Unlocking New Potential: Recruiting Non-Asphalt Professionals for Your Crew

In shaping your team this year, keep in mind that many high performers have started their careers in entirely different fields.

In my first year working in the asphalt industry, I quickly discovered that what I enjoyed most was talking with others who had also found their way here. It’s almost become a running theme: whenever I meet someone new, they ask, “How did you land in asphalt?” I share my journey, and without fail, they offer a similar story — people who began their careers elsewhere, somehow stumbled into asphalt, and stayed. It feels like a community of individuals who didn’t necessarily fit the mold elsewhere but have built a meaningful place here.

When I was asked to contribute to this new section in Asphalt Contractor magazine, I knew right away what I wanted to explore: Why do so many in the asphalt world come from different backgrounds, and how does that actually make the industry stronger?

It’s not rare to reach a point in your career where you pause and wonder, “Is this really what I want?” It took me almost seven years to seriously face that question. I earned my degree in civil engineering in 2015 and entered the construction field with high hopes. But as time went on, the routine wore me down. Spending years on a single project, constantly navigating disputes over change orders and delays, felt draining. And in heavy civil construction, despite the massive work happening underground — new sewers, water mains, drainage systems — the end result looked almost identical to what had been there before. To the residents, we had simply disrupted their lives for years with little visible payoff, aside from maybe a few missing trees.

For a long time, I convinced myself to stick with it. I was fortunate to work at C.A.C. Industries — a company where I felt valued, enjoyed the people around me, and had the freedom to balance my work and personal life. On paper, everything seemed right. I had a great employer, I was applying my education, and I thought I should be grateful. I clung to the hope that finishing these projects would eventually bring the sense of accomplishment I craved.

But as time went on, that hope faded. Day by day, it became harder to believe that fulfillment was just around the corner. In May 2022, I finally decided it was time for a real change — one that led me here, to an industry where a lot of us found not just a career, but a community.

A Fresh Direction

After stepping away for a few months to really reflect, I started to rethink what I wanted from my career — something that would truly align with my personality, ambitions, and what I believe it means to make a real difference in the world. I was searching for a role that would ignite my passion, give me a sense of fulfillment at the end of each day, and allow me to contribute to something bigger than myself. I realized how deeply important it was for me to feel like I was making a positive environmental impact, working toward sustainability. I also wanted to be part of a collaborative environment — not just within my own company, but across an entire industry — focused on shared goals rather than constant conflict. It would be a bonus if I could find something that built on my background in engineering.

After a few months of searching and brainstorming, I landed on an idea that checked all those boxes. C.A.C., the company I had been working with, had a sister company called Green Asphalt. Green Asphalt’s mission is ambitious: with their patented technology, they aim to manufacture asphalt using 100% recycled materials. Their vision is to transform the global asphalt industry — reducing carbon emissions significantly, lowering production costs, and making their method accessible for any producer willing to adopt it.

I was energized by the thought of stepping into a traditional industry like asphalt — one that’s been relatively unchanged for centuries — and helping to infuse it with innovation, sustainability, and a new way of thinking. If widespread adoption of this technology could dramatically lower global emissions, it would be a real, tangible way to make a lasting impact.

Still, stepping into this space came with its share of nerves. After all, asphalt paving has followed the same basic formula for generations. Introducing a new approach felt like trying to launch the first iPhone into a world used to flip phones. But in the end, I decided the challenge was worth it. The potential reward — true change — was simply too important to pass up.

Taking the First Leap

My journey officially began when I decided to get involved with NAPA. Though I had heard plenty of positive feedback about the organization, I was genuinely impressed when, right after joining, I received an email packed with resources specifically aligned with Green Asphalt’s mission. Their immediate support and relevance caught me off guard — and that was just the beginning.

As we deepened our engagement with NAPA, I discovered the “Road Forward” initiative — a bold commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It immediately struck a chord, echoing Green Asphalt’s own ambitious mission to drive massive industry change in a relatively short timeframe. When we attended our first annual meeting, we connected with a variety of people curious about our technology, excited about the idea of recycling asphalt, and eager to learn more. It quickly became clear that while the asphalt world has deep roots in tradition, it’s far from stagnant. Even those who seemed hesitant about innovation recognized that the future was inevitable — and they were willing to adapt.

The more NAPA events I attended, the more I realized how many people in the industry came from unconventional backgrounds — true “square pegs in round holes.” I believe this diversity of experience is exactly why the industry isn’t just setting lofty goals, but actively working to achieve them. There’s something inherently inspiring about looking at a time-tested material like asphalt and asking, “How can we revolutionize this?” What’s even more exciting is knowing that progress in one area can ripple out and create change across entire regions. This spirit of challenge and opportunity is what draws so many people into the asphalt industry — and what keeps them here.

United by Shared Purpose

Once these individuals enter the field, they bring a range of perspectives from industries like chemistry, construction, education, steel manufacturing, and government relations. The result? The asphalt world becomes a living experiment in the power of diverse ideas. It’s not often you find yourself in a room of 200 people, all with vastly different backgrounds and viewpoints, yet all united around a shared vision of sustainability.

Because the asphalt industry embraces these differences, it opens up incredible opportunities to hire talent from unexpected places. At Green Asphalt, we’ve made it a point to collaborate with career services organizations that support underserved communities — and have found some fantastic plant workers through them. One of our plant operators, for example, came from a background in microtunneling, which gave him the skills needed to manage our highly complex plant operations. In our office, we brought on a supply chain planner to overhaul and optimize everything from plant logistics to payroll and sales operations. These unique hires have elevated our team from good to exceptional — proof that looking beyond traditional talent pools can completely transform an organization.

I truly believe the asphalt industry has become a haven for people who want to make a meaningful difference. As long as we continue to welcome more “square pegs” into our world, I’m confident the future of this industry is bright. When reviewing your staffing needs this year, remember: some of the best talent comes from places you might not expect. Asphalt is an industry where anyone — regardless of their background — can grow, innovate, and drive real change.