Building Legacy and Better Roads: Blacklidge’s Expansion Story in Fairfield, Texas
Apple Podcasts 
Castro 
RSS Feed In this episode of Gone to Texas, hosts Brit Blacklidge and "Super" Dave Quinn sit down with Brit Blacklidge, President of Blacklidge, a fourth-generation family-owned asphalt materials company. Brit shares the history of the company, how he stepped into a leadership role at a young age, and the challenges and rewards of running a family business. He speaks candidly about the realities of work-life balance, the importance of assembling a strong team, and how faith and resilience are crucial to his business journey.
The conversation shifts to Blacklidge’s expansion into Texas, including why they chose Fairfield as their newest location. Brit breaks down the process of relocating a business to Texas, his experience partnering with the Fairfield Economic Development Corporation, and the practical challenges such as workforce and housing shortages. The episode also touches on what Always the Better Road means for Blacklidge, emphasizing a commitment to quality and reliability in their products and workplace culture. Brit closes with advice for business owners considering Texas, highlighting the state’s business-friendly attitude and the supportive community he’s found in Fairfield.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The family history and background of Blackledge
- Challenges and rewards of running a family business
- The realities of work-life balance for business owners
- Why Blackledge expanded to Texas and why they chose Fairfield
- Navigating local partnerships and economic development support
- Overcoming practical challenges like workforce and housing shortages
- Company values: quality, reliability, and the meaning of "Always the Better Road"
- The importance of company culture and employee empowerment
- The Texas business environment and support for new businesses
- Recommendations for policymakers on workforce and trade education
- Local insights and what makes Fairfield stand out
Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com
About the Gone to Texas Podcast
Gone to Texas is the official podcast of the Texas Economic Development Connection, hosted by "Super" Dave Quinn, CEcD.
We share real stories from business owners, CEOs, economic developers, and community leaders about relocating, expanding, and growing a business in Texas.
If you are researching where to expand your company in Texas, our conversations can help you understand the people, places, and business conditions behind successful Texas growth decisions.
What You'll Discover
Gone to Texas explores topics including Texas business expansion and relocation, economic development, manufacturing, workforce, infrastructure, available business sites, community development, incentives, quality of life, and the real-world decisions companies make when choosing where to grow.
Explore more:
Browse all Gone to Texas episodes
Search available Texas business properties
Thinking About Expanding or Relocating Your Business to Texas?
The Texas Economic Development Connection helps established businesses explore Texas communities and connect directly with the local economic development professionals who can help them evaluate locations, properties, workforce, and growth opportunities.
No runaround. No guessing.
Message. Match. Move.
Start exploring your Texas expansion.
Follow Gone to Texas
Follow Gone to Texas on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and hear more real stories from the people building, expanding, and growing businesses across Texas.
Gone to Texas | Texas Business Expansion, Relocation & Economic Development
If you would like to learn which region in Texas is right for expanding or relocating your business, click here to take our complimentary assessment or connect with us today for more information.