In this episode, we sit down with Paul Albrecht, Regional Director of Training and Development for the Midsouth Materials Region at CRH, to explore how career development, training programs, and emerging technologies are shaping the future of the construction industry. From hands-on skills to digital tools, Paul offers insight into how companies like Barriere, APAC Alabama, and APAC MS/TN are equipping employees for long-term success.

We cover:

• How our company is evolving training for both traditional and tech-based roles
• The value of mentorship and internal mobility in career growth
• How internship programs are creating career pathways for the next generation
• Advice for anyone looking to break into the industry or move up the ladder

Whether you're new to construction or looking to grow your career, this episode is packed with practical guidance and real-world insight—straight from the front lines of workforce development.

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Lindsey, Executive Vice President of Government Relations at CRH Americas, to uncover how advocacy and public policy impact everything from asphalt plants to paving crews. Ryan takes us behind the scenes of CRH’s Government Affairs team, sharing how they work with lawmakers to support the construction industry and ensure smart, effective infrastructure policies are in place.

We cover:

• The role of government relations in construction and materials
• Key issues facing the industry in the Midsouth region
• How CRH advocates for pro-growth policy at state and federal levels
• Why employees should care about legislation—and how to get involved

If you’ve ever wondered how laws and regulations affect life on the job site, this episode brings the big picture into focus—one policy at a time.

Join us as we talk with Lexie Verdin, Lab Technician at Barriere Construction, about her journey into the construction industry and her hands-on role in asphalt quality control. Lexie shares what a day in the lab looks like, how her work impacts the job site, and her perspective as a woman working in a technical trade.

We cover:

• What goes into testing construction materials
• The connection between lab work and road performance
• Navigating challenges and finding mentorship in the industry
• Advice for young women exploring careers in construction

A must-listen for anyone curious about what’s happening beneath the blacktop.

In this episode of Beneath the Blacktop, we sit down with Dwayne Boyd, President of the Midsouth Region at CRH Americas Materials, Inc., who brings over 36 years of experience in the paving and construction materials industry. From his early days in Mississippi to leading one of CRH’s most vital regions, Dwayne shares insight into how the industry has evolved — and where it’s headed.

We explore:

• What a typical day looks like for a regional president
• How inflation and federal infrastructure funding are impacting projects
• The biggest changes in the industry since the 1980s
• CRH’s approach to leadership transitions and workforce development
• How internship programs help shape the next generation of leaders
• Emerging trends in materials demand, sustainability, and automation
• Dwayne’s vision for the future of the Midsouth region

Whether you're in construction, leadership, or just curious about what’s happening beneath the blacktop, this episode offers a compelling look at the future of infrastructure from someone helping shape it.