Using the Off-Season to Create Momentum for the Coming Season
Introduction
The winter months provide a critical opportunity for asphalt paving businesses to work on their operations rather than just in them. Kevin shares how he's using this time to focus on both personal development and business strategy for Pave It Forward. From setting ambitious growth targets for 2025 to maintaining team cohesion during fewer work days, this episode offers practical advice for contractors in any climate zone.
Key Topics Covered
Strategic Winter Planning
Start planning for next year before the current season ends (ideally in October)
Create clear timelines for winter accomplishments with specific completion dates
Establish revenue benchmarks (Kevin's goal: secure 50% of last year's revenue before March)
Use the slower pace to address business systems and processes that get neglected during busy months
Equipment Assessment Approaches- Financial tracking systems and KPIs
Consider dealership evaluations for comprehensive diagnostics
Understand when in-house maintenance is sufficient versus professional service
Clean equipment thoroughly before evaluation to save on service costs
Develop detailed checklists for different types of equipment
Building a Reliable Team Culture
Prioritize transparency with crew members about company direction and growth plans
Get to know team members personally to understand their unique motivations and needs
Focus on proper training systems that account for different learning styles
Consider hiring people new to the industry who can be trained in your specific methods rather than veterans with potentially incompatible habits
Personal Leadership Development
Maintain personal disciplines that support effective leadership (Kevin discusses his "75 Hard" program)
Recognize how your personal habits directly impact your business success
Create consistent daily practices that keep you mentally and physically prepared
Use winter for personal reflection and self-improvement alongside business planning
Managing Business Growth
Plan your team expansion strategically rather than reactively
Consider which positions need to be filled first as business increases (sales, administrative support, etc.)
Balance immediate financial constraints against long-term growth opportunities
Be intentional about maintaining quality as you scale operations
Conclusion
Kevin emphasizes that your success in the coming season largely depends on how you use your winter months. By properly planning, investing in your team relationships, and maintaining personal discipline, you can create significant momentum that carries you through the entire year. Remember: "It's impossible to do the right things every day and get the wrong results."
Episode Length: 1 hour 44 minutes of actionable wisdom for asphalt paving business owners
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Kevin:
on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevgray
thru email: kevin@paveitforwardllc.com
Connect with Phil:
on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-metzger/
thru email: phil@mirrormvp.com