Realizing this thread is old, I'll put my 2 cents in anyways (and maybe looking for a little advice as well). My family owns and operates a 2nd generation small paving firm and do about 15,000-20,000 tons a year. This ranges from residential to medium-sized commercial work. Since the recession hit in 2008-09, business has been slow and sometimes it was hard to keep a crew busy. This year, things have picked up quite a bit and from what my old man tells me, they have more work then they know what to do with.
However, from what I can tell you, and what others have mentioned here, the asphalt business is a tough one. Asphalt work requires skill, knowledge, people, and a lot of equipment in order to keep things rolling. Many factors can make or break a job in a heart beat (material cost, weather, equipment breakdowns, etc). And did I mention finding good help? After working there for 10+ years, I witnessed first hand the qualms we had with employees. There's also a host of other things to consider as well, but I'll spare you the details. Despite that, we do quality work, have a good reputation, and have built loyal relationships with local businesses and municipalities over the 60+ years in business. We've also been able to ride the hard times by diversifying in seal coating and excavation work.
My story is that I went to college and graduated in 2010 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Went to work for corporate America and can't say I've been very satisfied. What a transition it was to go from running a 12 ton old-time Galion roller in 100 degree heat for 12 hours a day to sitting a cubical pushing buttons on a computer. Where did I go wrong?
I suppose I chose this route because my dad didn't want me to go through the headaches that him or his dad had to endure. Also, the volatile economy in recent years has influenced me to find a career with a little more stability. Things are "ok" now, but what will things be like in the next yea or two? These are huge things to consider before undertaking such an operation.
Despite these challenges, I'm thinking about trading my desk job and getting back into the family business. Most people would say I'm crazy, sometimes stupid, but nothing compares to the satisfaction obtained while working in construction. With the old man reaching retirement age (although he will never truly retire), I feel like it's now or never. You could say I've reached a fork in the road- work for "the man" for the next 40 years OR make my own way while carrying on a legacy. Putting all emotion aside, for someone who's no stranger to asphalt, is it a good idea to take over an asphalt business in this day and age? Things have changed quite dramatically from the time when my dad or his dad took over/started this business. Competition is stiff, prices are erratic, good help is harder and harder to find, and the economy can't go for more than 5 years without a crash. I know what my old man's answer is, but I wanted to get a third perspective.
Sorry I didn't mean to hijack this thread, but any advice from those of you who've also been in the business would be appreciated (this would also be good advice for op and others).
