Episode 20: Startup vs Performance Mode

Welcome back to the Pave It Forward Podcast!

2:42   What are the differences in buying in vs starting fresh? 5:04   What are your survival metrics 10:19   What are you feeling starting a paving company from scratch and what is your mentality? 13:27   How do you stay patient enough for growth? 17:11   Thought process behind setting and scheduling goals 26:34  What education are you, yes YOU! looking for?

As Phil and Kevin delved into the intricacies of starting a paving business from the ground up, Kevin reflected on the countless lessons he has learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey.  One of his most significant realizations is the importance of patience and trusting the process, especially during those critical early stages. When you're a first starting, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges and lose sight of the bigger picture. But as Kevin has discovered, the key is to stay focused on your goals and keep pushing forward, one day at a time. "Get through the first 90 days, get through the first six months, get through the first season, get us an opportunity to get into year two."

You can make steady progress toward your long-term objectives by breaking down your goals into manageable chunks and staying laser-focused on what needs to be done in the present. "I know for right now, I just have to stay in the moment," he emphasized. "I've got to stay in the day, I've got to stay in the week and say, this is what we need to be producing to get to where we're going by the end of the year."

Of course, staying focused is only part of the equation. To build a successful paving business, you also need to be strategic about allocating your resources and investing in marketing. Kevin has learned to prioritize this over the years, and he drove home this message during the episode. Another point Kevin touched on during the episode was the importance of setting ambitious goals for yourself and your business. When Phil and Kevin discussed revenue targets, Kevin shared his philosophy on aiming high. "Now I could sit here and say, hey, we're gonna, look, and I know we gotta get to 2 million to survive," he explained. "But in my mind, I'm shooting for 3 million because that buys us a little more comfort. That buys us more options." By setting the bar high and pushing yourself to exceed your expectations, you create opportunities for growth and success that might not have been possible otherwise.

Finally, Kevin shared some insights on how his approach to decision-making has evolved over the years, largely thanks to the wealth of experience and data he's accumulated. This knowledge and understanding only come with time and dedication. Still, it's invaluable in navigating the challenges of running a paving business. By leveraging the insights he's gained over the years, business owners can make more informed decisions and avoid some of the pitfalls that can trip up newer entrepreneurs.