We recently connected with Dr. Vince Hafeli and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Vince, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In 2007, I attempted to end my life. I never told that story until 2021. I was afraid of losing my job or the next promotion. What I discovered after the fact was that showing my vulnerability elevated my career standing and respect within the industry.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I broke into the construction industry in 1985 as a part-time laboratory technician, breaking concrete test cylinders. I quickly advanced to a full-time laboratory and field engineering technician.

In 1992, I was employed as the Assistant District Geotechnical Project Manager for the Florida Department of Transportation.

From 1994 to 2002, I served as a Project Manager overseeing consultant contracts with the Florida Department of Transportation.

In October 2002, I started working for Ajax Paving Industries as their Quality Control Manager.

Funny story – In Jun of 2003, I walked into the President’s office and told him that when he was ready to step down, I wanted to run the organization. In 2019, that wish came true. I became President of Ajax, where I still serve in that capacity.

My organization is primarily an asphalt producer and paving contractor. We also specialize in Design/Build projects throughout Southwest Florida.

Ajax is a family-owned business, of which I am not a part of the family.

When I was hired on at Ajax in 2002, we had seventy-eight employees. Today, that number has grown to 610+.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

In 2012, we did an asset purchase of a competing asphalt producer. We also offered around 200 of their employees positions with Ajax.

This was our first purchase where we took on employees.

When we purchased the company, we knew them and knew that they had a different culture. What we didn’t know was that integrating them into our culture, which we viewed as superior, would cause three years of turmoil between our existing employees and the new group.

The lesson learned was that we didn’t have an implementation plan for how to transition them into our culture.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

When managing a team as a leader, be an “active listener” and practice being the last person in the room to speak.

Morale will follow you as a leader. If you are negative, the organization will follow you. If you’re upbeat, they’ll be there to support you.

Take time to visit with your subordinates. I am not referring to your direct reports; I am referring to the front-line workers who generate the revenue so you can do what you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ajaxpavinginustries.com www.vincehafeli.com
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/vince-hafeli-dba