Asphalt Talk

Summer Social Keynote Speaker Sam Goodwin

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

This episode of Asphalt Talk features Dr. Sam Goodwin, keynote speaker for the 2026 MAPA Summer Social in Kansas City. Sam shares his remarkable journey of traveling to all 193 countries, the life-changing experience of being taken hostage and wrongfully imprisoned in Syria, and the lessons he learned about resilience, leadership, and navigating uncertainty. The conversation also previews Sam’s keynote message, “Winning Through Uncertainty,” and explores how leaders can turn challenging and unpredictable situations into opportunities for growth.

From Plan to Pavement: Understanding the STIP with Llans Taylor

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:58:39 +0000

Dale Williams sits down with Llans Taylor, Transportation Planning Director at the Missouri Department of Transportation, to break down the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). They discuss how projects are selected, how funding shapes the program, and what challenges MoDOT faces in delivering a five-year plan.

Get to know Lt. Col (ret) Jason Harris 2026 MAPA Keynote Speaker

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:08:30 +0000

Getting to know the MAPA 2026 Conference Keynote Speaker.

Meet Eric Schroeter

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Meet Eric Schroeter: Deputy Director & Chief Engineer, MoDOT (Missouri Department of Transportation)

2025 MAPA Annual Conference Keynote Speaker Col. Mark Tillman

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 20:50:47 +0000

Learn a little bit about Col. Tillman and what attendees of the 2025 Annual Conference will hear during the keynote

MAPA / AAPA Joint Meeting at the NCAT Test Track

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:51:00 +0000

In this 2-part podcast, we discuss the upcoming MAPA/AAPA joint meeting that will be held at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), where the group will visit their test track and asphalt lab. In Part 1, host Rick Biermann sits down with Joe Bardill and Brian Kelso. Joe is the current chairman of the MAPA Emerging Leaders, and Brian chairs the AAPA Young Leaders. Together, they discuss the history of the MAPA/AAPA joint meeting. Both Brian and Joe have attended many of the previous joint meetings, and they share their experiences and the value members gain from attending. In addition to reflecting on past meetings, they share their expectations going into a new setting, as this will be the first time the meeting is held away from Branson, MO.

In Part 2, Rick talks about the history of NCAT and what our members can expect from their visit to the test track and lab with Nathan Moore, the Assistant Director for Test Track Research. They dive a little deeper into the details of track construction, operations, and all the research that undoubtedly leads to better asphalt pavements. Happy listening, and we hope to see all of our MAPA and AAPA members at the meeting!

2024 Legislative Session and August Primary Recap

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:01:00 +0000

This episode will recap the 2024 Missouri Legislative Session along with a discussion on the 2024 Missouri Primary and how the November election will impact the asphalt paving industry.

Getting to Know Reed Ryan, the Executive Director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Getting to know Reed Ryan, the Executive Director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance. The listeners will get to learn about Reed's vision for the APA and the resources they provide.

An Interview with MAPA Summer Social Keynote Speaker Mitch Holthus

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 13:49:30 +0000

In this episode we will learn about how Mitch Holthus got into broadcasting, how he prepares for a game and preview of what attendees at the MAPA Summer Social will hear during his keynote speech.

Getting to Know the New State Design Engineer Kenny Voss

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Guests will learn about Kenny's career at MoDOT, what he likes to do outside of work and his priorities as the new State Design Engineer

Getting to Know Dr. Buzz Powell, Technical Director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Dr. Buzz Powell was hired for the newly created position of Technical Director for the Asphalt Pavement Alliance. We will learn about Dr. Powell's experience in previous jobs along with how the APA can help MAPA members.

Leading in Change - MAPA's Spring Training Personal Development Track

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:24:11 +0000

A conversation with MAPA emerging leaders chairperson Rusty Durbin and Steph Auping from Leadership and Co. Our emerging leaders committee is, again, sponsoring and presenting the personal development track at MAPA Black to Basics Spring Training. In this episode we talk with Rusty and Steph about what attendees can expect to gain from this years training.

Get more information about Spring Training at: https://moasphalt.org/events/2024-black-to-basics-spring-training/

A Conversation with 2024 MAPA Annual Conference Keynote Speaker Christian Okoye

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000

This episode gives the audience a little background on Christian Okoye and what they can expect to hear during his keynote address at the MAPA Annual Conference.

MoDOT's Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) with guest, Travis Koestner

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000

On this episode we sit down with Travis Koestner, the State Design Engineer for MoDOT, to help you understand how a project gets identified, and moves through the process to be put out for bid.

2023 Missouri State Legislative Session Wrap Up

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Mon, 29 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Dale Williams interviews lobbyist Noel Torpey from Husch Blackwell Strategies to discuss the impact of the 2023 legislative session on the asphalt industry in Missouri. Despite the past legislative challenges, they highlight some positive outcomes, and the allocation of the 2024 budget of $2.8 billion for the rebuilding and widening of sections of I-70 and the commitment to fund minor roads. They also discuss bills that did not pass, including tort reform and a proposal to simplify the process of getting a refund for the motor fuel tax. Overall, the interview sheds light on the political landscape and its implications for the asphalt industry in Missouri.

