In 1943, Mike Ruston pooled his resources to purchase
a truck and roller, and formed Ruston Construction Co. in Syracuse, New York. Mike's
pride, determination and hard work laid the foundation for Ruston Paving, establishing
a company known for producing quality work at competitive prices.
Mike’s son, Larry, joined the company in 1965. Larry
had recently graduated from Lemoyne College with a business degree and realized
the opportunity to grow the family business. It was in 1967
that Larry incorporated Ruston Paving Co. Inc. in New York State and began to focus
on commercial projects.
As the company began to grow, more equipment was needed. It was during this period
that the company bought its first 10-wheel dump truck. This particular truck just
happened to be light blue in color. When the company purchased a second truck, which
was red, Larry wanted the trucks to be the same color. Since there were many contractors
in the area that had red trucks, the new truck was painted the matching blue in
an effort to differentiate Ruston Paving from its competition. From that point on,
Ruston Paving has been committed to keeping a fresh coat of “Ruston Blue” on all
of its equipment.
During the 1970’s, Larry chose to grow the business
through geographic expansion as opposed to vertical integration, a strategy that
continues to this day. The company began to expand its operating area by reaching
out to other upstate New York markets. Further shifting its focus to commercial
interests, Ruston Paving became a select contractor among many industries. While
Larry continued with a focus on business development, Mike worked closely with the
field establishing the strong work ethic that continues to be the backbone of our
organization.
It was in the 1980’s that Larry Ruston’s son, Mark,
followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps. In high school while working
on Ruston Paving’s field crews, he gained an appreciation for the business and the
hard work required to be successful. Continuing to work for the company while attending
Clarkson University, Mark completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering
and Management. He has since taken the reigns, further shaping Ruston Paving into
a strong industry leader.
In the early 1990’s as Rochester, New York stood
out and continued to produce a steady stream of work, the company established a
presence in the area by opening its first satellite office. Then in
1997, Mark Ruston guided Ruston Paving’s growth into North Carolina.
While earning his MBA at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Kenan-Flagler Business
School, an office was opened in Durham. More recently, Ruston Paving has established
locations in Greensboro, North Carolina; Manassas, Virginia; and Watertown, New
York.
By utilizing smart business practices and a common sense approach, Ruston Paving
has continued its geographical growth strategy while focusing on commercial, industrial,
and institutional clients. Now benefiting from three generations of leadership and
six locations in New York, Virginia and North Carolina, Ruston Paving is recognized
as an industry leader.