COVER STORY | ADVERTORIAL
Network Members have access to exclusive buying programs , with leading vendors in the industry , such as General Motors , saving thousands off invoice price .
8,000 people . For most in the network , the key to the group ’ s growth has been unleashing what has become for them a powerful and effective marketing tool : an easy-to-remember , toll-free phone number that is exclusive to the company ’ s area of service . For many , it is perhaps , the best way to grow business and generate more leads . The question contractors ask themselves is : what is better , having prospects try and remember a random 10-digit phone number or a simple , toll-free number that resonates with the services the company provides ? Network member companies can choose from a variety of toll-free numbers which have been acquired , all related to asphalt , pavement , sealcoat , concrete , blacktop and striping . Collectively these network numbers have generated over 50,000 calls in 2020 -- which translates to 50,000 leads for member companies . The member contractor owns the exclusive rights to the toll-free number of their choosing . That means the contractor can put that number on their trucks , job signs , billboards , and any marketing material they want to use . By joining the 800 PAVEMENT Network , the contractor receives a toll-free number that is designed to be easy for prospects and customers to remember . The thinking is that the number doesn ’ t need to be written down but simply remembered and , for example , a 1-800-ASPHALT or 1-800-BLACKTOP becomes the number to call every time they need work done . Membership in the 800 PAVEMENT network provides more than the toll-free 800 number . Membership includes a business development relationship with a national sales team , nationwide support and access to equipment and goods through business partnerships that benefit from volume discounting . Partnerships with companies such as SealMaster , General Motors , Trux , Sunbelt Rentals , Sherwin Williams , Pavement Soft , and others that offer savings to all network members because of the buying power brought to the table . Consider that collectively the 800 PAVEMENT network installed more than 16 million gallons of sealcoat , 4 million gallons of traffic paint , and topped 20,000 pallets of crack sealer in 2019 . That volume prompted SealMaster to offer up various rebates to network members on all purchases made through the SealMaster catalog . Collectively the membership has more than 4,500 trucks , which guarantees significant member discounts from General Motors and TRUX . As the network grows each year , and more partners are brought on there will be additional savings anticipated for members . As Musto pointed out : “ These savings alone can not only help pay for the network membership , but also add to your bottom line .” As part of the 800 PAVEMENT Network , members also get the opportunity to bid on projects with the National Accounts Team at U . S . Pavement Services . This group handles projects across the U . S . and Canada . The Team has awarded roughly $ 125 million in work to network members . U . S . Pavement Services works with 12 of the 14 largest retailers in the U . S ., which include Walmart , Target , Staples , Kohl ’ s , CVS , IKEA , and Best Buy . The 800 PAVEMENT Network , through U . S . Pavement Services , pro- www . callape . com [ 8 ] 1.800.210.5923