Planet Fitness, AutoZone, and Big Lots: A Shopping Center Case Study

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PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Property Type: Multi-tenant retail center (Planet Fitness, AutoZone, Big Lots)

Client: Commercial real estate management company (out-of-state)

Project Value: $150,000

Total Scope: 1,000 tons of milling and paving

Main Challenge: Multiple overlays masking sub-base failures and cracking issues

Timeline: 2-day execution

Business Disruption: 12 hours

Crew Resources: 10 trucks, coordinated milling team, full paving crew

Key Innovation: 2-inch mill to solid pavement foundation vs. another overlay

Result: Appointed contractor of choice for multiple additional properties

Future Opportunity: Access to properties within 2-3 hour radius

How We Completed a 1,000-Ton Commercial Parking Lot Project in Just 12 Hours of Work

When a commercial real estate company located several hundred miles away searched Google for a Louisville paving contractor, they found Pave It Forward. What happened next turned a first-time inquiry into a $150,000 contract and a long-term partnership managing multiple properties across Kentucky.

This is the story of how professional communication, transparent problem-solving, and flawless execution won us not just one project, but contractor-of-choice status for an entire portfolio of commercial properties.

THE CHALLENGE: Years of Band-Aid Fixes Left This Shopping Center Deteriorating

The shopping center housing Planet Fitness, AutoZone, and Big Lots was facing serious pavement issues. But the real problem wasn't just what you could see on the surface.

What the property manager was dealing with:

The parking lot had been overlaid three or four times by previous contractors. Each time, they simply paved over the existing problems without addressing what was happening underneath. The result? The pavement continued to fail, and the property manager kept spending money without getting lasting results.

Specific problems we discovered:

• Front section: Severely deteriorated from repeated overlays that never fixed the root cause

• Back delivery area: Semi-truck traffic had created 3-inch deep damaged spots

• Underlying issues: Sub-base problems and cracking that kept telegraphing through each new overlay

• Business impact: Three operating businesses that couldn't afford extended disruptions

The property manager needed a contractor who would diagnose the real problem, provide an honest solution, and execute it professionally-all while managing the project from hundreds of miles away.

FINDING US: How Google Search Led to a $150,000 Contract

The real estate company found Pave It Forward through a Google search. They were looking for a contractor who could handle commercial work in the Louisville area, but what made them choose us had nothing to do with being the cheapest option.

What happened after they reached out:

Our team member Josh responded quickly and immediately began building rapport. But more importantly, he started building trust through transparency and professionalism.

Here's what set us apart:

Response Time: We didn't make them wait. Quick, professional response to their initial inquiry.

Site Assessment: We went out to the property, took detailed photos and measurements, and actually looked at what was causing the problems-not just the symptoms.

The Proposal: We delivered an incredibly detailed proposal that showed exactly what needed to be done and why. No vague "we'll pave your lot" language. We explained the problem, the solution, and what they could expect.

Honest Diagnosis: We told them the hard truth-previous contractors had been taking their money and putting band-aids on the problem. The overlaying had to stop. We needed to mill down to solid pavement and address the real issues.

Professional Presentation: Our online presence, the way we communicated, and the information we provided gave them confidence we could handle this project sight-unseen from their end.

For a company managing properties from a distance, they had to rely entirely on our online presence, phone interaction, and the quality of our proposal. In their eyes, we passed every test.

They awarded Pave It Forward the $150,000 contract and we continued building trust through professionalism and transparency.

THE REAL PROBLEM: Why Multiple Overlays Were Making Things Worse

Most contractors would have shown up, quoted another overlay, collected the check, and moved on. We did the opposite.

Here's what we told the property manager:

The reason this parking lot kept failing wasn't bad luck or cheap materials. It was a fundamental approach problem. Every time someone overlaid the pavement, they were:

• Adding weight to an already compromised sub-base

• Trapping moisture and damage underneath

• Creating a temporary fix that would fail again in 1-2 years

• Costing them money without solving anything

Our solution:

Do a 2-inch mill out to get down to solid, stable pavement. This would allow us to:

• Remove the failed surface layers

• Expose and address the actual sub-base issues

• Put down new asphalt on a proper foundation

• Give them a parking lot that would actually last

The scope we proposed:

• Mill out 2 inches across the front section (approximately 850-900 tons)

• Address the 3-inch deep repairs in the back delivery area (approximately 100-150 tons)

• Pave everything back with 2 inches of new asphalt

• Total project: approximately 1,000 tons

This wasn't the cheapest option. But it was the right option. And because we explained it clearly and honestly, they understood the value and trusted our recommendation.

THE MATH: Why Milling and Replacing Saves Money in the Long Run

When the property manager saw our proposal, they had a decision to make: pay less for another overlay that would fail in 1-2 years, or invest in milling and replacing that would last significantly longer.

Here's how we broke down the value proposition:

The Overlay Trap:

This parking lot had been overlaid 3-4 times already. Let's say each overlay cost around $70,000-$90,000 and lasted approximately 24-36 months before beginning to fail again.

Over a 10-year period, that approach looks like this:

• 3-5 overlays at $70,000-$90,000 each

• Total spent: $210,000-$450,000

• Constant maintenance headaches

• Ongoing tenant complaints

• Deteriorating property value

• Each overlay adding more weight to a failing foundation

The Mill and Replace Approach:

Our solution: Remove the failed surface, address the actual problems, and build it right.

