On The Surface with Delta
By: Delta Companies Inc.
Language: en-us
Categories: Education, Business, Management, Self Improvement
On The Surface is the go-to podcast for leaders, innovators, and professionals in the world of construction and materials. Each episode dives deep into the strategies, stories, and insights that drive success in the industry—covering everything from business development and operational leadership to fostering team growth and cultivating a winning culture. Join us as we explore the people and processes that shape the built environment, featuring conversations with experts, thought leaders, and trailblazers who are transforming the way we design, build, and lead. Whether you’re a construction executive, materials specialist, or aspiring industry leader, On The Surface delivers the...
Episodes
Revenue Isn’t Cash: The Lifecycle of Money in Business
Jan 07, 2026In this On The Surface conversation, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet break down the one metric that keeps every business alive: cash. Using plain‑spoken examples—from quarry rock to multi‑month construction projects—they map the full journey from opportunity → revenue → cash in the bank, and explain why profit on paper can hide real cash risk.
You’ll hear how front‑end decisions (quotes, terms, creditworthiness, and relationship building) connect to back‑end realities (billing accuracy, aging reports, finance charges, and collections), and why collaboration across sales, operations, shared services, and accounting is...
Duration: 00:28:30Step Up Without Stumbling: How to Succeed in Role Transitions
Dec 31, 2025In this episode of On The Surface, hosts Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet dig into what it takes to transition roles successfully. Drawing on recent role changes and real-world examples, they unpack why leadership transitions matter, how “sink-or-swim” cultures set people up to fail, and what smart companies do instead: build structured support, training, and clear timeline plans. Seth and Jordan cover the tricky shift from peer to manager, the value of functional mobility, and the mindset pivot from “doing the work” to leading the work. They also explore imposter syndrome, why emotional intelligence is be...
Duration: 00:31:16The Challenges and Vision of a Regional Manager
Dec 24, 2025What does it take to lead more than 100 people, manage complex operations, and shape the future of a construction division? In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet talk with Daryl Masingale, Regional Manager of Construction, about the realities of high-level leadership and the vision required to succeed.
You’ll learn:
✅ How Daryl transitioned from hands-on roles to leading at scale
✅ The biggest challenges of managing people, strategy, and performance
✅ Why culture, collaboration, and efficiency matter more than ever
✅ How future-focused thinking drives growth in a competitive market
If you want...
Duration: 00:38:00From Jobsite to Strategy: The Role of an Operations Manager in Construction
Dec 17, 2025Running a successful construction operation takes more than managing projects—it requires vision, strategy, and relentless focus on efficiency. In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet talk with Brian Kelso, Delta’s Operations Manager for Construction, about what it takes to lead large-scale operations in today’s competitive market.
You’ll learn:
✅ How operations management differs from project management—and why it matters
✅ The KPIs that drive profitability, from trucking costs to tons-per-hour
✅ Why customer relationships and collaboration are key to growth
✅ How technology and process improvements shape the future of construc...
Beyond Hiring and Firing: The Strategic Side of HR
Dec 10, 2025HR isn’t just paperwork—it’s a strategic driver of business success. In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet talk with Taylor Kirn, HR Business Partner, about how modern HR goes far beyond compliance and recruiting.
You’ll learn:
✅ What it means to have a “seat at the table” in HR
✅ How HR influences culture, leadership, and organizational strategy
✅ Why collaboration and relationship-building are critical for business growth
✅ The evolving role of HR in a male-dominated industry
If you’ve ever wondered how HR shapes the future of a company—or...
Duration: 00:51:58Selling Beyond Price: Building Trust and Value in Commercial Sales
Dec 03, 2025What does it take to lead a sales team in a competitive, relationship-driven industry? In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet sit down with Bryan Spach, Director of Sales at Reeves Construction Company, to explore the art of selling on values—not just price.
Tune in to hear:
✅ Bryan’s journey from hospitality and telecom to 15 years at Vulcan and now Reeves
✅ Why relationships and trust matter more than discounts
✅ How tools like CRMs and cultural alignment drive long-term success
✅ The real difference between sales and marketing—and why both matter
Duration: 00:48:02
Rebranding for the Future: Why Delta Changed and What’s Next
Nov 26, 2025Change isn’t easy—but it’s essential. In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens, Brad Marotti, and Jordan Janet unpack the big moves Delta made in 2025: a major rebrand and a complete organizational restructure.
Discover:
✅ Why we kept the Delta name but refreshed our look
✅ The thinking behind shifting from geography-based to line-of-business structure
✅ How these changes position us for growth and efficiency in a competitive market
If you’ve ever wondered what drives strategic change in a century-old company, this conversation is for you.
Thanks for listening!
Building Roads & Building History: Delta’s 100-Year Journey and Industry Insights
Nov 19, 2025Ever wondered what “heavy highway construction” really means—or how Delta grew from paving city streets in 1923 to becoming part of a global network? In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens, Brad Marotti, and Jordan Janet take you on a tour of our industry, explain what we do, and share the fascinating history behind Delta’s evolution.
From crushing rock and mixing asphalt to major acquisitions and global connections, this conversation breaks down how our structure has changed—and why it matters for the future.
Thanks for listening!
Check us out:
delt...
Duration: 00:32:36From Internships to Leadership — Our Unexpected Paths at Delta
Nov 12, 2025Ever wonder how careers in heavy construction really unfold? In this episode of On the Surface, hosts Seth Stevens, Brad Marotti, and Jordan Janet share their personal journeys—from broke college days and first internships to leadership roles shaping Delta’s future. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about IT surprises, plant fires, “street cred” in the field, and lessons learned about growth, culture, and people.
If you’re curious about career paths, leadership evolution, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at Delta, this one’s for you.
Thanks for listening!
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Why We Hit “Record” — The Story Behind On The Surface
Nov 04, 2025Ever wondered why a heavy construction and materials company would start a podcast? In this debut episode, hosts Seth Stevens, Brad Marotti, and Jordan Janet pull back the curtain on the idea that sparked On the Surface. From a coffee shop conversation in Poplar Bluff (and a guy named “Scooter”) to tackling the big question—how do we connect better with our people and our industry?—this episode dives into the why behind the mic. Plus, a quick reminder: open enrollment is live, so don’t forget to make your benefits selections!
Tune in for laughs, real talk, and...
Duration: 00:17:31