Pave It Forward Asphalt Achieves Prestigious Top 50 National Ranking Among Paving Contractors in Just 18 Months
- Kevin Gray
- Jul 18
- 7 min read
Industry Recognition Validates Company's Commercial-Grade Approach to Both Residential and Commercial Markets
LOUISVILLE, KY – In an unprecedented achievement in the asphalt paving industry, Pave It Forward Asphalt has earned inclusion among North America's Top 50 Paving Contractors by Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction (link to story) magazine, an extraordinary accomplishment for a company that has been in operation for only 18 months.
This recognition places Pave It Forward among established firms with decades of experience, highlighting the company's rapid ascent in an industry dominated by mature contractors. The achievement becomes even more impressive when considering that the average company in the Top 50 has been in business for over 30 years, making Pave It Forward one of the youngest companies to achieve this distinction.
"When we started Pave It Forward just 18 months ago, our goal was never just to be another paving company," said Kevin Gray, owner and founder of Pave It Forward. "We set out to revolutionize how the industry thinks about quality, customer service, and community impact. This national recognition validates that approach and shows what's possible when you combine experience with fresh thinking and genuine values."
Industry Leadership in a Challenging Market
The recognition comes during a particularly challenging period for the paving industry. According to the 2025 Top Contractor survey, paving-specific revenues have declined for three consecutive years, dropping from $913 million in 2023 to $698 million in 2025 among the Top 50 contractors. Despite this industry-wide contraction, Pave It Forward's meteoric rise demonstrates the power of differentiation and value-driven service.
Key Industry Statistics from the 2025 Survey:
Total Top 50 revenue reached $1.906 billion, an 18% increase from 2024
40% of contractors now operate at profit margins exceeding 20%
95% of companies self-perform more than 50% of their work
Average gross sales among Top 50 contractors: $30.9 million
80% of work is performed on existing pavements vs. new construction
Pave It Forward's unique positioning demonstrates strong market understanding, while their community-focused approach through the Heart is in the Pavement Program creates additional differentiation in a commoditized industry.
The Heart is in the Pavement Difference
Beyond their technical excellence, Pave It Forward has differentiated itself through their innovative "Heart is in the Pavement Program," where a portion of every project's revenue is donated to local charities. This community-first approach has resonated strongly with both residential homeowners and commercial property managers who want their investment to create positive local impact.
"We're not just paving driveways and parking lots – we're building stronger communities with every project," Gray explained. "Our customers know that when they choose Pave It Forward, they're not only getting exceptional quality work but also contributing to local charitable causes that matter to their neighbors."
The program allows community members to nominate local charities that would benefit from support, creating a grassroots approach to corporate social responsibility that has become a significant differentiator in a commoditized industry.
Experience Meets Innovation
While Pave It Forward as a company is only 18 months old, owner Kevin Gray brings over 15 years of experience running successful asphalt paving companies. This combination of seasoned expertise with fresh innovation and market approach has proven to be a winning formula.
Gray's leadership philosophy centers on three core values:
Respect: Treating client properties and communities with utmost care
Teamwork: Collaborative approach that leaves egos aside
Innovation: Implementing cutting-edge technology and smart paving techniques
The Strategic Advantage of Dual-Market Expertise
Kevin Gray's decision to serve both residential and commercial markets with equal excellence has created multiple competitive advantages:
Commercial Standards for Residential Projects:
Military-grade project planning and scheduling
Premium material sourcing and quality control
Professional project management and communication
Systematic approach to complex residential challenges
Residential Passion for Commercial Projects:
Personal attention to detail and customer relationships
Flexible communication and service approach
Long-term thinking about pavement lifecycle and maintenance
Community-focused mindset that builds lasting partnerships
"Most contractors either do residential work with a 'good enough' mentality or they do commercial work with an impersonal, transaction-focused approach," Gray noted. "We've proven that bringing the best of both worlds to every project creates superior results and stronger customer relationships."
Technology and Process Excellence
Pave It Forward's rapid rise can also be attributed to their embrace of technology and data-driven decision making. As Gray frequently emphasizes on his popular "Pave It Forward Podcast," successful contractors must leverage technology and analytics to thrive in the modern market.
"Those who have the most technology and the most data will win long-term," Gray stated in a recent podcast episode. "We're talking about a blue-collar industry, but the companies that embrace sophisticated business practices and technology integration are the ones that will lead the pack."
The company has developed comprehensive process documentation for both commercial and residential projects, ensuring consistent quality and customer experience across all jobs. This systematic approach has enabled them to scale rapidly while maintaining the high standards that earned their national recognition.
The Pave It Forward Podcast: Industry Leadership and Knowledge Sharing
Beyond building a successful company, Kevin Gray has emerged as a thought leader in the asphalt paving industry through his popular "Pave It Forward Podcast." The podcast has become a go-to resource for contractors across North America seeking to improve their business operations, embrace new technologies, and build sustainable, profitable companies.
Each episode features in-depth discussions on critical industry topics including business strategy, operational excellence, technology integration, leadership development, and community involvement. Gray's approach combines practical, actionable advice with real-world insights gained from over 15 years of experience running successful paving operations.
"The podcast reflects our commitment to elevating the entire industry," Gray explained. "We share knowledge that benefits everyone because we believe that when the industry as a whole improves, it creates better outcomes for contractors, customers, and communities alike."
