ForConstructionPros.com

The construction industry has an interesting way of keeping things in the family. It’s practically the norm for contractors to pass company ownership down to sons, daughters or other relatives who’ve been actively involved with the business. And in most cases, it’s not a forced inheritance — the next generation is usually ready, willing and enthusiastic to accept the responsibility of running the company for years to come.

Other stories also involve individuals who remain in the industry, but who do so by choosing an independent path. Like many others, Kirk Braun grew up around construction, having spent many childhood summers working for and learning about his family’s business.

He continued his employment with the company for a few years after receiving his college degree in civil engineering, until an opportunity came along for Braun to pave his own way — literally.

“Asphalt wasn’t the focus of my family’s company,” says Braun. “We were mainly involved with grading, excavating, utility construction and that sort of work. But in this industry you can’t help but notice what everyone else is doing. I can remember observing paving operations in our area, and I think somewhere in the back of my mind, I always thought I might be involved with that aspect of construction. So when I had a chance to get into asphalt paving, it just felt right. And I’ve been doing my best to grow and improve my business ever since.”

It was 1992 when Braun purchased Asphalt Paving Inc., a small paving company in Garrett, IN. The acquisition included a crew of 15 workers, paving equipment and a 1959 Stansteel 4,000-pound batch plant.