SPEAKERS
Countdown to 2024
IGNITE Construction Summit
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RYAN AUSTIN
CEO
BSI Paving
Ryan Austin is a devoted man of God, a loving husband of over twenty years, and the proud father of four incredible children. As the dynamic CEO of BSI Paving in Michigan, Austin combines his deep faith with his passion for business, guiding his company with integrity and innovation. His daily mission is simple yet impactful: to positively influence at least one person each day.
In 2004, Austin and his brother Mark founded BSI Paving, where his unwavering positivity and leadership shine. Known for his mantra, “Be so positive, negative people don’t want to hang out with you,” Austin is a beacon of inspiration. He excels in recognizing and nurturing others’ strengths, making him a celebrated leader and mentor.
BSI Paving is committed to building more than just roads; they pave the way for communities to thrive. Rooted in faith, family, and unwavering integrity, their mission is to inspire and empower each team member to foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Under Austin’s leadership, they are dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and innovative solutions, ensuring every project exceeds expectations.
LONNIE BANKS
Vice President of Sales & Estimating
Cincinnati Asphalt
Cincinnati Asphalt’s mission is clear: to lead the way in their industry’s growth and evolution. At Cincinnati Asphalt, they are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, constantly striving to be at the forefront of innovation and progress.
As a company, they’re more than just a team; they’re a tight-knit family united by the shared vision for excellence. Through their forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to advancement, they’ve experienced remarkable growth, establishing themselves as trailblazers in the field.
With a passion for driving positive change and a commitment to shaping the future of our industry, Lonnie eagerly anticipates sharing his experiences and insights at IGNITE.
CISCO BARRON
Owner
ABC Asphalt
At 37 years old, Cisco Barron is a driven entrepreneur, devoted husband, and proud father of two wonderful children. From a young age, he has always been a hustler, tirelessly working to turn business ideas into reality. Despite having little formal training, his relentless pursuit of knowledge and hands-on experience has shaped him into a savvy business professional that is committed to learning and growing every day.
Throughout his career, Barron has owned and operated multiple businesses, ranging from restaurants to trucking companies to screen printing and embroidery ventures. His most significant achievement is founding and growing ABC Asphalt Inc., an asphalt and concrete company that has reached $20 million in annual revenue. They continue to aim higher, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
As Barron advances in his career and personal life, he remains dedicated to personal development, striving for excellence in everything he does.
BRIAN BECKNER
Managing Sales Director
Prestige Paving
Brian Beckner, “The Asphalt Guy,” is the construction industry’s “Ultimate Intrapreneur.” Managing Sales Director for a Southern California-based asphalt paving company, where his outside the industry box” marketing, sales and leadership methods, have taken a once fledgling company and generated a 400% growth revenue rate within five years – in the most competitive market in the entire U.S.
Born into the construction world, operating heavy equipment as early as the age of seven years old, to operating his own asphalt demolition business at eighteen, to suffering a debilitating injury two years later and completely altering the course and direction of his life that led him to study and build businesses in a completely different industry from 1995 -2017. Beckner has spent the past 25 years traveling coast to coast, studying with, and being mentored by, some of the world’s leading authorities on leadership, company culture and business.
A “heart-centered” company leader within an “old school” often “behind the times” industry, Beckner uses his passion for coaching and leading individuals to unlock their “untapped potential” and grow in all areas of their life so that they can actually find happiness and fulfillment well beyond their current role within a company.
MARK ESTRADA
Co-Founder
Marathon Solutions Group LLC
Mark Estrada’s extensive knowledge in design, technique and compliance enables him to provide invaluable insights and practical solutions to parking lot owners, facility managers and contractors alike. Through his expertise of almost two decades in the industry, Estrada has helped numerous organizations streamline their striping operations, optimize traffic flow and enhance the overall safety and accessibility of parking lots.
SUSAN FREW
Closing Keynote & TEDX Speaker
Susan Frew is a former International General Manager with AT&T Wireless, Business Coach, Instructor for the SBA’s national Emerging Leaders program, radio host of “Coaching Not Just for Sports” on ESPN radio in Denver. Susan is also a successful TEDX speaker and took the stage in 2017.
