Leaving the Ladder is my way of teaching lessons I have learned and continue to learn on my journey as an Entrepreneur. This is paired with the newsletter Leaving the Ladder. Im leaving the ladder down for those who want to go where I have gone, offering a roadmap and insights of my path building companies that have done millions of dollars a year in sales and services.
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Join host and asphalt contractor Marvin Joles as he highlights the asphalt industry through in-depth interviews with equipment manufacturers, contractors, blacktop business owners, NASCAR and INDY NXT drivers, thought-leaders and more! If it touches blacktop, we talk about it. Follow @blacktopbanter and visit blacktopbanter.com for more info.
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BB177: How I Built and Exited My Construction Business with Dustin Hogate
1:04:19
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In this episode of Black Top Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Dustin Hogate, the former executive VP at 1023 Diesel and Fleet. They discuss Dustin's journey in the trucking industry and his experience running a successful e-commerce business. They explore the process of exiting a business and how Dustin navigated the challenges he faced. Throughout …
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In this episode, I talk about my brief experiment with an old-school flip phone. This experiment wasn’t just about cutting down on tech—it was about understanding how focus, or the lack of it, impacts everything from business to family. Tune in to hear what I learned, why I gave up on the flip phone, and how focusing on fewer things can make you a …
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BB176: Construction Business Marketing w/ Luke Eggebraaten of Phaser Marketing
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Luke Eggebraaten, founder and managing partner at Phaser Marketing, discusses the importance of marketing for construction companies and how Phaser Marketing provides solutions tailored to the industry. Luke shares his journey from being a marketing director to starting his own company and focusing on the construction niche. He emphasizes the impac…
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BB175: The Power of Positivity with Kenny Roy
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin interviews Kenny Roy, the owner of Royal Pavement Solutions. Kenny shares the history of his family's involvement in the asphalt industry and how he found his path within the business. He discusses the services offered by Royal Pavement Solutions and their mission to be a different, edgy, and fun paving cr…
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BB174: Why Self Reflection Is Key To Success with Josh Mellott
1:12:29
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In this episode, Marvin Joles interviews Joshua Mellott, an experienced senior executive in the construction industry. They explore the challenges of building and maintaining a positive company culture, the importance of humility and giving back, the value of grit and persistence, the myth of work-life balance, the constant tug of war between work …
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Why high performing people never feel good enough | Ep 013
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In this episode, I unpack why high-performing people often feel like they aren’t good enough and how imposter syndrome can become a powerful tool for growth. We explore the contrast between high achievers and the Dunning-Kruger effect, understanding how self-doubt drives constant learning. Tune in to learn how to embrace imposter syndrome and use i…
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In this episode, I talk about the struggle and growth that came from writing 34 newsletters and over 40,000 words as someone who’s dyslexic. Despite the challenges, I embraced the process to sharpen my communication skills and filter my thoughts. Tune in to hear how pushing through discomfort and fear can be the key to real growth, and why the only…
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The three focus buckets Part 2 - Sales | Ep 011
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In this episode, we break down the relationship between marketing, sales, and operations, exploring how these departments must collaborate to turn leads into satisfied customers. Learn how marketing sets the stage, sales qualifies and closes, and operations fulfills promises, ensuring a seamless business cycle. Don’t miss these insights on creating…
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BB173: People First Marketing with Conner Strauss
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In this episode, Marvin Joles interviews Conner Strauss, Senior Product Marketing Manager at BuildWitt, about people-first marketing and its importance in the construction industry. They discuss the core of marketing and the role of empathy and transparency. They touch on industry experts, professionals and companies who are often afraid or unwilli…
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BB172: Finding Meaning In The Journey with Keith Kalfas
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin interviews Keith Kalfas, an entrepreneur and mentor. They discuss various topics related to entrepreneurship and personal growth. Keith delves into the challenges of overthinking, finding meaning in the journey, the importance of embracing vulnerability and allowing oneself to heal. He emphasizes the need …
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BB171: Asphalt Crack Filling With Mastic w/ Ryan Anderson
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Ryan Anderson, the president of Premier Seal Coating and Line Striping Incorporated. They discuss mastic and crack filling in the pavement maintenance industry and the benefits and applications of mastic, including its use in filling potholes and repairing seams. They discuss the different…
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The three focus buckets Part 1 - Marketing | Ep 010
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Overwhelmed with an endless to-do list that leads nowhere? This tactical guide breaks down how to refocus your efforts into three core business areas—marketing, sales, and operations—so you can eliminate busywork and target the actions that actually move the needle. Learn how to identify where your business is suffering and channel your energy into…
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BB170: Finding High Quality Subcontractors with Eric Martin
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Eric Martin, an entrepreneur and social media personality in the asphalt and concrete industry who frequently uses subcontractors to execute the jobs for his customers. Eric provides tips for finding high quality subcontractors, vetting them and creating contracts. He also discusses utiliz…
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BB169: Build Community and Seek Mentorship with Lance Bradshaw
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27:06
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin interviews Lance Bradshaw, the president and CEO of SureSeal Pavement, Inc. Lance shares how SureSeal differentiates itself from competitors by offering quick turnaround times and flexibility. He emphasizes the importance of building a community within the industry and the value of mentorship. Lance also h…
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You don't need permission to make the right decisions | Ep 009
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When you signed the papers and started the business, my guess is you had no idea what you were getting into. In this episode, we talk about permission. You don't need permission to make the right decisions. Join the newsletter: dustinhogate.com Send us a textBy Dustin Hogate
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BB168: Managing Cash Flow in the Construction Industry w/ Scott Peper
