Introduction
Some businesses come and go. Others stand the test of time. Alan Santana is proof that dedication, skill, and consistency can build something remarkable. As the founder of Bay Cities Paving Inc., Alan has been paving the streets and parking lots of Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside since 1989. He started as a small business and has now grown into one of America’s top 1,000 contractors. Alan’s company is known for its 5-star reviews on Google and Yelp, and an A+ rating with the BBB. They work with commercial lots, churches, industrial spaces, homes, and many other types of properties. They are also experts in ADA compliance, helping businesses stay safe and accessible. In this interview, Alan shares his long journey of resilience, passion, and how Bay Cities Paving continues to shape communities.
Q1. Alan, congratulations on 36 years of excellence with Bay Cities Paving Inc. Can you take us back to the beginning, what inspired you to start your own paving company, and what values have carried it through nearly four decades of success?
Alan Santana: I founded Bay Cities Paving Company in December of 1989. I was frustrated with the quality of work being completed by other companies in and around the city, and I felt that I could do a much better job by delivering what the customer paid for and doing honest work, creating a company that truly showed it cared about its customers. By starting my company, I knew that I could also make much more money and provide employees with a working environment where they felt part of a family.
Q2. Bay Cities Paving has earned a reputation for both quality craftsmanship and long-standing client relationships. What do you believe has set your company apart in the competitive construction and infrastructure space of Southern California?
Alan Santana: We have always made it our mission to provide our customers with a quality job at a fair price. The paving industry is highly competitive, and many unlicensed contractors often undercut licensed professionals by operating without insurance, a contractor’s bond, or a valid contractor’s license. We have consistently completed our projects as promised and have gone the extra mile to ensure that every job meets the highest industry standards. Over the years, I have worked alongside my employees, which has made a significant difference in our operations. When you know how to do the work, your employees tend to respect you more and are motivated to go above and beyond to ensure that the quality of work is exceptional.
Q3. Your team’s dedication to community impact and local development is evident. How do you approach community engagement and hiring practices, and what role does mentorship or workforce development play in your business philosophy?
Alan Santana: At the core of our philosophy lies a fundamental principle: customers are entitled to receive precisely what they have paid for, without exception. We are passionate about cultivating a robust and cohesive team that collaborates effortlessly over the years. It is essential for every member to engage meaningfully and provide support to one another every single day. I take pride in leading by example, demonstrating that every task—regardless of its size or significance—should be approached with unwavering dedication and meticulous attention to detail. This commitment not only strengthens our team but also ensures our customers feel valued and respected in every interaction.
Q4. In your Time Business News interview, you speak about your book Unprotected: The Final Round. How has your life in boxing and business intersected, and in what ways has that journey shaped the way you lead and make decisions today?
Alan Santana: In professional sports, whether as an athlete or a business owner, the similarities are uncanny. You must be passionate about what you do and always give it one hundred percent, regardless of how your day is going. Training in a boxing gym is repetitive, just like in business. Throughout my years of training, I have developed a mindset that enables me to tackle any problem, regardless of its size or complexity. Boxing is a mental game, and so is being in business. You must always stay one step ahead of your competition and ensure that you give each project the same care and attention as the previous one.
Q5. Construction can be a demanding industry both physically and mentally. How have you personally stayed resilient through market shifts, project challenges, and leadership responsibilities over the years?
Alan Santana: Leadership abilities are something that you are born with. Every day brings new challenges, and every job has its own set of challenges, from grading issues to drainage issues. The most important aspect of the job is ensuring that the water drains properly. Water and asphalt do not mix, and water will eventually cause the destruction of asphalt. I love the challenges of running day-to-day operations, and, as I mentioned earlier in this interview, you need to stay passionate about whatever it is that you do. The most formidable challenge came in 2008, when the housing market had collapsed, and every business, no matter what field you were in, was suffering. I had to make some drastic changes to survive the next few years. We reduced our crews to a skeleton crew and went from about 30 employees to 5 employees. We were on two to three projects a day at that time, and when the economy went south, we were lucky to complete a job once a month. It was pretty bad, but my mindset, combined with my experience as a former boxer, helped me navigate through those terrible and unforgiving times.
Q6. As Bay Cities Paving moves into the future, what’s next for the company, and what message would you share with the next generation of entrepreneurs who aim to build legacy businesses that serve both profit and purpose?
Alan Santana: As we move forward, celebrating our 36th year in business, I have seen everything that you can see when running a paving company. The objective is to continue forging ahead and educating employees about the changes in the industry in the near future. The asphalt industry is ever-evolving, and you must stay current with changes in materials, regulations, and the industry itself to remain relevant. Bay Cities Paving will continue to grow and prosper well into the future. We will continue to deliver to our customers exactly what they pay for on every paving project. If you are serious about going into any business, you need to do a little homework and learn the industry from the top to the bottom. Always make sure you are a hands-on owner, not an absent one. Employees will pick up on that and will take advantage of the situation. Always be fair to your employees. As we celebrate our 36th year in business, I have witnessed nearly everything that can happen within a paving company. Our goal is to continue advancing and educating our employees about upcoming industry changes. The asphalt industry is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay updated on changes in materials, regulations, and industry practices to remain relevant.
Bay Cities Paving is committed to growing and thriving well into the future. We will consistently deliver exactly what our customers expect on every paving project. If you are serious about entering any business, it’s essential to do your research and understand the industry from top to bottom. Always strive to be a hands-on owner rather than an absent one. Employees will notice and may take advantage of a lack of involvement.
Treat your employees fairly, as they play a crucial role in both your success and theirs. I wish you all the best in your endeavor, no matter what it is.
Conclusion
For 36 years, Bay Cities Paving Inc. has been a trusted partner for businesses, homeowners, and property managers across Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside. Alan Santana’s focus on craftsmanship, quality, and customer service has earned his company a spot among America’s top 1,000 contractors. The glowing reviews on Yelp, Google, and BBB reflect how clients know they can count on Bay Cities Paving. Alan’s dedication and commitment are visible in every project, from small driveways to large commercial sites. His understanding of ADA compliance also helps clients avoid costly mistakes and ensures accessibility for everyone. For the future, Alan aims to deliver honest work, stand by every project, and continue paving the way for the next generation.
