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South Texas based contractor, Gallegos Paving, has seen over a decade of enduring success thanks to its community-first approach. Founded from humble beginnings, the company is now a trusted partner for public works across the region, as Company President, Sheldon Gallegos, begins: “I started the business in 2012. It was a very small operation, and I worked primarily on maintenance services such as fixing potholes and repairing seals. I also resurrected fences and provided repair services on warehouses. At the beginning, I was just picking up work where I could, building up my experience and technical skills.������

“Things started to ramp up when I got my first on-site contract, working to prepare the land for construction. I learned a lot on the job, and met some industry contacts who helped me expand my client base and even find an investor for the business. I was able to buy some machines and secure my first major project as a result. It was valued at $1,000,000, and we started work in 2016. From there, the business continued to grow, and here we are.����

“I now work exclusively on commercial sites, with a focus on large-scale industrial projects, specifically industrial parks. We also work on a lot of infrastructure projects, designed to support public improvement. Our services extend from construction to maintenance, and a lot of the work we do is inside the warehouses.����

“We offer underground utility installation, paving and earthworks, as well as some newer services, such as milling and stabilizing. We’ve recently invested in the equipment to open our service offering even more, so we’re now able to provide concrete paving solutions to customers looking for very robust infrastructure.”������

Community-driven approach��

Having successfully diversified its offering, Gallegos Paving now looks to become a major player in the public services sector. As Sheldon details: “Our goal is to play a bigger role in the industry at large. We’d like to build up a reputation throughout the public sector. That way, the money we generate stays in the local economy, and the work we do supports our community. We always aim to buy our materials and equipment locally, and all my employees are from around here.����

“It’s become all too common that public works are outsourced to outside entities. It goes against the grain of what public works should be about. I believe these efforts should be by and for the local community, so we see the economic boost as well as the result. My entire management team is from Laredo and the surrounding areas, which is important to me.����

“It’s all about supporting my community. People get jobs, or they get a boost in sales. Either way, the money is being recirculated, and we all get to reap the rewards. This community-driven approach is central to the work we do. Our mission going forward is to continue growing our market share and making a name for ourselves as a trusted local partner.”����

As it continues to expand, the company remains true to its founding principles: “Another of our core values is sustainability. I’m from South Texas, so I appreciate the landscape, the ranches, everything about the outdoors. The last thing I want is for our work to be harmful to our surroundings, so I aim to make our operations as environmentally neutral as possible.������

“It’s easy to make use of recycled materials, especially in the work we do, so for me it feels like a no-brainer. We’ve succeeded in creating a circular economy by turning trash into treasure. I’m a big believer in recycling, and we’re going all-in on concrete recycling as part of our service offering expansion. I’m highly motivated by people, planet and community, so these efforts will always be a top priority.������

“A strong community ethos internally has also been central to our success here at Gallegos Paving. Our people are the reason for our ongoing success. We recently had our company town hall, where everyone came together to share their questions or concerns. There’s a lot of political talk now, and a lot of divisive action happening across the country. It’s important to me that our team remains united, and everyone feels heard,” Sheldon affirms.����

People first��

Looking ahead, Sheldon considers what’s next for Gallegos Paving: “I’d like to see our public sector presence grow over time, and to support that we’re placing a huge emphasis on safety protocols and training. Subsequently, we can provide opportunities for career growth within the business, helping people climb the ladder, and build a life for themselves.������

“People have always been the key to our success. I’m going to be looking into a new ownership structure over the coming years, which would give staff members a stake in the business, and I’m also working on new incentive programs to expand our workforce. I believe by supporting my team and making Gallegos an inspiring place to work, we’ll continue to grow and meet our goals,” he concludes.����

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