By George Stanley

Running a construction business isn’t for the faint of heart. The long days, the constant demands, the weather delays, and the endless list of responsibilities can wear anyone down. Owning a paving company has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the toughest.

For years, I found myself pouring every ounce of energy into the business, often at the expense of everything else. But over time, I learned a hard truth: if you don’t take care of yourself, and if you don’t make time for the things that bring you joy outside of work, you burn out. And when you burn out, your business suffers too.

For me, balance comes from two things: my love of construction and my love of classic cars. Those two passions—while very different—have taught me how to keep perspective and live a more balanced life.

The Demands of the Blue-Collar Grind

Construction is a blue-collar industry through and through. It’s hard work—physically, mentally, and emotionally. You’re managing crews, juggling schedules, dealing with clients, and often troubleshooting problems in real-time. The work doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, either. Paperwork, estimates, and planning can stretch well into the night.

For a long time, I thought working harder was the only way to succeed. If I wasn’t on-site, I felt guilty. If I took a weekend off, I worried about what wasn’t getting done. That mindset might get you through the first couple of years, but it’s not sustainable in the long run.

The truth is, no matter how tough you are, you need something outside of work that recharges your batteries.

The Escape of Classic Cars

For me, that something has always been classic cars. There’s just something about rolling up your sleeves, opening the hood, and working on a piece of history. It’s a different kind of problem-solving than paving a road or managing a crew. It’s slower, more personal, and incredibly rewarding.

When I’m working on a classic car, time seems to slow down. The noise of the business fades, and I get to focus on the details—polishing chrome, tuning an engine, restoring something to its former glory. It reminds me of why I love working with my hands in the first place.

Classic cars also teach patience. You can’t rush a restoration project. If you cut corners, it shows. And that lesson translates back to construction: craftsmanship matters, and taking the time to do it right is always worth it.

Drawing Parallels Between Passions

On the surface, paving and classic cars don’t have much in common. But the more I think about it, the more I realize they’re connected. Both are about building something solid and lasting. Both require attention to detail, pride in workmanship, and a respect for the process.

And just like in construction, the real satisfaction comes when you step back and see the finished product—whether it’s a perfectly smooth driveway or a restored muscle car shining in the sun.

Balancing the two reminds me that life isn’t just about work. It’s about finding joy in the process, no matter what that process is.

Making Time for What Matters

One of the biggest challenges for any business owner is carving out time for yourself. There will always be another phone call to take, another project to bid, another issue that needs your attention. If you wait for the “perfect” time to step away, it will never come.

I had to learn to set boundaries. I make sure to schedule time for my hobbies, my family, and my community. That might mean leaving the job site an hour early to attend a local event or spending a Saturday in the garage instead of buried in paperwork.

And here’s the surprising part: the business hasn’t suffered. In fact, I’d argue it’s stronger. When I take time to recharge, I come back sharper, more focused, and better able to lead my crew.

The Importance of Balance for Blue-Collar Entrepreneurs

Too often, blue-collar business owners wear their exhaustion like a badge of honor. We brag about 80-hour weeks, about never taking vacations, about being the first one in and the last one out. But what good is building a successful business if you’re too tired, stressed, or unhealthy to enjoy it?

Balance doesn’t mean slacking off—it means making sure you can keep going for the long haul. It means being present for your family, pursuing passions outside of work, and finding pride not just in your business, but in your life as a whole.

Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way

Looking back, here are a few lessons that have helped me keep balance:

• Work hard, but step away when you need to. The business won’t fall apart if you take a day off.
  
• Find a passion outside of work. For me, it’s classic cars. For someone else, it might be fishing, hunting, or coaching youth sports.
  
• Prioritize relationships. At the end of the day, your family and friends matter more than any job.
  
• Take pride in the process. Whether it’s a construction project or a car restoration, enjoying the journey makes the outcome even sweeter.
  

Final Thoughts

Being a blue-collar business owner means you carry a lot on your shoulders. The demands are real, and the work is tough. But life is about more than the next contract or the next job.

For me, finding balance has meant stepping away from the blacktop now and then and into the garage with a classic car. It’s about remembering why I started working with my hands in the first place—and making sure I still find joy in it.

At the end of the day, balance doesn’t just make you a better business owner. It makes you a better person. And that’s something worth investing in.