What this approach delivers:

• One comprehensive fix: $150,000

• Expected lifespan: 15-20 years with proper maintenance

• No more band-aid repairs every couple years

• Stable sub-base that won't continue failing

• Professional appearance that maintains property value

• Peace of mind for property managers and tenants

The Real Cost Comparison:

Overlay approach over 15 years: $210,000-$450,000 (3-5 overlays)

Mill and replace approach over 15 years: $150,000 (one comprehensive repair)

Savings: $60,000-$300,000

But the financial comparison doesn't tell the whole story…

What You Can't Put a Price On:

Tenant Satisfaction - Planet Fitness, AutoZone, and Big Lots don't have to deal with parking lot work every 18 months. One disruption, done right, versus repeated inconveniences for years.

Property Value - A professionally maintained parking lot with a solid foundation maintains and increases property value. A constantly failing lot does the opposite.

Management Time - How many hours does a property manager spend getting bids, coordinating contractors, and dealing with tenant complaints every time the lot fails? Multiply that by 6-8 times versus once.

Liability Risk - Deteriorating pavement creates trip hazards and drainage issues. Every day you delay proper repairs increases your exposure.

Professional Image - Your tenants' customers see that parking lot every day. What does it say about the property when it's constantly under repair?

Why Previous Contractors Kept Recommending Overlays:

It's not complicated-overlays are easier to sell and faster to install. A contractor can:

• Quote lower upfront costs

• Complete the work faster

• Avoid the hard conversation about sub-base problems

• Come back in 18 months when it fails and sell another overlay

It's great business for them. It's terrible business for you.

Our Approach:

We could have quoted another overlay. It would have been cheaper on paper, and we probably would have gotten the work. But in 18-24 months, we'd be back there doing it again, and the property manager would be frustrated with Pave It Forward just like they were frustrated with every contractor before us.

Instead, we told them the truth: "Stop overlaying. Let's fix this properly."

The Investment vs. Expense Mindset:

An overlay is an expense-money you spend that doesn't solve the problem.

A mill and replace is an investment-money you spend that eliminates the problem for 15-20 years.

For this property manager, the math was simple:

Spend $150,000 once and be done with it, or spend $40,000-$50,000 every couple years for the next decade and still end up needing to mill and replace eventually.

They chose the investment. And now they're managing a property with a parking lot they don't have to worry about for the next 15-20 years.

That's the kind of math that makes sense for property managers who think long-term.

THE PLANNING: How We Prepared for Minimal Disruption

A 1,000-ton commercial paving project in an active shopping center doesn't just happen. It requires meticulous planning and coordination.

Our preparation timeline:

Week Leading Up: We debriefed our team daily for about a week before execution day. Everyone knew exactly what the project would look like and how it needed to be done.

Logistics Coordination:

• Scheduled 10 trucks to keep material flowing

• Coordinated with our milling crew for a 7 AM start

• Planned paving to start at 10 AM, working behind the millers

• Mapped out traffic flow to keep businesses accessible

Day One Execution: We completed all the back repairs - the 3-inch deep spots damaged by semi-truck traffic. We paved the main entryway. This gave us a staging victory and confirmed our timeline was solid.

Day Two - The Big Push: 850-900 tons of milling and paving in the front section. This was the day that would make or break the project.

Communication Plan:

• Property manager received regular updates

• Tenants knew exactly when access would be restricted

• Customers had been notified days in advance

• Our crew knew their roles and timing

When everyone knows the plan, execution becomes almost automatic.

What this means for commercial property managers

If you're managing commercial properties in Kentucky, this case study should answer several questions you're probably asking:

"Can you handle projects while my businesses stay open?"

Yes. The Planet Fitness, AutoZone, and Big Lots all remained operational. We coordinated timing, communicated clearly, and executed within the promised disruption window.

"How do I know you'll actually fix the problem and not just cover it up?"

We'll tell you the truth about what's wrong-even if it's not what you want to hear. This property had been overlaid multiple times. We explained why that approach was failing and proposed the right solution, not the easiest one.

"What if I'm not local and can't oversee the project?"

This entire project was managed by a company hundreds of miles away. We provided photos, drone footage, and constant communication. They never had to visit the site.

"How detailed will your proposal actually be?"

Detailed enough that this property manager trusted us with $150,000 without ever meeting us in person. We provide photos, measurements, scope of work, timeline, and clear explanations of what we're doing and why.

"Will you coordinate with my tenants, or is that my problem?"

We handled all tenant communication for this project. Your tenants are your customers, and we treat them like ours too.

"What if something goes wrong during the project?"

We'll tell you immediately and solve it. Transparency doesn't stop after you sign the contract-it's how we operate through completion.

Managing commercial properties in Kentucky? Let's talk about your parking lot challenges.

We'll provide the same detailed, transparent assessment that won us this $150,000 project-at no cost to you.

Whether you're dealing with repeated overlays that aren't lasting, semi-truck damage in delivery areas, or just need a contractor you can trust from a distance, we've proven we can handle it.

Schedule 15-Minute Consultation | Call: (502) 528-1526

Pave It Forward | Commercial Asphalt Paving | Serving Kentucky & Southern Indiana