By: Zach Miller
Alan Santana is a business owner, industry expert, and the founder of Bay Cities Paving Inc., a company built on decades of hard work, honesty, and dedication. Since establishing the company in 1989, Alan has grown Bay Cities Paving into a trusted name in asphalt paving across Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside County.
His journey has been shaped by challenges, tough decisions, and a commitment to delivering quality work for every client. From commercial properties and industrial spaces to churches, HOAs, and residential projects, Alan has always believed that every job deserves the same level of care and attention. Over the years, he has seen the construction industry change, faced economic challenges, and adapted his approach to keep his company moving forward. His experience has taught him that long-term success comes from strong values, consistent effort, and building trust with customers and employees.
In this interview, Alan Santana discusses the moments that shaped Bay Cities Paving, the principles behind its longevity, and his vision for the company’s future.
Q1. Looking back at your journey, what were some of the lesser-known turning points or quiet decisions that played a critical role in shaping Bay Cities Paving into a long-standing business, not the obvious milestones, but the moments that truly tested your direction?
Alan Santana: Reflecting on my journey as a business owner over the past 38 years, one pivotal moment stands out: the recession of 2007-2008. During this challenging time, I faced some heart-wrenching decisions regarding my employees, deciding who to keep and who to let go. It was an incredibly difficult period; our company went from receiving 6 to 10 calls a day for estimates to receiving none. Previously, we were managing 2 to 3 paving projects daily. Sharing this experience can help the audience feel hopeful that resilience is possible even in tough times.
Making these decisions weighed heavily on my mind, especially considering that these employees relied on me to provide for their families. Ultimately, this was one of the hardest choices I have ever had to make in my business career, but it was essential for the survival of my company during such a tumultuous time.
Q2. In features like America Daily Post, your longevity is often tied to consistency and quality. How have your internal standards evolved over time as the business has scaled, and what have you had to unlearn to keep growing?
Alan Santana: That’s an excellent question! As I reflect on the future of my company, I’m excited about the journey ahead and the possibilities for scaling our operations. It’s essential that we not only grow but also bring on the right individuals who share our vision and dedication to maintaining the high standards we’re known for. To support this momentum, we have invested heavily in localized advertising campaigns that are actively bringing in a steady stream of larger, more complex paving contracts. To execute this influx of work to the highest standard, I am currently looking at purchasing new equipment and expanding our workforce with talent who take real pride in their craftsmanship. Unlearning something you have used throughout your business is a tough, thought-provoking decision, but as long as it helps spur your company’s growth, it will always be the right decision.
Q3. Your work highlighted in the NY Weekly shows a wide range of project types and impact. How do you evaluate which opportunities to pursue versus decline, especially when growth could come at the cost of operational focus or quality control?
Alan Santana: When choosing paving projects to bid on, we have found our niche with HOA projects, strip malls, churches, and industrial parking lots. Quality control is not an issue for my crews and the scope of work that we perform. No matter how big or small the project is, we take the same care in completing the scope of work on each and every paving project. For me, it has always been about the quality of work and customer service. It sounds so cliché, but it is the absolute truth. We have outgrown small single-family driveway projects over the last five years. The materials needed to complete the work, along with the high cost of fuel and other business-related expenses, have priced these types of projects through the stratosphere and made them very unaffordable for homeowners. We control the company’s growth by selecting paving projects our paving crews can complete in a timely, cost-effective manner without cutting corners on quality.
Q4. Many companies struggle not with starting, but with sustaining momentum over decades. What systems, habits, or decision-making frameworks have you put in place to ensure the business remains disciplined and aligned even as circumstances change?
Alan Santana: Our teams are dedicated to maintaining high standards of quality control, ensuring that every project, regardless of its size or scope, is approached with diligence and care.
I founded this company on two principles: integrity and honesty. These principles are stronger than ever in today’s business world. Additionally, I believe in leading by example. Every morning, I wake up with the same desire to succeed, perhaps even more now than when I first established Bay Cities Paving Company. I am always the first to grab a shovel or an asphalt rake and get to work. This approach is a key factor in running a successful business, especially when you have employees. I will normally be the first to arrive at the job site and the last to leave. Employees will respect you when they see that you care about your work and actually know how to perform the physical tasks involved.
I have always maintained that you need to be focused and passionate about whatever you do, whether it’s running a paving company or a landscaping business. The formula for success is the same, no matter the industry. I recently had my second award-winning book published, titled UNPROTECTED THE FINAL ROUND. I write about the ins and outs of being in business and what it takes to succeed; it is a must-read for anyone wanting to go into business.
Q5. As you think about the future, what are you doing today to make Bay Cities Paving less dependent on you personally, and what does true longevity look like when the founder steps back from day-to-day operations?
Alan Santana: I truly believe that Bay Cities Paving Company is on the path to a bright future, and it’s important that whoever takes the reins after me carries the same passion and commitment to excellence that I have embraced for the past 38 years. I’m energized by the years to come and dedicated to steering this company with the same enthusiasm and integrity I had when I founded Bay Cities Paving Inc. in 1989. The lessons I have gathered along the way, including those I share in my book UNPROTECTED, continue to shape how I think about leadership and longevity in this industry.
A Legacy Built on Trust and Quality
For Alan Santana, building Bay Cities Paving Inc. has always been about creating a company based on trust, responsibility, and respect for customers and employees. His journey shows that success requires patience, commitment, and the ability to make difficult choices during uncertain times. The challenges of the 2007-2008 recession tested his leadership, yet those experiences strengthened his understanding of what it takes to keep a business alive during difficult periods. His story reflects the importance of passion, integrity, and dedication in creating a business that can stand strong for generations.
