At our core, we take immense pride in the fact that we self-perform an impressive 90% of our projects. This hands-on approach isn’t just a statistic; it's our commitment to excellence and reliability. By taking the reins on the vast majority of our work, we ensure a level of oversight and involvement that's simply unattainable through outsourcing. This direct management of projects allows us to meticulously oversee every detail, from the initial planning stages to the final touches.
Our decision to self-perform empowers us to exercise unparalleled control over numerous critical aspects of our projects. When it comes to scheduling, our hands-on approach ensures efficiency and timeliness, significantly reducing the risk of delays and ensuring that your project stays on track. Quality control, a cornerstone of our operations, benefits immensely from our self-performing model. By being deeply involved in every stage, we maintain the highest standards of craftsmanship, ensuring that every aspect of the project meets our rigorous quality criteria.
Furthermore, this approach fosters a seamless integration of various project phases, enhancing coordination and reducing the likelihood of errors or miscommunications. Our dedicated team, armed with extensive expertise and a deep understanding of our business model, works tirelessly to deliver superior results that consistently exceed our clients' expectations.
In essence, our commitment to self-performing 90% of our projects isn’t just a number—it's a reflection of our dedication to excellence, efficiency, and quality. It's how we guarantee that when you entrust us with your project, you’re not just getting a contractor; you’re getting a partner wholly invested in your success.
At our company, we understand that managing a budget for paving projects can often feel like navigating a maze of unnecessary expenses. That's why we've committed ourselves to cutting out the middlemen that traditionally weigh down your budgets. By directly eliminating the steep mark-ups typically added by national paving brokers and third-party maintenance firms, we ensure that your funds are optimized for maximum efficiency. This strategic approach not only stretches your budget dollars further but also empowers you to invest in higher quality materials and services. In essence, our model is designed to allow your budget to go the extra mile, ensuring that every dollar you spend is a direct investment in the longevity and quality of your paving projects.
Our company takes pride in its private ownership, steering clear of the private equity trend that many in our industry have adopted. This independence allows us to make swift decisions on budgeting and pricing, offering you direct access to company principals for an efficient and personal business experience. It's business conducted the old-fashioned way, without the hassle of waiting for lengthy responses
The Genesis of Our Journey
BY: Steven Brahney
Back in 2002, when Google was just finding its footing, our journey into national accounts began in an unexpected way. Our largest leap came from a national facility manager who, after spotting our prominent yellow page advertisement under "Paving Contractors," reached out to us from a property he was overseeing. This initial engagement led us to manage our very first national account, covering various properties across New Jersey. Given the seasonal nature of our work, the facility manager inquired about my off-season activities. I shared that I would retreat to my second home in Tequesta, Florida, to enjoy the winter months. His response opened a new avenue for our business. Impressed with our work in New Jersey, he proposed we extend our services to about a dozen of his properties in Florida. Recognizing this opportunity, I promptly obtained a Florida contractor's license and arranged for a seal coating tank to be transported to Florida, setting the stage for winter operations. This marked the beginning of our expansion, as I actively sought to cater our services to other national accounts.
By 2003, our portfolio grew by three additional accounts, and by 2004, we pivoted our business model to exclusively cater to national accounts. Fast forward to 2006, our expertise and dedication had propelled us to service national accounts across the entire East Coast, stretching from Maine to Florida.
The Dawn of Nationwide Paving Enterprises: A 2004-2005 Retrospective
In the 2004-2005 season, the landscape of the paving industry witnessed a remarkable shift with the emergence of "National Paving Companies." Pavement Maintenance Magazine started to fill with display ads, signaling a nationwide call for subcontractors to assist in managing client properties across the U.S. It felt reminiscent of the late '90s and early 2000s DOTCOM boom, yet this time, the spotlight was on paving ventures, not tech startups.
How We Began To Grow: Year 2006
My passion for sales and aiding others has always been at the core of our mission. From the very start, as we embarked on this adventure by diving into national accounts, I took the helm of our sales efforts. Daytime was dedicated to relentless sales calls from the office, while my nights, extending at times until the wee hours at 2 AM, were consumed in the coziness of my basement home office. There, I delved deep into client research, crafting marketing materials, drafting emails, and dissecting company backgrounds. By 2006, a recurring theme emerged from my conversations with national facility managers - a widespread dissatisfaction with national paving companies relying heavily on subcontractors. The grievances were consistent - issues with project scoping, scheduling mishaps, pricing confusion, and lapses in quality control. In response to this feedback, April 2006 marked a pivotal shift. We expanded beyond our initial focus areas of NJ, NY, PA, & FL, opting to self-perform projects across the entire East Coast, journeying from Kittery, Maine, to Miami, Florida.
The Turning Point: Navigating Change in 2009-2010
Reflecting on September 2008 might not be everyone's cup of tea. Especially for those of us over 40 and entrenched in the workforce, it's a period that's either etched in memory or one we'd rather erase.
