅ Why rental equipment now makes up 60% of the market (and rising)

✅ The hidden costs of ownership contractors often overlook

✅ Key benefits of renting: flexibility, service, and risk reduction

✅ How to think about capital investment, cash flow, and fleet strategy

✅ When rent-to-own or rental purchase options make sense—and the pitfalls to avoid

✅ Common misconceptions about equipment rental (and what’s changed in 2025)

✅ Why safety features and proactive partnerships matter more than ever

✅ Advice for contractors of all sizes: how to stay agile and grow strategically

Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just scaling up, this episode gives you real-world insights into equipment strategy that can save you time, money, and headaches on the job.

👇 Tap into the tools, support, and network built for elite contractors:

🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/

📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where we equip elite contractors with the mindset, tools, and community to grow businesses that make a difference.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Dejah Anderson, COO of Anderson Striping and Construction, to explore her journey from answering phones during the Great Recession to leading operations for a multi-state business. Dejah shares what it’s like growing up in a family-run company, leading with resilience, and forging a path as a woman in the construction industry. 

🔥 In this episode, we dive into:

✅ How Dejah worked her way up from entry-level to COO in a male-dominated field

✅ The early days of Anderson Striping—and the sacrifices that built it

✅ The reality of working with family: challenges, communication, and legacy

✅ What it means to lead with emotional intelligence and humility

 ✅ Dejah's journey balancing business leadership and motherhood

✅ The value of mental “clock out” and being present at home

✅ How she’s helping set a new standard for women in construction

✅ Why TCS became a game-changer: systems, strategy, and peer support

✅ The underestimated impact of striping on public safety

✅ Dejah's advice for young leaders and family-run businesses

If you’re navigating a family business, stepping into leadership, or looking to grow your company without sacrificing your values, this conversation is packed with wisdom you don’t want to miss.

👇 Join a community that will elevate your business and your life: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/