DRYCO’s Legacy of Leadership in the Pavement Network
When the Pavement Network (PN) was established in 1999, it was founded on a simple yet powerful idea: connecting non-competing pavement and concrete contractors nationwide to share best practices, enhance operations, and create value together. With fewer than 10 members at the outset, the group has since grown into a trusted alliance of 18 companies, each representing its own geographic region. This exclusive, one-per-region structure ensures open collaboration while protecting members’ markets.
A Historic Role for DRYCO
DRYCO’s influence within the Pavement Network stretches back decades. DRYCO Owner & Founder Daren Young has played a pivotal role, serving as President of the Pavement Network from 2017 to 2019 and later as Past President and Board Member through 2024. His leadership guided the group through major transitions, including the launch of the Pavement Network Buyer’s Alliance (PNBA), now known as the Contractors National Buyer Alliance (CNBA). This initiative leverages the collective purchasing power of members to return significant cost savings.
In 2019, DRYCO hosted the Pavement Network’s Annual Meeting at their Bay Area headquarters. The event brought together 15 member companies and set a new standard for collaboration and professional development within the group. Attendees praised DRYCO’s team and facilities, noting that the meeting represented the best of what the Pavement Network could offer in terms of knowledge-sharing and camaraderie.
Reflecting on that milestone, Daren emphasized the importance of building long-term value through collaboration:
“As your past president, my focus has been on building membership and vetting the Buyer’s Alliance (CNBA). I believe the buying group will attract new members and save DRYCO alone at least $100,000 per year.”
Driving Member Value Through CNBA
The Pavement Network has always emphasized collaboration, but the addition of the CNBA marked a turning point. By pooling purchasing power across categories like equipment, fleet, insurance, office supplies, and marketing, members gained access to preferred vendor pricing and rebates that directly strengthened their bottom lines.
Daren was instrumental in championing this initiative. In one of his addresses, he explained why the program was so important:
“Every $1,000 saved is another $10,000 that did not have to be earned to reach the same profit. Not only will this create wins in each of our individual businesses, it’s likely to help attract new members in our vacant regions, thereby growing the overall strength and value of the Network.”
That philosophy has proven true. Today, the CNBA continues to deliver measurable returns for member companies while adding value that extends well beyond savings. The CNBA has grown into a key differentiator for members, helping them stay competitive in challenging markets.
Culture and Leadership
Beyond financial strategy, DRYCO has contributed thought leadership on some of the industry’s most pressing challenges: hiring, retention, and company culture. In a 2022 feature, Daren and DRYCO’s HR Director, Jody Padilla, shared insights on building a culture of teamwork, open communication, integrity, fun, and trust (TOFIT). This framework transformed DRYCO into one of the most attractive employers in the industry. Their perspective underscored a broader theme within the Pavement Network: success in paving comes not just from equipment and contracts, but from investing in people.
A Lasting Impact
Today, under the presidency of Jeff Gau (St. Louis Paving), the Pavement Network continues to thrive as a tight-knit group of 18 regional leaders. DRYCO’s sustained involvement has left a lasting mark, both in governance and in shaping the culture of transparency, innovation, and mutual support that defines the Pavement Network.
From hosting landmark meetings to spearheading the CNBA, DRYCO’s role in the Pavement Network demonstrates how one company’s leadership can help elevate an entire industry. With a legacy of innovation and a deep commitment to collaboration, DRYCO continues to embody the very spirit on which the Pavement Network was founded.