Susan used all the lessons she learned while coaching 17 different trades and 150 companies through the recession. As a business owner and entrepreneur, Susan takes audiences through the riveting story of growing her company 535%, making the INC5000 list, and then almost losing it all because of a bad hire. Her vulnerability and refreshing honesty sets her apart as she is willing to share her mistakes and trials in order to help her audiences avoid a similar fate. This has become Susan’s mission so that no other business owner has to walk through a similar fire in their business. Susan works with Raincatcher to help business owners understand the value of their business and give them a solid coaching plan for maximum sale value.
Sessions:
Closing Keynote: Competing on Awesome + Rockstar Recruiting For the Next Generation
Friday, Dec. 6 @ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
DAN GINGISS
International Keynote Speaker, CX Workshop
Dan Gingiss is an international keynote speaker and customer experience expert with a dynamic and engaging speaking style that has captivated hundreds of audiences around the globe. Believing that a remarkable customer experience is your best competitive advantage, Dan shares insights from his 20-year professional career that included leadership positions at McDonald’s, Discover, and Humana. His speaking engagements are enriched by real-world examples and effective strategies that inspire immediate action.
Dan is the author of The Experience Maker: How To Create Remarkable Experiences That Your Customers Can’t Wait To Share and Winning at Social Customer Care: How Top Brands Create Engaging Experiences on Social Media. Dan also co-hosted the award-winning Experience This! podcast. He earned a B.A. in psychology and communications from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in marketing from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Dan is also a licensed bartender, a pinball wizard, and he once delivered a pizza to Michael Jordan.
Sessions:
CX Workshop: Revolutionizing Your Customer Experience
Thursday, Dec. 5 @ 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
BRYCE HAREM
General Manager
Central Paving LLC
Since graduating from Central Washington University with a degree in Construction Management in 2012, Bryce Harem has collected a wide range of experience in multiple trades of the construction industry including Commercial, Residential, Civil and Asphalt/Asphalt Maintenance. He has held a variety of leadership roles in Project Management, Sales/Estimating, Operations & General Management for both private and municipal work.
Harem is the General Manager for Central Paving, LLC, a full-service paving contractor, located in Ellensburg, WA. While overseeing the day to day operations for both Office and Field staff, he most enjoys focusing on team member development and the continued implementation of the company’s CORE culture.
In addition to being General Manager at Central Paving, LLC, Harem is the Owner/Founder of BTG Services. Utilizing his knowledge and experience acquired through his various leadership roles, BTG (Bridging The Gap) Services provides growing companies, and motivated individuals, the leadership skills, strategies & positive mindset necessary to successfully navigate through the challenges of being the one(s) caught in the middle.
BRIAN HESS
CEO/President
The Pavement Group
Building a foundation for an industry with many players takes commitment, integrity and relentlessness–just three of many qualities that have enabled Brian Hess to build a 8-Figure company and forge enduring relationships with clients that are in the rankings to span decade(s). As CEO and President of The Pavement Group, Top Contractor School, and Host of The Brian Hess Show, Hess has proven that serving his clients and listeners using his unique data will certainly pave the way for more industry icons following his lead.
Sessions:
Panel Discussion: State of the Industry – Making the Most of Your Resources
Thursday, Dec. 5 @ 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
CHELSEA ELLIS-HOGAN
CEO/President
Jim Reynolds Asphalt
Chelsea Ellis-Hogan #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of “Fail to Success”, Speaker, CEO/President and third generation owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor, Inc. With 10 years of experience in the asphalt industry she specializes in implementing unique leadership, technology and branding techniques.
EBONY JENNINGS
Owner & CEO
Jennings Asphalt & Construction
Ebony Jennings is a dynamic figure in the asphalt industry, carrying forward a rich legacy as a third-generation business owner. With deep-rooted expertise and a passion for innovation, she has propelled Jennings Asphalt to new heights, blending tradition with modern practices.
Growing up immersed in the family business, Jennings learned the nuances of asphalt sealing and paving from a young age. Her journey began on the job sites alongside her grandfather, who founded the company over four decades ago. She honed her skills under the mentorship of Karen Eaton of Eaton Asphalt and of her father, who instilled in her the values of integrity, quality craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction.
