Teamwork is the foundation of our business. We’re proud to have assembled top-tier talent with a wide range of skills and knowledge. Through the diversity of our experience, we’re able to collectively deliver paving solutions that last. Our commitment to excellence and customer service is what sets Eagle Paving apart across Southern California.
Nicholas Kuehl
Chief Operating Officer
Nicholas joined Eagle Paving in 2017 as an estimator, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the asphalt industry. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles in sales, project management, and general management, progressing to his current role as Chief Operating Officer of PaveMasters. In this role, Nicholas works closely with branch leadership to oversee operations, improve performance, support strategic initiatives, and ensure teams across PaveMasters have the resources and direction needed to succeed.
Michelle Li
Executive Assistant
With a degree in Biology, Michelle took an unexpected turn into the paving industry when she joined Eagle Paving in 2020. She has gained broad experience across operations, procurement, accounts payable, sales, and administration. Today, as Executive Assistant, she supports the executive team and helps drive coordination across the organization, bringing a well-rounded perspective from her experience in multiple areas of the business. She also speaks three languages - Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.
Andrew Itaya
Chief Financial Officer
Andrew is an actively licensed CPA with more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. He joined PaveMasters in March 2024 and is a key member of the executive team, overseeing financial operations, expenses, and reporting. Andrew works closely with leadership and key partners, translating financial data into meaningful insights that help drive operations, strategic decisions, M&A opportunities, and the company’s continued growth. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and staying fit with CrossFit.
Alice Coisne
Multimedia Content Producer
Alice leads multimedia content creation across the PaveMasters companies, bringing the company’s people, projects, and work to life through photography, videography, and aerial drone footage. She holds a Master’s degree in Media & Communications, is finishing her MBA, and is a licensed drone pilot. From capturing jobsites and company events to developing visual content for marketing and communications, Alice helps keep all branches in touch with one another and showcase the people and work behind the PaveMasters brand. As a former D2 Track and Field athlete, you can still find her running and exploring the city when she’s off the clock.
Joel Batule
Founder
Joel began his career in paving in 1990 and advanced through roles as laborer, seal coat worker, asphalt operator, foreman, supervisor, and production manager. He founded Eagle Paving in 2006 and remained active in the field until 2018. In 2023, he launched PaveMasters, and was awarded Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2026.
Erin Zeller
Vice President of Human Resources
Erin brings more than 23 years of human resources experience to PaveMasters, including 21 years at Advantage Solutions. She holds an MBA from the University of Hartford. She leads the company's people strategy, drawing on her expertise in workforce development and organizational leadership. Outside of work, Erin is a proud mom of three and an avid sports enthusiast—you’ll often find her on the fields, either cheering for her kids or playing in an adult softball league.
Stephen Cortez
IT Administrator
Stephen joined PaveMasters in September 2026 and serves as the IT Administrator. He brings more than 10 years of experience in IT & telematics. He is assisting our Director of IT with security and software-related matters across our branches.
Max Mahlstedt
Safety Director
Max brings extensive safety experience from sports, television, and film production, as well as safety background in the petrochemical industry and fire service. As PaveMasters Safety Director, he ensures compliance with all safety-related topics for PaveMasters employees, in the office and in the field.
Matthew Walker
Fleet Director
Matthew began his career in banking before moving into the construction industry as a Shop Foreman in a paving company. His role allowed him to work closely with both field and shop teams. He now supports all PaveMasters branches on fleet-related matters and keeps operations running smoothly.
Michael Hilcove
Chief Development Officer
Michael holds a Finance degree from the University of Southern California. He has spent the past 17 years leading mergers and acquisitions transactions across multiple industries. He joined PaveMasters in September 2026 and assists with the company’s broader growth strategy.
Craig Weems
Chief Executive Officer
Craig joined PaveMasters in October 2025, bringing decades of experience in asphalt and construction, with a career spanning operations, public works, and executive leadership. Prior to joining PaveMasters, Craig held leadership roles at Sunland Asphalt & Construction, including Vice President of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, and President & COO. He founded Weems Asphalt, which later became part of PaveMasters in 2025. As CEO, Craig leads the company’s strategic direction, M&A initiatives, and efforts to unify operations and systems across branches, positioning PaveMasters for continued growth and expansion.
Monika Hoffman
Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst
Monika joined PaveMasters full-time in October 2026 after previously supporting the company as a consultant. She brings extensive experience in financial planning, analysis, and business strategy, and works closely with the executive team to provide financial insight and support strategic initiatives across the organization.
Jorge Valverde
Corporate Payroll Manager
With over 25 years of experience in payroll leadership, Jorge brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from well-known companies, including Vuori, 24 Hour Fitness, and Jack in the Box. He joined PaveMasters in October 2026 as the company’s Payroll Manager, and will help with strategic thinking and process improvements. Outside of work, Jorge enjoys spending quality time with his kids.