Interview with Grant Simmons, president
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Property managers were having lunch and they said they wished there was a company that we could call to help with getting bids for the 120 different services that are needed to manage their buildings. I said, “I’ll do it.” After going crazy trying to get service companies to bid on projects for my customers, I decided that I had better concentrate on just asphalt and concrete.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: My business partner, Dan Jackson, our sales force and myself are old school when it comes to selling. We are a belly-to-belly sales force that actually wants to meet our customers face-to-face and form a trusting personal relationship. Other companies rely on a e-mail or cell phones. Thirty years later, we are still selling to many of our original customers. We warranty everything, try to do a professional job, communicate with the customer and only ask that when we have completed a project you call ASAP Asphalt & Concrete for any of your future projects.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Potholes. Just kidding. Years ago, I noticed the industry hadn’t changed for 100 years. This business had a lot of competitors waiting for the customer to call them, and then they would send a proposal, usually weeks later. Not Good. I got the bright idea to form a sales force to go out and meet new customers and get our name out there. So I guess the love of selling asphalt and concrete is what I like the best.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: The Colorado weather can cause havoc, and being busy six to seven days a week, we run into scheduling problems that most asphalt and concrete companies face. So our biggest challenge is getting the work done as quickly as possible and keeping customers happy. ASAP Asphalt and Concrete prides itself on the fact that we communicate these problems to our clients and go crazy trying to make them happy.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I grew up in Omaha, Neb. and attended the University of Nebraska on a basketball scholarship. I had a lot of success and was fortunate enought to be named to the All Big Eight team and All American team. That’s another story. I was named to Nebraska High School Hall of Fame, Omaha Public Schools Hall of Fame and University of Nebraska Hall of Fame. I came to Colorado with my wife, Carolyn, and played professional basketball for the Denver Rockets from the American Basketball Association. After my playing days were over, I was a school teacher for the Denver Public Schools. sold cleaning supplies for a few years and then got into the asphalt and concrete business. I have spent thousands of hours on asphalt practicing basketball and now I’m fixing it.
Profile
Business: ASAP Asphalt & Concrete Inc.
Address: 5260 Forest St., Commerce City
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Founded: 1985
Contact: 303-221-1681,
Employees: 35
