Timothy D. Lubniewski is a respected figure in the paving and construction industry. Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, he found his passion early in life through hard work and a competitive drive. After earning a degree in economics from SUNY Albany, he started his first business at just 23.
Over time, Timothy built one of the top paving maintenance companies in the Northeast. His company became known for its high standards and strong service. He later sold the business to Rose Paving, a private equity-backed firm and the largest commercial paving maintenance company in the U.S.
Today, Timothy works as General Manager at Rose Paving LLC. In this role, he helps lead national operations and supports business growth. His leadership style is honest, hands-on, and driven by results. He believes in making smart short-term choices that support long-term goals.
Timothy is known for his deep industry knowledge and strong relationships with colleagues. He credits his success to faith in God, a focus on daily progress, and a never-give-up attitude. He also values personal growth and often reads books on leadership and self-improvement.
Outside of work, Timothy enjoys baseball, basketball, golf, and gardening. He lives with his wife, Kathryn, a well-known college professor, and their two sons, Andrew and Robert. He also supports local causes through the Jacobsen Lubniewski Fund.
Timothy Lubniewski is a clear voice in his industry and a trusted leader in business.
Interview with Timothy D. Lubniewski: From Start-Up Grit to Industry Leadership
Q&A: Navigating the Paving Business with Faith, Strategy, and Staying Power
Q: Tell us about your early years. Where did your path in business begin?
I grew up on Staten Island. Baseball was a big part of my life back then. It taught me how to compete and how to lose with grace. I went on to study economics at SUNY Albany. That gave me a foundation in how businesses work—but the real learning happened after university.
Q: You started your first company at 23. That’s ambitious. How did it happen?
It was all about getting out there and making something happen. I saw a need in the local construction scene—there were small companies doing paving work, but few were offering high standards and real reliability. I started a company called Stream-N-Stone, and then Paving Arts Corp, later Paving Associates. It was tough at first. We didn’t have fancy tools or big contracts, but we had grit. I hired people who were willing to work hard and do things right the first time.
Q: How did the business grow from there?
Slowly and steadily. Over time, we built a reputation. Our quality spoke for itself, and word spread. We expanded, picked up commercial clients, and kept reinvesting into equipment and training. Eventually, we became one of the most recognised paving maintenance firms in the Northeast. That’s when Rose Paving came into the picture.I worked with Rose for 20 years. They and other PE backed firms were interested, but decided on Rose because of the great company culture
Q: You sold your company to Rose Paving. What was behind that decision?
Timing and alignment. Rose Paving is the largest private commercial paving maintenance company in the U.S., backed by private equity. They saw what we had built and valued it. I saw an opportunity to bring what we’d done on a local scale to a national level. I felt it was an excellent step for the employees to become part of a larger organization, one that extended beyond just myself. It was the right move, and it made sense. I took on the role of General Manager to help lead and guide operations across the country.
Q: How does working at Rose differ from running your own company?
It’s a shift, no doubt. When you’re running your own business, every decision is yours. At Rose, it’s more structured. But the scale is massive. I’m still in the field, still working with crews, but I’m also helping shape strategy, streamline processes, and develop leaders. I’ve always believed leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about being present and doing the work.
Q: What have been some key lessons from your journey?
Two come to mind. First, trust your gut—but learn how to tell when it’s wrong. I often sensed that some clients and businesses in our area were not the right fit for us. At times, people would dangle tempting opportunities in front of me to try and bring our company on board. Even when the profit potential was high, I trusted my instincts and chose not to get involved. More than once, that decision proved right when projects failed or clients went under, leaving contractors unpaid. While those experiences cost time and money, they taught me how to read people more effectively.
Another important lesson I learned was perseverance. There were moments—especially during harsh winters or economic downturns—when it felt like everything might break. In those times, I leaned on faith and reminded myself to take it one day at a time.
Q: Do you think your faith played a role in your business life?
Absolutely. Faith grounded me. In business, you face constant uncertainty. You lose people. You make mistakes. But faith kept me focused. It reminded me that life is about more than just money or status. It’s about purpose, impact, and resilience.
Q: What does success mean to you now?
It’s not about how many contracts you land or how big the company is. Success is when people you’ve worked with call you a friend. When they ask for your advice. When they’re happy to see you walk on site. It’s the joy others feel from your work—that’s the real measure.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
I’m a family man. My wife, Kathryn, is a college professor—brilliant in every way. We have two boys, Andrew and Robert. I love baseball, basketball, and golf. And I’ve taken a real interest in gardening—it keeps me grounded. We also support a donor-advised fund, the Jacobsen Lubniewski Fund, which contributes to local churches and causes that matter to us.
Q: What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry today?
Learn the trade, respect the people, and don’t chase shortcuts. Focus on what adds value, even if it’s not flashy. And remember—there’s always an answer. You just have to keep going until you find it.
Read more:
From Start-Up to Strategy: A Candid Q&A with Timothy Lubniewski
