From Teen Sales Rep to Owner: Ulises Sandoval on Building Golden State Paving (25 Years, Schools, & Old-School Service)

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark sits down with Ulises Sandoval, owner of Golden State Paving in Buena Park, California (serving much of Southern California).

Ulises shares the multi-generation story behind the company—how his dad launched Golden State Paving in 2000, how Ulises spent 17 years learning the business “from every seat” (crew, sales, estimating, project work), and how he and his wife eventually took over to keep the legacy growing.

You’ll also hear what Golden State actually does day-to-day (asphalt paving + full parking-lot services), why school projects are a major part of their “bread and butter,” and how contractors can break into public bids and win work in a competitive, cutthroat environment—by truly understanding labor, equipment, and material costs.

Ulises breaks down what “old school customer service” means in construction: keeping your word, fixing issues instead of running from them, and showing up for your crew. He also shares how they use marketing to stand out—including their customer-focused YouTube channel, “Let’s Pave Cali.”

Episode highlights:

• How Golden State Paving grew from a “one-man show” into a full team
• The real mix of their work: paving, repairs, seal coating, concrete, striping
• Why schools are a core niche—and how public bidding works
• Tips for bidding competitively (and not guessing your numbers)
• Leadership + retention: staying visible, building culture, treating people like adults
• Marketing that educates customers (not just other contractors)

If you’re a contractor who wants to grow through reputation, smarter bidding, stronger leadership, and real customer service—this one’s packed with practical takeaways.