Some people fight for success. Others fight through it. Alan Santana has done both, inside the boxing ring and across city streets lined with asphalt. In his memoir UNPROTECTED, Santana strips away the polish to share the pain, the setbacks, and the rise.
Santana’s story continues on the pavement of Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside County, where Bay Cities Paving has spent 36 years proving that theirs is one of the resilient business models out there.
Alan Santana is a fighter, a family man, and a business owner who built something solid from the cracks in his life. Starting Bay Cities Paving Inc. in 1989, he turned a small operation into a reputable name.
Boxing Ring to Business King
Alan Santana’s UNPROTECTED shares his personal story and captures a lifetime inside the ropes. Alan began fighting at age eight to protect himself from bullies in Wilmington, CA.
His father, Armando, a former professional boxer, taught him the fundamentals, and Alan quickly developed a style inspired by his hero, Muhammad Ali, complete with a fierce left hook. The book also traces the roots of boxing itself, from its European origins to its evolution in the U.S.
Alan turned pro at 27 and fought ten professional bouts before a serious accident cut his career short. He was driving a dump truck for his father’s paving company when he faced a serious accident. From there, Bay Cities Paving was born in 1989.
Drawing from his gym days, Alan wrote UNPROTECTED as both memoir and manual. It serves as a resource for athletes on contracts, money, and the sport’s hard truths. It’s part autobiography, part survival guide for anyone entering the ring or business world.
More Than a Memoir: UNPROTECTED Reveals the Man Behind the Machines
Santana’s memoir is a revealing look at how life punches, and how he punches back. He shares stories from his youth, his challenges with identity and hardship, and how those battles shaped the entrepreneur he became.
His resilient spirit runs through Bay Cities Paving. Every smooth driveway and re-striped parking lot tells the story of someone who didn’t walk away when it got tough.
Santana’s life and business both reflect what happens when you refuse to let the pavement crack beneath you.
The Backbone of Bay Cities Paving
Founded on December 1, 1989, Bay Cities Paving is now a multi-service asphalt and concrete company. It serves commercial, residential, industrial, and church properties. The company is especially respected for its expertise in ADA and handicap-accessible (Hcp) construction compliance.
Why Bay Cities Paving Stands Out:
- Experience You Can Feel: Over 36 years in business with a team packing 40+ years of combined experience.
- ADA Compliance Experts: Specializing in accessible construction for legal safety and peace of mind.
- Local and Trusted: Serving the South Bay, Lomita, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.
- 5-Star Reviews: Glowing client feedback on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (A+ rating).
- Top 1,000 Contractors in America: Nationally recognized for craftsmanship, quality, and service.
What They Do Best: With Asphalt and with Integrity
Bay Cities Paving solves problems before they grow into lawsuits or accidents. Property managers across Southern California have turned to Santana’s team for help spotting ADA compliance issues and unsafe curbs.
Services Offered:
- Asphalt Paving (Driveways, Parking Lots, Industrial Sites)
- Concrete Flatwork (Sidewalks, Curbs, Gutters)
- Seal Coating & Striping
- Sign Installation & Road Paints
- Hazard Detection & ADA Compliance Seminars
Who They Serve:
- Commercial Shopping Centers
- Residential Homeowners
- Religious Institutions
- Industrial Facilities
- Government & Public Projects
Battle-Tested
Santana’s story wouldn’t be complete without the business he’s built. Through thousands of jobs, economic storms, and changes in regulation, Bay Cities Paving has held strong. And clients aren’t shy about saying so:
“Bay Cities Paving completed a new parking project for a self-service laundromat in Wilmington. The quality of the parking work was very good, and many of the road damages were repaired. Many customers praised the work after seeing it.” Chao G.
Conclusion
UNPROTECTED proves how one man fought through hardship and came out stronger. Alan Santana’s life in the ring taught him how to take hits. His life in business taught him how to build something that can take them too.
The formula for a solid foundation sometimes starts with someone who’s been knocked down, stood up, and decided to move forward.
Disclaimer: The content in UNPROTECTED reflects Alan Santana’s personal account and the public reputation of Bay Cities Paving. Achievements, client feedback, and industry rankings may vary, and readers should independently verify any claims. The views expressed are those of Alan Santana and do not necessarily represent those of Bay Cities Paving’s partners or clients.
