On this week’s On the Surface, host Seth Stevens and co-hosts Brad Marotti and Jordan Janet welcome back Patrick Lemley, Construction Technologies Manager at Delta, for a deep dive into how paving has evolved—and where it’s headed next.

Patrick maps the journey from labor‑intensive stringline control to today’s full‑GPS model-based paving that can auto-steer the paver, control end-gates, and hold grade. You’ll get a clear, practical breakdown of the paving train and why process specifics matter for ride quality and smoothness.

We cover the front end of the workflow too: high‑speed road scanning and rapid model building that lets teams predict leveling quantities and have better conversations with DOTs before the first ton is laid. Patrick also explains critical safety fail-safes, the workforce shift from hot, repetitive tasks to fewer, higher-skill technician roles, and why regulatory readiness will be key for autonomous equipment on public highways.

Thanks for listening!

Check us out:

deltacos.com

Instragram

LinkedIn

In this episode of On the Surface, we unpack what project managers actually do—from planning and coordinating crews and subs to managing schedules, change orders, and milestones like traffic swaps. Patrick Lemley brings a surveyor’s eye and tech‑forward mindset to working smarter in the field. We cover the rhythm of the job, finishing without a punch list, and what success looks like. Plus: week‑one advice for any role and a question for the next guest.

Thanks for listening!

Check us out:

deltacos.com

Instragram

LinkedIn

In this On The Surface conversation, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet break down the one metric that keeps every business alive: cash. Using plain‑spoken examples—from quarry rock to multi‑month construction projects—they map the full journey from opportunity → revenue → cash in the bank, and explain why profit on paper can hide real cash risk.

You’ll hear how front‑end decisions (quotes, terms, creditworthiness, and relationship building) connect to back‑end realities (billing accuracy, aging reports, finance charges, and collections), and why collaboration across sales, operations, shared services, and accounting is the only way to protect liquidity. The duo digs into milestones and pay estimates, credit checks and insurance, pausing accounts when needed, and forecasting cash needs for payroll, parts, and projects—plus the role site managers play in controlling costs to reduce cash burn.

If you’ve ever wondered why your income statement looks great while your bank balance doesn’t, this episode will help you see—and manage—the difference.

Thanks for listening!

Check us out:

deltacos.com

Instragram

LinkedIn

In this episode of On The Surface, hosts Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet dig into what it takes to transition roles successfully. Drawing on recent role changes and real-world examples, they unpack why leadership transitions matter, how “sink-or-swim” cultures set people up to fail, and what smart companies do instead: build structured support, training, and clear timeline plans. Seth and Jordan cover the tricky shift from peer to manager, the value of functional mobility, and the mindset pivot from “doing the work” to leading the work. They also explore imposter syndrome, why emotional intelligence is becoming the decisive edge in the age of AI, and how focusing on your strengths (think CliftonStrengths) helps you lead with confidence.

You’ll hear practical tactics you can use today: intentional 1:1s, regular team cadences, purposeful performance reviews, and creating trust through listening first and changing later. The takeaway? Own your career—speak your ambitions out loud, map your first wins, and communicate, communicate, communicate. If you’re prepping for a promotion or guiding one on your team, this conversation will help you make the transition seamless—for you, your people, and the business.

Thanks for listening!

Check us out:

deltacos.com

Instragram

LinkedIn

What does it take to lead more than 100 people, manage complex operations, and shape the future of a construction division? In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet talk with Daryl Masingale, Regional Manager of Construction, about the realities of high-level leadership and the vision required to succeed.

You’ll learn:
✅ How Daryl transitioned from hands-on roles to leading at scale
✅ The biggest challenges of managing people, strategy, and performance
✅ Why culture, collaboration, and efficiency matter more than ever
✅ How future-focused thinking drives growth in a competitive market

If you want an inside look at what leadership at scale really means—and how to balance day-to-day operations with long-term vision—this episode is packed with insights for aspiring leaders.

Thanks for listening!

Check us out:

deltacos.com

Instragram

LinkedIn

Running a successful construction operation takes more than managing projects—it requires vision, strategy, and relentless focus on efficiency. In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet talk with Brian Kelso, Delta’s Operations Manager for Construction, about what it takes to lead large-scale operations in today’s competitive market.

You’ll learn:
✅ How operations management differs from project management—and why it matters
✅ The KPIs that drive profitability, from trucking costs to tons-per-hour
✅ Why customer relationships and collaboration are key to growth
✅ How technology and process improvements shape the future of construction

If you want to understand the big-picture role of operations in heavy construction—or how to move from jobsite execution to strategic leadership—this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Thanks for listening!

Check us out:

deltacos.com

Instragram

LinkedIn

HR isn’t just paperwork—it’s a strategic driver of business success. In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet talk with Taylor Kirn, HR Business Partner, about how modern HR goes far beyond compliance and recruiting.

You’ll learn:
✅ What it means to have a “seat at the table” in HR
✅ How HR influences culture, leadership, and organizational strategy
✅ Why collaboration and relationship-building are critical for business growth
✅ The evolving role of HR in a male-dominated industry

If you’ve ever wondered how HR shapes the future of a company—or what it takes to move from tactical tasks to strategic impact—this conversation is a must-listen.

Thanks for listening!

Check us out:

deltacos.com

Instragram

LinkedIn

What does it take to lead a sales team in a competitive, relationship-driven industry? In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet sit down with Bryan Spach, Director of Sales at Reeves Construction Company, to explore the art of selling on values—not just price.

Tune in to hear:
✅ Bryan’s journey from hospitality and telecom to 15 years at Vulcan and now Reeves
✅ Why relationships and trust matter more than discounts
✅ How tools like CRMs and cultural alignment drive long-term success
✅ The real difference between sales and marketing—and why both matter

If you’ve ever wondered how to create customer loyalty in a commodity-based business, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
🔗 deltacos.com | Follow @DeltaCompanies

Thanks for listening!

Check us out:

deltacos.com

Instragram

LinkedIn