Key podcast topics include:
Advanced business analytics and data-driven decision making for paving contractors
Equipment investment strategies and fleet management optimization
Customer relationship building and retention techniques across residential and commercial markets
Technology integration and digital transformation in traditional construction businesses
Leadership development and team building in high-performance paving operations
Market positioning and competitive differentiation strategies
Financial management and profit optimization for sustainable growth
The podcast has resonated particularly well with contractors looking to modernize their operations while maintaining the core values that built their businesses. Gray frequently emphasizes that "those who have the most technology and the most data will win long-term," reflecting his belief that successful contractors must embrace sophisticated business practices to thrive in today's market.
Listeners consistently praise the podcast for its practical focus and Gray's willingness to share specific strategies, systems, and lessons learned from both successes and failures. Rather than offering generic business advice, episodes dive deep into industry-specific challenges and proven solutions that contractors can implement immediately.
The podcast's growing influence has positioned Gray as a respected voice in industry discussions about the future of asphalt paving, sustainable business practices, and the role of technology in traditional construction trades. This thought leadership has undoubtedly contributed to Pave It Forward's rapid recognition and success in the marketplace.
Community Impact and Professional Involvement
Beyond their charitable giving program, Pave It Forward maintains active involvement in:
The company's commitment extends throughout their service area, covering 14 counties across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, with particular strength in Breckinridge, Hardin, Bullitt, Nelson, Marion, Spencer, Washington, Oldham, Shelby, Anderson, Franklin, Woodford, Scott, and Harrison counties.
Client Testimonials and Market Response
The company's rapid rise has been driven by exceptional customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals. Customers consistently praise:
Reliability: Projects completed on time and within budget
Communication: Clear, consistent updates throughout project lifecycle
Quality: Superior workmanship with attention to detail
Values Alignment: Appreciation for community-focused business model
Services and Expertise
Pave It Forward specializes in:
Asphalt Paving: Complete residential and commercial installation
Sealcoating: Protective treatments extending pavement life
Crack Sealing: Preventive maintenance reducing long-term costs
Multi-phase Project Management: Complex installations with superior communication
All services come with the company's signature commitment to quality, communication, and community impact through their Heart is in the Pavement Program.
Looking Forward: Sustainable Growth and Industry Leadership
As the paving industry faces continued challenges with material costs, equipment expenses, and market competition, Pave It Forward's achievement provides a blueprint for success that other contractors are already studying.
"We're seeing import tariffs increase equipment costs, material price volatility, and increased competition," Gray noted. "But these challenges also create opportunities for companies that focus on value creation, operational excellence, and genuine customer relationships across multiple market segments."
The company's rapid growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing. With strong profit margins, expanding customer base, and proven systems, Pave It Forward is positioned to continue their remarkable ascent in the industry rankings.
Economic Impact and Future Projections
Based on industry data showing average Top 50 revenues of $30.9 million, Pave It Forward's ranking suggests significant economic impact on their service region. The company's growth creates:
Direct employment opportunities in Kentucky and Southern Indiana
Subcontractor relationships supporting local businesses
Charitable contributions flowing to community organizations
Increased property values through quality pavement installation
Industry analysts project continued growth potential for companies that differentiate through service quality and community engagement, positioning Pave It Forward for continued success.
Industry Recognition and Growth Trajectory
The Top 50 Paving Contractors ranking is determined by comprehensive analysis of:
Annual revenue and growth rates
Project volume and complexity
Customer satisfaction and retention
Business practices and financial stability
Industry innovation and leadership
For an 18-month-old company to achieve Top 50 ranking among established industry giants represents an almost unprecedented accomplishment in the construction sector.
"This recognition validates everything we've built," said Gray. "But more importantly, it shows our customers, our team, and our community that excellence, integrity, and innovation can accelerate success without compromising values."
About Pave It Forward Asphalt
Founded by industry veteran Kevin Gray, Pave It Forward Asphalt serves residential and commercial customers throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The company combines over 15 years of paving expertise with innovative business practices and their signature "Heart is in the Pavement Program" that directs a portion of every project's proceeds to local charities.
Core Values:
Respect for clients, communities, and craftsmanship
Teamwork and collaborative problem-solving
Innovation in techniques, technology, and business practices
Service Area: 14 counties across Kentucky and Southern Indiana
Specialties:
Residential driveways (particularly long driveways in outlying counties)
Commercial parking lots and multi-phase projects
Comprehensive pavement maintenance and installation
Contact Information
Kevin Gray, OwnerPave It Forward Asphalt Phone: (502) 528-1526Email: Kevin@PaveItForwardLLC.com Website: www.paveitforwardllc.com
Social Media:
Instagram: @paveitforwardllc
YouTube: Pave It Forward Podcast
Podcast: Available on all major platforms
Service Area: Kentucky and Southern Indiana
Motto: "Giving back with every job" | "Serving Kentucky and Southern Indiana"
For interviews, additional information, or high-resolution images, contact Kevin Gray at the above information.
Pave It Forward Asphalt is a community-focused asphalt paving company serving Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Through their innovative "Heart is in the Pavement Program," the company donates a portion of every project's proceeds to local charities while delivering exceptional paving, sealcoating, and crack sealing services. Founded by industry veteran Kevin Gray, the company has achieved national Top 50 recognition for excellence in just 18 months of operation.
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