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Scott Peper, the CEO and co-founder of Mobilization Funding, shares his journey into the construction industry and the importance of understanding the cash flow cycle and managing sources and uses of cash in your business. He defines cash flow as the amount of cash coming in and going out of a business within a specific period of time and emphasize…
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The 4 Books That Made me an Entrepreneur | Ep 008
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In this episode, I explore the books that kick-started my entrepreneurial journey, featuring works by Grant Cardone like "Be Obsessed or Be Average" and "The 10X Rule." These books weren't just reads; they were game-changers that instilled in me the mindset and passion needed to succeed in business. Tune in to learn how these powerful ideas can hel…
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BB167: Overcome Addiction and Transform Your Life w/ Erick Hernandez
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Erick Hernandez, the owner of E&D Premier Roofing and Solar LLC. Erick shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction and making positive changes in his life. He talks about the negative impact of drinking and drugs on his work and relationships, and how he decided to make a change. E…
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How Leaders Win - A Lesson in Responsibility | Ep 007
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In this episode, I dive into a personal story of how my small business faced significant challenges due to poor management and unfocused decisions. From angry customers to navigating legal complexities, I share the crucial lessons learned and the importance of aligning every business decision with core values. Tune in to discover how you can avoid …
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BB166: Navigating Competitive Markets with Matt LaMarsh
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43:33
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Matt LaMarsh, a realtor in Atlanta. They discuss Matt's transition from owning a lawn care and landscaping business to becoming a real estate advisor. Matt emphasizes the importance of relationships and providing a great customer experience in both industries. He also dispels the misconcep…
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2 Simple Frameworks That Changed the Way I See Sales | Ep 006
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In this episode, we discuss two simple yet powerful frameworks that can revolutionize your sales approach. Discover how 'Touchpoints & Trust' emphasizes the importance of integrity and consistency in building customer trust. Learn practical tips to ensure your website serves as a reliable 24/7 salesman, avoiding common mistakes that can undermine t…
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BB165: Small Business Marketing with Brad Williams
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1:03:31
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In this episode, Marvin Joles talks with Brad Williams of Structured To Grow about the challenges faced by small businesses in terms of growth and marketing. They discuss the importance of focusing on one thing and not chasing multiple opportunities simultaneously. They also highlight the need for businesses to adapt their marketing strategies to m…
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How to change the man in the mirror - W/Mike Claudio | Ep 005
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If you are a man and found yourself falling short of who YOU KNOW you can be and should be, this episode is for you. I have been there and it's painful... Three years ago I hired Mike's company, WinRate Consulting, because I was struggling with my ability to operate my business effectively. But that was a mask, covering the real problem which was t…
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BB164: Having Integrity and Morals with Chris Tammany of Petra Paving
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles and Chris Tammany of Petra Paving in New Hampshire, talk about the importance of having integrity, being honest, setting clear expectations, and doing whatever it takes to make the job right for your customer. They discuss the challenges of pricing and communicating with homeowners about the extent o…
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Your business is at zero.. Now what? | Ep 004
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In this episode, we dive into the challenges aspiring entrepreneurs face, from endless planning to overcoming doubt. Learn why staying at zero is torture and how embracing ignorance can lead to success. I'll share personal stories of costly mistakes and the vital lessons learned about seeking help and admitting what you don't know. Tune in for acti…
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BB163: Finding Your WHY with Harvie Herrington
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Harvie Herrington, a former professional football player, business owner, and motivational speaker. They discuss Harvey's upbringing, his journey to the NFL, and the importance of finding one's "why." Harvey shares his experiences with failure and overcoming obstacles, as well as the signi…
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Own your Brand for Less than a Month of Netflix | Ep 003
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In this episode, we dive into the essential software every small business needs. From choosing the right domain host and custom email provider to managing passwords and building your website, we've got you covered. Learn why Cloudflare, Google Workspace, Bitwarden, and MailerLite are top picks for your business. Tune in to simplify your software st…
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BB162: Overcome Your Own Fears with Mike Claudio
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52:27
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Mike Claudio, CEO of Winrate Consulting and Profit Panda. They discuss Mike's journey, the importance of consistency and being true to oneself and the common issues faced by entrepreneurs, such as being afraid to take risks. Mike emphasizes the need for a clear mission, vision, and core va…
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How to spot opportunity (this is how it works) | Ep 002
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"Whether you think you can, or think you can't you are right" Here is what I think Mr. Ford meant when he said that: People who want an outcome are capable of seeing the opportunity that leads to it. Something like: With belief, comes a lens to see the world through where opportunity is visible and in focus. -- Leaving the Ladder podcast is a compa…
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BB161: Defining Your Success with Adam Piché of Prestige Sealcoating
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54:51
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Adam Piché from Prestige Sealcoating. They discuss Adam's background, growing up, and how he got into the seal coating industry. Adam shares the story of how Prestige Seal Coating started and the growth they have experienced over the years. He also provides key takeaways for achieving long…
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I've been there—starting my company with a negative net worth, paying off debt, and significantly increasing my wealth. But here's what I learned: it's not about how much you have but how you use it. If your resources bring joy, you're on the right path. If they bring misery, you're not. True success isn’t about money or validation—it's about findi…
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BB160: Asphalt Science with Timothy Murphy
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42:49
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In this episode of Blacktop Banter, Marvin Joles interviews Timothy Murphy, an asphalt expert and asphalt scientist. They discuss various topics related to asphalt, including basic considerations, factors affecting longevity, the use of recycled asphalt product (RAP), and the importance of proper education and training in the industry. Murphy also …
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