Able Industries and Maintenance Inc. Lead the Way in Pavement Solutions

Able Industries, a Maintenance Inc. company located in the foothills of Amish country in Wooster, Ohio, is celebrating 90 years in business servicing pavement professionals worldwide.

We caught up with Mark McLeod, President and CEO; and Brad Eagle, Vice President, along with Maintenance Inc. sales manager Dylan Richards to discuss the Able Industries and Maintenance Inc. direction and where it is headed in the future.

Allied Paving Equipment (APE):
Mark, you have always been a proponent of common-sense buying decisions when it comes to equipment. What advice would you give someone wanting to buy a piece of sealcoating equipment?

Mark McLeod (MM):
First and foremost, contractors need to set a budget for what they can afford and explore the options. Many contractors start out as we all did with a pail, barrel or tote sealing company. But some of the facts they overlook when making a major purchase can be blinded by the impulse to have an equipment upgrade.

APE:
Interesting, can you share some examples of what they may overlook when buying a piece of sealcoating equipment?

MM:
Contractors who are small and have been in business for a short two to three years typically are the ones wanting an upgrade. But they need to look at all the facts — facts that will include a new monthly payment, increased fuel expense for the seal rig, insurance costs, labor, maintenance costs and most importantly, obtaining and maintaining a good workload to make the payment necessary for a successful business. Make sure before you buy that you shop for quality, and don’t overlook rentals of available equipment so you can try before you buy.

APE:
How has Able Industries fit into the Maintenance Inc. brands?

MM:
Awesome! We purchased Able primarily for the parts and accessories business. But once we purchased Able, we were getting so many calls for Able parts and accessories that we quickly realized just how many Able units were out there nationwide. We also realized the demand for their equipment was there, so we continued to manufacture the Able brand units.

APE:
Brad Eagle, how has the parts list for Able evolved since Maintenance Inc. acquired Able in 2015?

Brad Eagle (BE):
We started off making sure we carried all the parts needed to repair the units should the need arise. I wanted to make sure we had most of the parts in inventory while also having finished units on the showroom floor. Nothing is worse than a contractor having an issue with a unit and needing parts and for us to not have that in stock. We strive to ensure we have an adequate inventory.

APE:
Brad, is there anything new in the Able industry line?

BE:
We took our Original Able edger to a tradeshow, and we sold about 30 from the show! The Original Able edger has become a lifesaver for fast clean edging on parking lots and roadway curb lines. You can see our Able edger videos online at www.maintinc.com or on our Maintenance Inc. Facebook page.

APE:
Last we spoke, you mentioned a new product you are introducing in 2025. Can you elaborate?

BE:
Well, we brought back our original thickener additive for all pavement sealers, FSA-Plus blue label. It thickens pavement sealer while adding the curing qualities contractors have come to know in all our FSA line of additives. Look for it as we have great introductory pricing for 2025. You will be pleasantly surprised.

APE:
Brad, how do you see the season shaping up for 2025? Anything coming down the pipeline you can elaborate on?

BE:
Post-election years have always been a gauge for me. Talking with contractors gives me a sense of how their workload is coming along, and of course how brisk the quoting on Able equipment becomes. Typically, after a presidential election, the country has spoken and we roll with the results. Every president is different and has either business-friendly policies or not. Contractors are telling me the mood is positive already for business growth, and we see an increase in sales and quotes for Able equipment and parts already. They are spending more money, so that’s positive.

APE:
Dylan Richards, you have a lot of experienced people surrounding you with Mark and Brad, what is your take on the industry as a whole and where do you see the industry going in 2025?

Dylan Richards (DR):
Mark and Brad have been great teachers and have instilled in me that we must always be helpful and educate contractors on better asphalt maintenance practices, and procedures. Mark and Brad sure know their stuff.

APE:
Dylan, do you have anything that you see coming down the pipeline for our industry, and how is Maintenance Inc. performing as a whole?

DR:
Yes! Exciting times ahead. As the younger here at Maintenance Inc., I pick up on the care and attention to detail the company exhibits from the loading dock to the packaging and logistics to get the product shipped out same day, as we are known for. With the election over, contractors are not as apprehensive to invest in new equipment and try new products. It’s exciting to be in our industry right now. We are ready to rock and roll for the season.

APE:
Mark, what advice would you give contractors getting ready to start the season?

MM:
Well, first, from a manufacturer’s point of view, rotate your product stock from last season, open your liquid products — pourable crack sealants, additives, etc. — and give them a stir making sure nothing was frozen. Use these first, then use your new deliveries.

APE:
How can contractors inquire about the Maintenance Inc. and Able products and equipment?

MM:
They can call 800-892-6701, or visit www.Maintinc.com or our Facebook page for more information. We have our brand-new dashboard catalog out now and we will be sending it out to all our distributors and contractors worldwide. If you want a new dashboard catalog, just email or call the above number and we will get it sent right out.

Maintenance Inc. helps the nation’s contractors stay stocked and ready for any job that comes their way. Through its distributors worldwide, it provides the contractor-proven products and equipment needed to get the job done right!

Mark and Brad can be reached at 800-892-6701 or by email at  sales@maintinc.com. Visit Maintenance Inc. online at www.Maintinc.com.