On The Surface with Delta

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 knowledge and inspiration you need to elevate your career and your business.

On The Surface with Delta is a education podcast hosted by Delta, with 41 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Delta hosts On The Surface with Delta, a education show with 41 episodes published.

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  On The Surface with Delta

  We've Always Done It This Way: The Most Dangerous Phrase in Business | Todd Quigg

  Aug 19, 20261h 14m

  Why do some people keep growing throughout their careers while others stop learning and settle for the status quo? In this episode of On The Surface , Seth Stevens, Brad Marotti, and Andrew Sapienza sit down with Todd Quigg, Vice President of Operations for Reeves South Carolina, to discuss his unconventional path into the construction industry and the leadership lessons he's learned along the way. Todd shares how a failed first college experience, military service during Operation Desert Storm, and a chance opportunity in construction shaped his perspective on leadership, continuous improvement, and personal growth. From becoming a company president just ten years into his career to overcoming career setbacks and embracing change, Todd reflects on the experiences that taught him some of his most valuable lessons. They explore: How failure can become a foundation for future success The leadership lessons Todd learned from military service Why curiosity is one of the most important traits for career growth The dangers of "We've Always Done It This Way" thinking How continuous improvement helps individuals and organizations stay competitive Why eliminating waste creates opportunities for growth and efficiency The role data, technology, and AI will play in the future of construction How strong relationships can shape an entire career The importance of resilience during unexpected career challenges Why wellness, mental health, and lifelong learning matter as much as professional success From Army drill sergeant lessons and process improvement strategies to leadership development and personal resilience, this conversation highlights a simple truth: growth happens when you stay curious, embrace change, and never stop looking for a better way. If you're leading a team, building your career, navigating change, or looking for ways to improve both personally and professionally, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

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  On The Surface with Delta

  Inside the World of Liquid Asphalt | Eric Bowen

  Aug 12, 20261h 11m

  Why is the liquid asphalt business so critical to every road we drive on, yet so few people understand how it works? In this episode of On The Surface , Seth Stevens and Brad Marotti sit down with Eric Bowen, Vice President of Terminal Operations at Reeves, to explore the business behind liquid asphalt and the career journey that unexpectedly led him into the industry nearly four decades ago. Eric shares how a chance job placement after college launched a career spanning refinery operations, asphalt terminals, marine shipping, sales, and leadership. Along the way, he offers insights into the complex supply chain that keeps road construction moving and the lessons he's learned managing risk, leading teams, and adapting to change. They explore: How Eric accidentally found his way into the liquid asphalt industry What liquid asphalt is and why it's the "glue" that holds roads together How liquid asphalt is sourced, transported, stored, and delivered The role of ships, barges, railcars, and terminals in the asphalt supply chain Why oil prices and market volatility create unique challenges for the business How managing risk impacts pricing, inventory, and profitability The value of gaining experience across different regions and markets Why face-to-face relationships still matter in an increasingly digital world Leadership lessons learned from nearly 40 years in the industry How technology, automation, and AI are shaping the future of terminal operations From international asphalt shipments and market intelligence to customer service and career growth, this conversation highlights a simple truth: the roads we rely on every day depend on a complex network of people, products, and decisions working behind the scenes. If you're interested in supply chains, construction, leadership, energy markets, or the asphalt industry itself, this episode offers a fascinating look at a part of the business most people never see. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

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  On The Surface with Delta

  People Don't Leave Companies. They Leave Managers. | Andrew Sapienza

  Aug 5, 202657 min

  Why do employees stay with a company for decades while others leave after just a few years? In this episode of On The Surface , Seth Stevens and Brad Marotti sit down with Andrew Sapienza, Senior Director of HR at Reeves, to discuss leadership, employee engagement, workforce development, and what it takes to build a culture where people want to stay and grow. Andrew shares his unique journey from serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and working as an electrician, to teaching construction management and eventually leading HR teams for some of the largest construction organizations in North America. Along the way, he learned a powerful lesson: great leadership is less about having all the answers and more about helping others succeed. They explore: Why employees often leave managers, not companies What today's workforce expects from employers beyond a paycheck How leadership responsibilities change when you're managing people The role employee development plays in retention and engagement Why listening is one of the most important leadership skills How empathy helps leaders build trust and stronger teams The importance of timely feedback and difficult conversations Why strengths-based leadership creates more effective teams How training and development can prepare future leaders for success From Coast Guard stories and career pivots to leadership development and workforce trends, this conversation highlights a simple truth: people thrive when leaders invest in their growth, listen to their perspectives, and create opportunities for them to succeed. If you're leading a team, developing employees, navigating the challenges of management, or looking to become a better leader, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

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  On The Surface with Delta

  Jeff Glenn on Leadership, Mentorship, and High-Performing Teams

  Jul 29, 20261h 16m

  Why do some leaders consistently build high-performing teams, while others struggle to unlock their team's full potential? In this episode of On The Surface , Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet sit down with Jeff Glenn, owner of Glenview Strategies, leadership consultant, and strategic planning expert, to discuss what separates good leaders from great ones and how organizations can close the gap between their potential and their performance. Jeff shares his unique career journey from working odd jobs and riding the back of a trash truck to serving in government, working at Delta Companies, and eventually building a business dedicated to leadership development. Along the way, he shares the lessons, mentors, and experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. They explore: Why leadership starts with leading yourself first The importance of intentional personal growth and development How great leaders build trust with their teams Why focusing on strengths creates better results than fixing weaknesses The role mentors play in accelerating growth and success How to identify and develop high-performing teams Why evaluated experience is more valuable than experience alone Common mistakes leaders make when managing people and culture How organizations can close the gap between what they want to be known for and what they're actually known for From leadership lessons and team dynamics to strategic planning and organizational growth, this conversation highlights a simple truth: the most effective leaders never stop learning, growing, and investing in the people around them. If you're leading a team, managing people, growing into a leadership role, or looking to become a more effective leader, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

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  On The Surface with Delta

  Christine Ostendorf on Career Changes, Purpose, and Starting Over

  Jul 22, 20261h 8m

  Why do some people thrive in a career they never planned to pursue, while others struggle to find work that truly fits them? In this episode of On The Surface , Seth Stevens sits down with Christine Ostendorf, Market Developer at Thrivent Financial and former Catholic school teacher and principal, to discuss career transitions, discovering your strengths, and finding work that gives you energy instead of draining it. Christine shares her journey from teaching theology and leading a Catholic grade school to building a career in financial services. Along the way, she reflects on transferable skills, leadership lessons, personal growth, and the importance of understanding what motivates and fulfills you. They explore: How to identify the work that energizes you versus the work that drains you Why career changes can be uncomfortable, but often lead to growth The importance of self-awareness when making professional decisions How transferable skills can create opportunities in unexpected industries Why your identity should be bigger than your job title Practical ways to evaluate whether you're in the right role Financial tips for seasonal and irregular-income workers The value of creating a plan for your money and your future From leadership and personal development to financial habits and career planning, this conversation highlights a simple truth: meaningful work happens when your strengths, values, and purpose align. If you're considering a career change, trying to discover your strengths, or looking for practical financial advice, this episode offers insights you can apply right away. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

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