I'm excited to share the inaugural episode of "The Edge" - our new podcast dedicated to exploring trends and insights in highway construction.

At Edgevanta, we believe this industry is foundational to America's prosperity but often doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Our vision is to uplift and bring awareness to the incredible people, companies, and innovations shaping our nation's infrastructure. Whether it's through our podcast, newsletter, software, or other initiatives, we're committed to helping construction companies thrive while elevating the industry as a whole.

These conversations are vital for showcasing the depth of leadership, multi-generational impact, and genuine care for workers and communities that define highway construction. That's why I'm excited about our first guest, Patrick Nelson, President of Lehman-Roberts, and incoming chairman of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA). Not only was Pat one of our first clients who took a chance on Edgevanta as a young company, but he exemplifies what Jim Collins calls a "Level 5 Leader" - someone who combines personal humility with professional will. One of the truly good guys in our field, his humble approach to leadership has transformed not just his organization but influenced many others across our sector.

Pat's journey is fascinating - from starting on a drill crew to earning his MBA while raising four kids under nine, to ultimately leading one of the most respected companies in our industry. Throughout our conversation, his humility shines through as he credits his success to others, speaks candidly about his mistakes, and consistently focuses on how to better serve his people and the community.

The conversation covers topics including:

• Safety and work zone protection, with Pat sharing powerful stories about the human cost of accidents and the industry's renewed focus on protecting workers

• The challenges and opportunities of family business transitions, including Pat's own experience with Lehman-Roberts' recent acquisition by Granite Construction

• His vision as incoming NAPA chairman, focusing on celebrating the industry's multi-generational impact, strengthening political advocacy, and addressing mental health

One of my favorite moments was Pat's candid take on bidding 😊 :

"Contractors become complete idiots at eight o'clock on the morning of a bid opening... I usually try to have it put to bed before that point because I just know myself."

We also find out how Pat approaches organizational health, continuous improvement, and the responsibility we have to our workers and communities. His perspective on treating safety as a shared resource rather than a trade secret is powerful.

Check out the full episode to hear Pat's insights on:

• Transitioning from scarcity to growth mindset

• Building strong organizational culture

• The future of highway construction safety

• Mental health awareness in construction

• His recommended leadership books

Episode link below 👇

Would love to hear your thoughts on the episode and what other industry leaders you'd like to hear from! We are excited to keep sharing these stories of leadership, innovation, and impact from across our industry.

We value your feedback, so please drop us a rating & comment below. See you next week!

In Case You Missed It:

Breaking Up Your Company

Enjoyed this newsletter? Forward it to a friend and have them sign up here!

About the Author

Tristan Wilson is the CEO and Founder of Edgevanta. We make software that helps contractors win more work at the right price. He is a 4th Generation Contractor, construction enthusiast, ultra runner, and bidding nerd. He worked his way up the ladder at Allan Myers in the Mid-Atlantic and his family’s former business Barriere Construction before starting Edgevanta in Nashville, where the company is based. Reach out to him at [email protected]