After 53 years in the paving industry, Franco will be hanging up his hat at the end of 2025. For him, the story began back in 1972, when a summer job after high school became a lifelong calling.

''It was supposed to be just for the summer,'' Franco says with a smile. ''But I fell in love with paving—and I never left. I've done everything there is to do, from shoveling to running jobs… and now I'm at the end.''

When word of Franco's retirement spread, the office couldn't help but plan a farewell evening—one filled with old friends, new faces, and people whose paths were shaped by Franco's kindness, honesty, and mentorship. What they shared was remarkably consistent: in an industry that's changing fast, Franco's ''old-school'' way of doing things never lost its value. If anything, it mattered more.

''Franco always showed up in person,'' says Paul Simpson, who's known him since 1988. ''These days, people send quotes over email and clients compare numbers. But back then, clients trusted him so deeply that many didn't bother getting a second quote. He'd talk with them face to face, ask if the price seemed fair, and often walk out with a handshake that sealed the deal.''

For Denis Labelle, VP of Operations at All Roads, Franco's impact is deeply personal.

''When I was young, just starting out, the industry felt intimidating. Franco was the first person to come up to me and simply ask how I was doing,'' Denis recalls. ''For someone like him to take a moment to welcome me… it meant everything. It made me feel like I belonged. I've never forgotten that.''

Rino DeNicolo, President of Sandpiper Contracting, shares a similar beginning.

''I was 17 when he took me under his wing,'' Rino says. ''He showed me what paving really was, and he never stopped being there for me. He always answered my calls—always. For 32 years, he's called me 'Young Fella.' And I'm still 'Young Fella' today. I respect Franco more than I can say.''

Greg Regier, VP of Estimating at All Roads, remembers hearing Franco's name long before meeting him.

''I kept hearing 'Franco said this,' 'Franco did that,' and I wondered, who is this Franco guy?'' Greg laughs. ''Then I met him, and I understood. He's just a genuinely good, honest person. The kind people naturally trust.''

With his family, Franco checked every box of what many would call a successful life—not just in his career, but in the way he loved, supported, and showed up for the people who mattered most.

''He worked long hours and often came home exhausted. We built our routines around his schedule, but that was the nature of the job,'' says his wife, Dina. ''We understood it, and we supported him. His job made him happy, and he truly loved going to work.''

There were sacrifices—moments missed and milestones he couldn't always attend—but when Franco was home, he was fully present. He cherished every minute with his daughters.

Yet, his daughters say they never felt their father was absent, even during the busiest seasons of his career. ''From what I remember, we always sat down for dinner, all four of us,'' says Chelsea, the youngest. Her older sister, Danica, nods in agreement. ''He always made it home for the big moments. Now that I'm a parent with a full-time job of my own, I realize how hard that must have been—balancing demanding work while still being there for your kids. But he did it.''

And what are they most proud of?

''Chances are, every street we drive on carries a trace of our dad's work,'' says Chelsea. ''That makes me really proud of him.''

Danica adds, ''Seeing how respected he is in his industry is inspiring. His work ethic—giving your all to what you do—has always been his example to us. He's been a role model, not just as a father, but as a professional dedicated to his craft.''

For Rod Stephens, President of All Roads, Franco's influence runs equally deep.

''I knew his reputation long before he came to work with us,'' Rod shares. ''In a demanding industry like ours, someone staying with one employer for more than 30 years tells you everything you need to know about their character. His loyalty, his steadiness—those things matter,'' referring to the fact that Franco worked for his previous-and-only employer for over 30 years.

''That kind of loyalty through thick and thin is something I value highly.''

So when the opportunity came in 2020, Rod personally invited Franco to join the All Roads family. For Rod, it wasn't just about filling a role — it was about bringing in someone whose values had shaped the industry itself.

Rod often talks about the importance of meritocracy at All Roads — the belief that dedication, integrity, and consistent effort should always rise to the top. And to him, Franco embodies that ideal in its truest form.

''When I talk about meritocracy,'' Rod explains, ''I'm not just thinking about promotions or performance inside our building. I'm looking at the whole paving industry. Someone who gives 53 years to one craft, who shows up year after year with the same pride and commitment… to me, that's merit at its highest level.''

''Fifty-three years devoted to one industry… what more could anyone give?'' Rod adds. ''To me, that deserves the most heartfelt farewell we can offer.''

And so, despite Franco insisting he didn't want any fuss, the team came together to celebrate him—with laughter, stories, and gratitude that filled the room. The evening ended with a surprise that brought Franco to tears: a $10,000 All Roads travel voucher for a long-awaited trip for him and his wife, Dina, back to Treviso, Italy, their family roots. They haven't been back in over 35 years.

The emotion on Franco's face said everything.
He was humbled.
We were grateful.
And all of us were reminded of how lucky we've been to share even a small part of his journey.

Franco, you deserve every minute of the road ahead. Thank you for everything.

With love and respect,
Your All Roads Family