As the current owner and CEO of Jennings Asphalt, she is known for her hands-on approach and strategic vision. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its service offerings, embraced sustainable practices, and leveraged cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency and project delivery.
Her commitment to excellence extends beyond business operations. She actively participates in industry associations, advocating for best practices and promoting diversity within the asphalt sector. Her efforts have earned recognition for Jennings Asphalt as a trusted partner in infrastructure development and community enhancement projects.
Outside of work, Jennings is dedicated to philanthropy, supporting causes that uplift underrepresented communities and foster educational opportunities in trade fields. Her leadership in both business and philanthropy exemplifies her dedication to leaving a positive impact on the asphalt industry and beyond.
Sessions:
Panel Discussion: State of the Industry – Making the Most of Your Resources
Thursday, Dec. 5 @ 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
MICHAEL NAWA
Commercial Project Manager
McNaughton Services
Micheal Nawa has spent 48 years in asphalt maintenance. He is a member of the Pavement Hall of Fame, recipient of The Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping, the Alan Curtis Industry Service Award and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Sweeping Association. Nawa is a former board member of North American Power Sweeping Association and has spent 27 years on the advisory board of Pavement Maintenance and Reconstruction magazine.
He also spent 27 years on the advisory board of the National Pavement Expo and is a founding member of World Sweeping Association. In his spare time, he is a journeyman banjo player and is learning Korean.
Sessions:
Panel Discussion: State of the Industry – Making the Most of Your Resources
Thursday, Dec. 5 @ 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
ASHLEY MARCELLO
Vice President
Alpha Paving Industries DFW
With 13 years of experience in the commercial paving industry, Ashley Marcelo has successfully overseen numerous projects, demonstrating expertise in project management, team leadership, and strategic planning. Her journey has been shaped by hands-on work, problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence.
Her career began as a part-time Administrative Assistant, sparking a passion for the industry that has guided her journey. Over the past 13 years, she has had the opportunity to take part in many different roles including administrative, Project Manager, Operations Manager, and now leading the Alpha Paving Dallas Division as Vice President.
Ashley’s combined experience, passion, and dedication to growth have been the keys to her success and she extends them to her team. She firmly believes the driving force to a company’s success is to empower each employee. When employees feel empowered and are provided with the right tools, training, and resources, performance and productivity will skyrocket.
Ashley feels truly blessed to be part of this amazing industry and to contribute to the future success of the DFW area.
LEE RUBIN
Opening Keynote Speaker
For 30 years, Lee Rubin has been building high performance teams in both corporate America and the collegiate sports world, setting the foundational cornerstone for a leadership and culture-building mindset focusing on the key components that create extraordinary teams.
This strong core foundation was instilled early in Lee’s life as he held the position of captain of the Penn State football team and later went on to serve as a Human Resource Executive, building senior leadership teams for some of the countries’ most prominent corporations which have become dominant leaders in their industries.
Lee has emerged as one of the most engaging and sought-after voices across the country with his unique ability to understand and articulate winning principles with tremendous clarity and practical application on team building, leadership, and peak performance. He has collaborated with and taken the stage for leading Fortune 500 Companies like Johnson & Johnson, Sony and JP Morgan, to name a few, as well as collegiate sports teams and organizations across the country.
DANIEL WRIGHT
Business Owner
Proline Parking Lot Maintenance
Since 2016, Daniel Wright has been aggressively involved in owning, operating, and growing Proline Parking Lot Maintenance to be an industry leader in multiple fronts. What started out as a part time job to make extra income while working as a full time fireman quickly became a passion that has now grown to 15 team members, expansion in services offered, and a spearhead for developing the image of the pavement Industry.
From an early age, Wright has been drawn to entrepreneurship and the possibilities and opportunities that it offers. When he decided to make the jump from being a fireman to a full-time business owner, it was in pursuit of the opportunity to make a difference in an industry. From hours of conversations with other contractors, investing in business and leadership education, and endless amounts of trial and error, Wright has just begun to scratch the surface of what all the industry has to offer and what all he has to offer.
Wright is known for his direct, no BS personality that stems from a place of care for all individuals he has the pleasure of speaking with. He is committed to offering the best experience possible to all clients, vendors, and team members, running his business by the numbers, and constantly looking for the “next best decision” to make.
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