The financial landscape was shifting beneath our feet, causing our outstanding invoices to pile up and payment times to stretch further and further. Our bank began to scrutinize these receivables, particularly noting that some of the companies in question were teetering on the edge of financial instability. With my personal assets tied up as a guarantee on our line of credit, the stakes were incredibly high, threatening not just the business but my family's security. Meanwhile, market forces were pushing prices down, making long-haul trips for projects anywhere from 500 to 1000 miles away financially unviable. I observed a shift in the industry as accounts that previously had "subcontractor restrictions" started to relax those standards, allowing national paving contractors to subcontract due to these same pricing pressures. By 2011, we made a strategic decision to tighten our operational focus to NJ, PA, DE, and MD, adapting to the changing economic and business environment.
Expanding Horizons Once More: The 2015 Chapter
Following a particularly successful period in 2012-2014, we found ourselves inundated with requests from our national accounts, inquiring whether we were open to expanding our services beyond our established territories once more.
In the midst of this bustling time, I received a call from a trailblazer in the national paving industry, someone I deeply admired and considered not just a peer but a friend. He was embarking on a new venture, having recently moved on from a previous non-compete agreement with a leading national paving firm. He saw in us a partner with unparalleled expertise in accurately assessing client properties without the need for on-site supervision, an ability to manage extensive territories, and a seasoned approach to handling national accounts. Our synergy was undeniable: He excelled in securing contracts, confident in our ability to flawlessly deliver on them, and trusted us to address any issues promptly, safeguarding his client relationships and brand reputation. Our agreement was simple and solid, sealed with a handshake – we would collaborate exclusively, avoiding competition over clients. I agreed to halt our national expansion efforts in favor of this partnership. This arrangement thrived until 2019 when his company's acquisition by a private equity firm introduced tensions. Before the acquisition, he valued our full-service capabilities, from project initiation to completion, requiring only paperwork and billing from his team. However, the new owners’ shift in their sourcing strategy for subcontractors conflicted with my vision of an exclusive partnership. Despite an existing handshake deal and the fact we were already servicing national accounts – thereby rendering their three-year non-compete clause irrelevant – I chose to honor our original agreement out of integrity, though not obligated to do so.
Looking Ahead to 2024 and Beyond
As we bid farewell to our non-compete agreement at the close of 2023, I'm thrilled to announce the revival of our national accounts focus.
Our attention will zero in on New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New York, Delaware, and Maryland—regions known for their dense populations and as the epicenters for numerous national account portfolios.
Not stopping there, we're also eyeing opportunities beyond these borders, aiming for client project expansions. Moreover, we're charting a course for growth into the Carolinas and Georgia by 2025-2026 with our self-managed teams.
Eager to dive back into this market, I look forward to enriching my portfolio with new clients, embarking on a journey of mutual growth and success.
Whom Do We Assist?
Which Vertical Markets Do We Serve For National Accounts
Which Vertical Markets Do We Not Service
Quick Service Restaurants
Motels
National Paving Companies:
Advantages
Disadvantages
Local Paving Companies:
Advantages
Disadvantages
"YOU'RE the Focus: Our Every Action Revolves Around Your Satisfaction And Making Your Job Easier"
Our business model is designed to be a hybrid solution between National Paving Companies and Local Service Providers.
Here's what sets us apart:
Having outlined our strengths and advantages, it's equally important to identify the types of clients that may not align with our service model.
Better Data To Drive Better Budgeting Decisions:
Don't settle for a quick "drive thru" pavement assessment performed by a national paving companies subcontractor or inexperienced local pavement company. Choose Fix Asphalt for a comprehensive pavement preservation solution that delivers lasting results.
We understand as a national or regional facility manager you require good data to make informed decisions. That's why our quotes are more than just a number. We take the time to thoroughly assess your parking lot's condition before recommending any services. Here's how our in-depth survey process works:
1. Comprehensive Inspection: Our experienced technician will conduct a detailed inspection of your parking lot, looking for factors like:
2. Data Collection:
3. Customized Solutions:
Based on the survey results, we tailor a asphalt/concrete proposal specifically for your parking lot. This may include:
Benefits of Fix Asphalt's Survey Process:
Quotes for standard projects are completed in 48 hours or less.
More in depth scopes or drainage projects are typically within 7 days.
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to dramatically streamline the often intricate and overwhelming process of managing asphalt and concrete surfaces on your property. We understand that overseeing such tasks can quickly become a source of stress and confusion, detracting from the core operations of your business or the enjoyment of your residential space. Our approach is designed to transform this essential maintenance into a seamless, efficient, and ultimately worry-free task. By leveraging our expertise and cutting-edge solutions, we aim to not only meet but exceed your expectations, ensuring that your property remains in pristine condition without the usual hassle. Whether it's repairing a pothole, resurfacing a parking lot, or undertaking a complete overhaul of your parking lot, our dedicated team is here to take the burden off your shoulders. With us, you can rest assured that your asphalt and concrete management needs are in the most capable hands, allowing you to focus on what truly matters to you.
At Fix Asphalt, you’re treated like family, which means keeping your best interests at heart. Your
parking lot project will be as stress-free as possible from start to finish.
Start by scheduling an inspection with one of our highly trained parking lot estimators. They will complete a thorough inspection of your parking lot and review it with you.
After you’ve taken the time to consider the type of parking lot work that best suits you. Your estimator will help get your parking lot project scheduled with our production team.
As your assigned crew begins working on your parking lot, you can sit back and relax as the project unfolds in front of you. Soon, you’ll have the best-looking parking lot on the block.