A Conversation with Audrey Copeland

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Mon, 15 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Dale sits down with Audrey Copeland, President and CEO of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) as she shares about the organization and how it partners with the state associations. Audrey shares information about committees, upcoming events, organizational goals and her experience as President.

The Asphalt Pavement Alliance with Amy Miller

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Mon, 01 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Dale interviews Amy Miller, the National Director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA). She shares information and updates from the APA for asphalt professionals. Listen to learn how the APA can be used as a resource for you in the asphalt industry.

MAPA Municipal Roundtable Update with Bruce McGregor, Public Works Director for the City of Olivette

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Rick Biermann is joined by Bruce McGregor, the Public Works Director for the City of Olivette, to discuss the starting of the MAPA Municipal Roundtable meetings. They discuss where the idea for the meetings came from, and how the first couple have gone. They also discus the upcoming meeting and what MAPA is doing to help their members and owners build better roads.

Bruce is the Public Works Director for the City of Olivette, and helped MAPA launch the Municipal Roundtable meetings in the fall of 2022.

Get to Know the MAPA Black to Basics Keynote Speaker Joe Fingerhut

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:50:22 +0000

In this episode, we’re treated to a preview of Joe Fingerhut's keynote speech for our 2023 Black to Basics Spring Training. Find out a little about Joe, his varied and entertaining interests and how he got into public speaking. You can find out a little bit about Joe and how he got into public speaking. Learn more about Joe on his website, https://joefingerhut.com/.

Overview of the Upcoming MAPA Learning Event - Increasing the Sustainability and Performance of Roadways Through the Use of Recycled Materials with Redmond (Red) Clark of Asphalt Plus

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Rick Biermann interviews Red Clark. Red is part of a panel presentation MAPA is presenting on February 15, 2023. He is an expert in industrial and manufacturing practice improvement to lessen environmental impact. Red has been in the road construction industry since the late 1980s and is familiar with the growing political, environmental, and economic pressures to make our roadways more sustainable and perform better.

Rick and Red provide an overview of the upcoming MAPA educational event outlining the drive for increased sustainability and performance in roadways, including recycled materials like ECR. They look at who should attend the event and the information the attendees should expect to receive. If you are interested in attending the event, please register at https://moasphalt.org/events/increasing-the-sustainability-and-performance-of-roadways-through-the-use-of-recycled-materials/.

Growing Relationships by Understanding Behavioral Tendencies with Shara Brice of The Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000

This episode is hosted by Rick Bierman of MAPA and Stacy Brockmeier of MayeCreate Design. Stacy has served on the MAPA Emerging Leaders executive team since it started. She has served as the chairperson for the last year. Under her leadership, the participation of the group has grown significantly.

In this episode, Rick and Stacy chat with Shara Brice of The Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities about DISC and why it is an important communication tool. Shara is a wealth of information on DISC. She and her team have developed a training to help people build relationships through communication and create a smooth road to the desired outcome.

You can attend this DISC training during the professional development track at MAPA Spring Training.

A conversation with Brian Johanning, the 2023 MAPA Board of Directors President and Vice President of Superior Bowen

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we get to know Brian Johanning, the 2023 MAPA Board of Directors President. Dale and Brian discuss Brian’s past work experience, what motivates him and his goals for MAPA for 2023. Brian’s background in heavy civil construction, engineering management, homebuilding and land development allows him to maintain a perspective that is broad and all-encompassing. Learn more about the MAPA, its members, the Board and how to join at moasphalt.org/members.

Getting to know the new State Construction and Materials Engineer – Brandi Baldwin

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Getting to know Brandi Baldwin, the new State Construction and Materials Engineer. Brandi talks about her role with MoDOT, and shares her background and biggest professional influences. She and Dale also dicuss her vision for construction and materials moving forward and their goals for the partnership between MAPA and MoDOT.

The Future of MAPA & The Asphalt Industry with Kyle Phillips from Herzog Contracting

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Dale Williams of MAPA sits down with Kyle Phillips from Herzog Contracting to review the 2022 MAPA board retreat and the goals the organization has set forth to better MAPA and the industry. The low volume road program has a big impact on the lettered roads in the state. They discuss the key legislation coming up in the 2023 session that will impact the asphalt industry.

Kyle has served as the 2022 MAPA board president and has 28 years in the asphalt industry. He’s a dance dad and wouldn’t change it for anything! Through MAPA, he has met many people and tackled hard issues, but those efforts are worthwhile.

2023 Missouri Legislative Outlook with guest Noel Torpey from Husch Blackwell

Dale Williams & Rick Biermann — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Asphalt Talk, Dale Williams of MAPA interviews Noel Torpey of Husch Blackwell as he provides a legislative outlook for the asphalt industry in Missouri. Noel is an expert on legislative issues, and a huge advocate for the asphalt industry.

Noel discusses how the 2022 election as well as how house and senate leadership will impact the asphalt industry. Funding is always a big highlight to the progress of our jobs, and Noel offers his opinion on anticipated upcoming funding decisions by the legislature. He also encourages all of us to be active constituents, and follow along with what’s happening in the state House and Senate. Noel can be reached via email at ntorpey@hbstrategies.us.