Pave It Black: The Official Podcast of NAPA

What does it take to lead one of the most complex transportation systems in the United States? In this episode, Mark Compton, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offers a behind-the-scenes look at modern infrastructure leadership and how agencies are adapting to increasing demands in construction, safety, sustainability, and customer experience. We explore the innovations reshaping the Turnpike, including open road tolling, the expansion of a statewide fiber optic network, and the launch of an internal Innovation Council designed to empower the next generation of engineers. Tune in for valuable insights on transportation leadership and a forward-looking view of the future of mobility. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps.

This week, we sit down with Tyler Hackman of AlignOps once again, to discuss how real-time hauling data is shifting the day-to-day experience for paving crews across North America. We explore the transition from using fragmented, bespoke tools to adopting holistic platforms that provide a clear window into the entire paving process. Tyler shares insights into how tracking inbound loads helps foremen reduce site clutter, manage truck queues, and eliminate the learned behaviors caused by a lack of data. We also dive into the practical challenges of technology implementation and the importance of top-down leadership. Tune in to find out how data solutions can improve your paving operations. Season sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps.

In this episode of Pave It Black, we explore how non-engineers are transforming the road construction industry. Lauren SeBlonka shares her unconventional journey from studying sociology at the University of Glasgow to leading innovation and sustainability initiatives in the UK highways sector with Amey. Lauren highlights her work with the Live Labs 2 project and her involvement with PIARC, the World Road Association, to illustrate how international collaboration and diverse perspectives accelerate progress. For professionals considering a career change, this episode offers practical advice on overcoming the intimidation of entering a technical industry. Season sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps.

This week, we welcome Jo Sias Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of New Hampshire, to discuss the evolving landscape of asphalt research. With nearly 25 years of experience in the field, Jo highlights the growing necessity of cross-disciplinary collaboration, specifically how engineering must integrate with social science and data science to improve long term pavement performance. She emphasizes the importance of the relationship between academic researchers and industry partners to ensure that scientific discoveries are practically applicable at the construction site. Tune in to learn more about the new era of collaboration driving the asphalt pavement industry. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps.

Marvin Joles shares his 23-year journey from teenage roofing laborer in rural Wisconsin to respected asphalt contractor, entrepreneur, and industry storyteller. As the founder of Wis-Coat and the voice behind In the Mix and Blacktop Banter, Marvin explains how social media, content creation, and personal branding transformed his business and expanded his impact across the asphalt pavement community. We also discuss the importance of industry visibility and Marvin’s mission to document the life stories of the people who build our infrastructure. Whether you are a small contractor looking to scale or just curious about the trade, this episode offers practical insights into building a unique, long-term career in asphalt. Season sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps.

This week, we explore how technology, leadership, and culture are reshaping modern asphalt job sites. Guests Adam Harshman, President of FleetWatcher, and Tyler Hackman, Director of Sales, share why true innovation in the asphalt pavement industry starts with the boots on the ground, not the boardroom. From digital tools that drive transparency across plants, trucks, and paving crews to building a culture where data becomes a shared language, this episode delivers practical insights on asphalt innovation and job site technology you can apply right away. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps: https://alignops.com/fleetwatcher

This week, we sit down with keynote speaker and author Sam Demma, to explore the critical role of empathy within the world of construction. Recorded live at NAPA’s Annual Meeting, Sam shares his unexpected journey from a high school volunteer initiative to becoming a sought-after motivational speaker. Sam dives into the concept behind his upcoming book, Return on Goodwill, explaining how acts of kindness create lasting impact both personally and professionally. We explore how the asphalt pavement industry can better connect with Gen Z talent and why is important to assume positive intent.

To celebrate the 100th episode of Pave It Black, Richard Willis and Brett Williams sit down with the new NAPA Chair, Jay Lemon, for a live episode recorded at NAPA’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. The conversation explores the rich history of the association and the evolving landscape of the asphalt pavement industry. We dive into the critical importance of advocacy and the upcoming Highway Bill. From leadership lessons inspired by General Norman Schwarzkopf to the story of a hidden time capsule at a State Capitol, this episode offers a relaxed discussion about the people and passion behind the roads that connect our country. Season sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOpshttps://alignops.com/fleetwatcher

In this episode of Pave It Black, NAPA leadership reflects on the biggest achievements of 2025 and what those wins mean for the asphalt pavement industry moving forward. Richard Willis and Brett Williams are joined by NAPA President and CEO Audrey Copeland, Director of Government Affairs Mitch Baldwin, and Senior VP of Membership Ester Magorka to unpack both the visible milestones and the behind-the-scenes work that shaped the year. Tune in for a candid and forward-looking discussion on how involvement, advocacy, and leadership continue to advance the asphalt pavement industry.