CONTRACTOR ’ S CORNER
THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRY
RELATIONSHIPS
MARVIN JOLES III
S haking hands , exchanging names . Then what ? This was the basis of one of the recent Blacktop Banter Podcast episodes and is something to think about when we meet with clients , reps , vendors , other contractors and just people along our contractor journey in general , whether at events or just “ oneoff ” meetings .
As we close in on everybody ’ s “ off ” or “ slow ” season , we also approach the time of year when many asphalt industry conferences and shows come around . At these shows we have a chance to meet vendors of equipment , products and supplies . One thing I have found , is that actually having in-depth conversations with these people can help us , paired with building comradery as contractors and customers , imprint who we are , where we are and what we do into the minds of each other . What I have seen as benefits of this , are many things .
One is , that during the paint shortage we were in , and not completely out of , in the line striping sector , relationships with area representatives saved some companies and I know for sure helped us keep our line striping division open at WisCoat . When we were candid with our needs and what we would do on our end to be able to keep going , our reps also thought outside of the box to help us . That constant back and forth kept us at the forefront of their mind and when opportunities to get paint arose , they offered it to us even if it wasn ’ t www . callape . com [ 34 ] 1.800.210.5923