As the third generation to lead Hicks Paving, Sam Hicks carries forward a family legacy rooted in craftsmanship, integrity and hard work. Founded more than 65 years ago by his grandfather, the business has grown from a small local operation into a trusted paving company serving communities across north-central New Jersey. Today, as Hicks teaches his son the trade, that legacy is taking shape for a fourth generation.
Over the decades, Hicks Paving has steadily expanded its reach, now serving towns throughout Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren counties. Despite that growth, the company has remained grounded in the same principles that shaped its early success: skilled workmanship, hands-on leadership and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
For Hicks, being present on job sites is not optional—it is essential. He believes direct oversight ensures quality while building trust with homeowners and commercial clients alike.
“Having someone on site who is not only installing the work but also working directly with the customer gives us an edge,” Hicks says. “We’re able to understand exactly what they’re looking for and make sure the finished product meets that expectation.”
That personal involvement extends beyond customer interaction. Hicks makes a point to oversee installations firsthand, ensuring each project reflects the standards the family name represents.
Staying competitive in a changing industry also requires adaptability. Hicks Paving invests regularly in updated equipment and evolving techniques, embracing advancements that improve efficiency and results.
“Our equipment reflects the latest technology available—from paving machines to compactors and skid steers,” Hicks shares. “Even from the preparation stage to the final installation, the industry has changed a lot over the years, and we make sure we change with it.”
Those updates allow the company to handle a wide range of projects, from residential driveways to large-scale commercial work, without sacrificing quality or consistency.
While innovation plays a key role, family remains the backbone of the business. Hicks Paving prioritizes keeping operations within the family whenever possible, with each member overseeing a specific aspect of the company. Hicks’ nephews manage equipment maintenance, while his father focuses on project estimates and customer consultations.
“When family members are involved, there’s a deeper level of care,” Hicks explains. “Everyone has a personal stake in the outcome. Not that outside help wouldn’t care—but it’s different when it’s your name on the business and your family standing behind the work.”
That approach has helped foster long-term stability and accountability, qualities that clients often notice and appreciate.
As the company continues to grow, Hicks remains mindful of the work that built its reputation. Although commercial projects have become a larger part of the business, residential paving remains a priority.
“Our company has grown, and we’ve taken on more commercial and large-scale jobs over the years,” Hicks notes. “But we never want to forget the residential homeowners who helped put us where we are today.”
Driveways, he noted, are often the first impression of a home, and treating those projects with the same care as larger contracts is a point of pride for the company.
Hicks Paving’s deep ties to the region also play a role in how the business operates. The family lives and works in the same communities they serve, strengthening relationships built over generations.
“I love this area. My family loves this area,” Hicks emphasizes. “It’s where we live, it’s where we work, and it’s what built our business.”
Looking ahead, Hicks remains focused on maintaining the balance between tradition and progress—honoring the company’s roots while continuing to evolve.
“We want to remain one of the leading paving contractors in the area,” he says. “But more than that, we want to keep serving our customers the right way, the same way we always have.”
For more information about Hicks Paving and its services, visit hickspaving.com.