Worcester Business Journal

12 Worcester Business Journal | Book of Lists 2018 | wbjournal.com B usiness success relies on a combination of in-depth industry knowledge and experience, high-quality prod- ucts and service and good relationships with customers and vendors. Fortunately, David J. Letourneau, owner of Pioneer Sealcoat, possesses an abundance of all three qualities. Letourneau acquired Pioneer in 2011, but his connection to the business actually dates back to 2001 when he helped a friend establish the local asphalt paving and preservation company. While his friend served the Worcester area, Letourneau was working on a national level for an asphalt sealer manufacturing company. During his 23 years with this company, he forged many professional connections, enhanced his expertise in the technical aspects of the industry, conducted laboratory tests, created innovative asphalt formulas and oversaw quality control. In 2011, Letourneau's friend planned to move out of the area and wanted to sell Pioneer Sealcoat; he offered the busi- ness to Letourneau, who declined at first but eventually recon- sidered. And he's very glad he did. When Letourneau acquired the company, Pioneer became a family affair; his two brothers and his sister all work together. "We all have different skills set that come together in a job we all enjoy," he said. With their business acumen and his exten- sive industry experience and relationships with national con- tractors, the Letourneau clan is able to bring high-quality asphalt services to Worcester and beyond. From its inception, Pioneer has provided asphalt paving, a sector that is growing faster than the sealcoat side of the busi- ness, and asphalt preservation. Pioneer also offers infrared asphalt repair, a permanent fix that reheats asphalt from with- in and thermally bonds when it cools. The company also uses some newer formulas, which Letourneau helped develop, that are environmentally friendly and durable. The company is a one-stop shop, tackling a variety of jobs from parking lots and drainage systems to new driveways and driveway additions. Pioneer's work can be found at several area churches, banks, restaurant chains and other national and local companies and the business is listed as the preferred vendor on some property management company websites. "We have a good footprint in the region," Letourneau said. "We give customers professional treatment from the first phone call to the time we put up the caution tape." During the next couple of years, Letourneau plans to expand its portfolio to offer any service related to asphalt. In addition to providing top-notch asphalt paving and pres- ervation services, two years ago Pioneer began participating in a special program that honors military veterans. As part of the Combat Wounded Parking Program, Pioneer erects, at no charge, a reserved parking space sign in the parking lot of a local business and paints the dedicated spot a bright purple to raise visibility and awareness. To date, Pioneer has completed projects at a pre-school, a rest home and a restaurant and hopes to expand the program to a wider geographic area. Since 2011, Pioneer Sealcoat has experienced a remarkable 500 percent growth. Looking to the future, Letourneau hopes to continue this surge with a goal of doubling in size over the next five years. Right now Pioneer's work can be found across Massachusetts from Boston and the Cape to the Western part of the state, in Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire. "We will travel anywhere in New England, especially for repeat customers," Letourneau said. Letourneau cited the wisdom of overcoming his initial reluctance to purchase Pioneer Sealcoat seven years ago. "It was the best thing I ever did," he admitted. n Bringing National Asphalt Industry Expertise to New England Street Address: 85 Blackstone River Road, Worcester, MA 01607 Phone Number: 508-615-7325 Website: www.pioneersealcoat.com Product or Service Description: Asphalt Paving & Asphalt Preservation Number of Employees: 17 Head of Company and Title: David J. Letourneau, Owner Year Founded: 2011 PIONEER SEALCOAT, LLC P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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