Case Study
How Empire Paving Saved a Local Business During an Emergency Snow Storm
When a business owner faced a winter crisis, Empire Paving proved that exceptional service means going beyond the contract.
The Challenge
Tim, owner of a small business with an average-size parking lot, faced two critical challenges:
Asphalt Repair Needs: His business parking lot required professional asphalt repair, and as a small business owner, he was concerned about finding a contractor who would treat his modest project with the same care as larger commercial paving jobs.
Winter Emergency: On December 1st, during the first significant snowstorm of the year, Tim’s regular snow plow company failed to show up, leaving his business inaccessible to customers and creating a potential liability situation.
The Empire Paving Solution
Professional Asphalt Work With Integrity
Empire Paving approached Tim’s asphalt project with the same professionalism they bring to every job, regardless of size:
- Provided competitive, reasonable pricing for a small business budget
- Treated Tim’s project with equal importance, never making him feel like his business “wasn’t big enough”
- Demonstrated rare honesty: upon excavation, they discovered the base layer was in excellent condition and didn’t need replacement
- Proactively offered a discount, reducing costs because less work was required than initially estimated
Delivered impeccable workmanship using quality asphalt materials with hands-on leadership (owner personally operating equipment on-site)
Emergency Snow Removal Response
When Tim called Empire Paving in a panic—simply looking for referrals to help with his snow emergency—Empire Paving demonstrated extraordinary customer service:
- Immediately recognized the urgency of the situation
- Dispatched equipment to Tim’s location without hesitation
- Cleared the parking lot completely, ensuring business operations could continue
- Provided this emergency service despite snow removal not being part of their original contract
Results & Impact
Measurable Outcomes
Cost Savings: Tim received a discount on asphalt work due to Empire Paving’s honest assessment of actual needs versus initial scope
Zero Business Downtime: Emergency snow removal prevented lost revenue and maintained customer access during critical winter weather
Impeccable Quality: Asphalt work completed to the highest standards, ensuring long-term durability
Peace of Mind: Tim gained a trusted partner he can count on for future parking lot maintenance needs
Long-Term Relationship Value
Empire Paving’s approach transformed a transactional contractor relationship into a lifelong partnership. Their integrity-first mentality and willingness to help beyond contractual obligations created a customer who actively promotes their business and considers them friends, not just service providers.
Client Testimonial
“I can’t possibly say enough nice things about this company! The work is impeccable and the prices are completely reasonable. Not once did they make me feel like my business wasn’t big enough for them. When they dug it up, they found the base layer was in great shape and didn’t need to be replaced—they gave me a discount! That’s the kind of honesty you don’t find in too many companies any longer.”
“December 1st, first snow storm of the year and my plow company doesn’t show up. I am frantic and call these guys just looking for suggestions of people they may know; what do they do? They come and plow it for us!!!”
“This is a company that has a customer and friend for LIFE. If there is anything I could ever do to help them, all they would have to do is ask!”
— Tim, Small Business Owner
Why This Matters
This case study exemplifies Empire Paving’s core values:
Integrity in Every Project
Most contractors would have completed the originally scoped work and collected full payment. Empire Paving’s decision to reduce costs when less work was needed demonstrates a commitment to honesty over profit—a rare quality in the construction industry. Learn more about what makes a great paving contractor in Cleveland.
No Job Too Small
Small and medium-sized businesses often struggle to find contractors who will prioritize their projects. Empire Paving proves that professional service and attention to detail aren’t reserved for large commercial clients. If you’re searching for reliable paving contractors, look for companies that value every customer.
Above and Beyond Service
Going beyond contractual obligations to help a customer in crisis—especially during a winter emergency—shows Empire Paving’s understanding that building relationships matters more than individual transactions.
Hands-On Leadership
With the owner personally operating equipment on job sites, Empire Paving demonstrates a work ethic and quality commitment that flows from the top down through the entire organization. Meet the Empire Paving team that makes this possible.
Work With Empire Paving
Whether you need asphalt paving, repairs, or are looking for a contractor who treats every project with integrity and professionalism, Empire Paving is ready to serve you.
Experience the Empire Paving difference:
- Honest assessments and transparent pricing
- Impeccable workmanship on projects of all sizes
- Hands-on ownership involvement
- Commitment to customer relationships, not just transactions
