Pave It Black: The Official Podcast of NAPA

During this special episode we recap The Road Forward International Summit, a first-of-its-kind global gathering focused on asphalt decarbonization, sustainability, and innovation. Richard and Brett sit down with Dr. Amlan Mukherjee, NAPA’s Senior Director for Sustainability and Intelligent Construction, to explore the insights, breakthroughs, and unexpected conversations that emerged across the event. With participation from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America, the summit revealed new perspectives on environmental product declarations, lifecycle assessment, and the future of sustainable asphalt production. If you couldn't make the conference, tune in to recap the best bits of this dynamic conference. Learn more about The Road Forward: www.asphaltpavement.org/forward

In the final episode of Pave It Black, Jim McEvoy, President & CEO of Wirtgen America, shares why a deep knowledge of how your products, teams, and services come together is critical to staying true to your company’s vision and brand promise. From integrating multiple brands under one umbrella to leading innovation in roadbuilding equipment, Jim explains how aligning every step of the process with a clear purpose drives long-term success. We discuss the importance of visibility at industry tradeshows, and how a strong brand is built through service and strategy. Tune in to the season finale for insights that will sharpen your leadership mindset. Episode sponsored by Wirtgen Group.

Organizational transitions involve more than balance sheets and operational plans—they require navigating the emotional dynamics that often make or break leadership changes. In this episode, we speak with leadership development expert and author of Succeeding: Stepping Up Without Stepping In It, Albert Ciuksza. With decades of consulting experience, Albert walks us through the nuanced dynamics between successors and predecessors in asphalt and beyond. He emphasizes emotional intelligence as the key to managing transitions effectively and warns how ignoring the human side of leadership can derail even the best-laid plans. Whether you’re planning an exit or preparing to step up, this conversation gives you the tools to lead a successful transition. Tune in today!

Stepping into a new industry can be challenging or intimidating, but for Amanda Mohr, it brought tremendous growth. This week, the President of Superior Bowen shares how her background in finance became a powerful foundation for leading with precision, adaptability, and authenticity. Through her commitment to lifelong learning, she’s embraced every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Whether she's innovating operational practices at Superior Bowen or championing women in the industry through Women of Asphalt, Amanda’s stayed true to her core values of hard work and commitment to excellence. If you’re considering an industry pivot or want to transition your skills, this episode offers actionable advice. Tune in today!

When we think of leadership, we often picture the teams we manage or the goals we set—but sometimes, we need to look a little closer. True leadership starts with self-awareness: it starts with me. In this episode of Pave It Black, executive coach and leadership expert, Wally Adamchik, shares how he has helped leaders grow by embracing grace and humility. With decades of experience coaching executives in the construction industry, Wally breaks down what it means to develop values and why your mission matters more than you think. Listen to uncover the leadership lessons that bring real value to the asphalt pavement industry.

Relationships in leadership are vital for success—both with clients and with your crew. This week, global business development expert Hilary Fordwich brings 30+ years of experience to unpack how strong leadership attracts business, builds loyalty, and drives results. Through her “Want v. Need” framework, Hilary explains how to develop teams that don’t just perform, they believe in the work. Listeners will learn the three characteristics every leader must have to drive team performance and why emotional buy-in matters more than just a paycheck. Tune in to learn how you can build trust and boost morale at your company, plus key tips on how to get more hours out of your workday.

This week Aaron Witt, the Founder of BuildWitt, joins us to share how a relentless drive for curiosity has shaped his leadership journey—and how it can do the same for you. Aaron emphasizes that building authentic cultures and investing in people as individuals, not just workers, is the secret to success. Drawing from global experiences and countless conversations with industry leaders, he shows how staying continually curious and bettering yourself can drive real change. Whether you're managing a crew, navigating early leadership challenges, or simply wanting to build a stronger team, this episode will leave you motivated to think differently, lead boldly, and build better.

How can you transition between roles while staying true to your values? This week’s guest, Deb Schwerman, demonstrates that a passion for your work and industry can reinforce those values, no matter your position. As the current Executive Director of the Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association, she shares her journey—from inspecting asphalt in the field and testing samples in the lab to leading industry-wide initiatives. Her willingness to embrace every opportunity and forward-thinking perspective shows that leadership is shaped by the journey, not just the destination. Be inspired by Deb’s path, passion, and purpose. Listen now!