Paving Company Makes Preps for Snow Removal

Ben Shankle is a division manager for Pavecon Ltd., a Dallas-based outfit and one of the largest concrete and asphalt paving companies in Texas.

In part because of a relationship with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. — Pavecon is one of the retailer’s largest site maintenance contractors — Shankle opened the company’s Bentonville office on Southwest Regional Airport Blvd. on Feb. 1.

Within eight days, Benton County endured two significant snow events, the second of which dumped 2 feet of snow.

For Pavecon, that led to a significant monetary event, to the tune of $195,000 in revenue from its snow-clearing efforts.

“We knew it was a good opportunity for a quick shot of revenue,” said Shankle, a Fayetteville native who had done snow removal in the past while working for site work companies. “I marketed it, made a few phone calls and word spread. Then our phones rang off the hook. We worked 24 hours a day for close to four days.”

It’s unknown whether the area will see another 2-foot snowfall, but it is likely there will be snow. Pavecon is planning on it, entering into contractual agreements to clear about 10 million SF of pavement covering 25 lots.

Last winter, the labor force was subcontracted out. Shankle said Pavecon has hired enough people to have its own labor force this season.

Business lots the company will service include the Pinnacle Hills Promenade, Lowe’s and the Scottsdale Center in Rogers and Ozark Center Point Place in Springdale.

Pavecon has also contracted with several lots belonging to Harps Stores, Mathias Properties and Wal-Mart, along with a handful of apartment communities.

“We try to keep our guys busy,” Shankle said. “These are the times when they don’t get a lot of hours in heavy construction and it’s an opportunity for them to make a little extra money in times they ordinarily wouldn’t.”

Price quotes are customized for each lot. Other paving companies known to provide snow removal include Decco Contractors-Paving Inc. in Rogers, and Arco Excavation and Paving Inc. and Hutchens Construction Co., both in Springdale.