DMI Paving & Sealcoating is proud to celebrate its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of excellence in commercial pavement maintenance. Founded in 1956 as a small residential driveway company, DMI has grown into a recognized industry leader serving clients across the Southeast United States.
"70 years is a lifetime for most people," said Silvia Brown, President and CEO of DMI. "I've been here for 30-plus years of those 70. It has been a wild ride. I am so honored to have been a part of this, and to start off as just a secretary in the production department, to where I am now is amazing."
A Legacy of Transformation
DMI was founded by L.M. “Sonny” Knuckle in 1956. In 1975, Ray Applebaum merged his company into the business and shifted its focus entirely to commercial projects. During this period, DMI expanded its operations into markets across Florida, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. In 1995, Pavement Maintenance Magazine recognized DMI as the largest sealcoating contractor in the Southeast United States.
"Something we're doing today that we would have never dreamed of when DMI started is paving," Brown noted. "We specialized in sealcoating, striping, and patching. Now we do both."
New Leadership, Same Values
Silvia Brown joined DMI in 1994 at age 19 and quickly advanced through the ranks. In 2016, Applebaum began mentoring her for leadership, and in 2020, she officially became President and CEO, establishing DMI as a woman- and minority-owned business.
"I'm very lucky to still be in touch with the founders practically on a daily basis," Brown said. "They are very proud that we still have their integrity."
Today, DMI supports approximately 100 families through its operations, something Brown takes seriously. "We always put that first," she emphasized.
Community Commitment
Beyond commercial success, DMI has deepened its community involvement, particularly through Girls Inc. of Greater Miami. "Giving back has always been something I've wanted to do," Brown shared. "My mother always gave back, whether she had money or not. I do it in honor of her."
Looking Ahead
As DMI enters its next chapter, Brown remains energized by what's to come. "What excites me about the opportunities ahead is the unknown challenges, just waiting for something to be thrown at me and figuring it out."
Over the past five years, DMI has been recognized as one of the Top Women in Construction and Top Construction Companies in Florida.
As the company continues to grow, DMI remains focused on innovation, leadership development, and long-term partnerships across the Southeast.
"I hope we're here 70 more years," Brown said.
About DMI
Driveway Maintenance Inc. (DMI) is a woman- and minority-owned commercial pavement maintenance company headquartered in Miami, FL. Founded in 1956, DMI provides comprehensive services including sealcoating, striping, patching, and paving throughout the Southeast United States.
For more information, visit https://dmipavingandsealcoating.com/
Media Contact
Company Name: DMI Paving & Sealcoating
Contact Person: Leiddy Fernandez
Email: Send Email
Phone: 813-228-6826
Country: United States
Website: https://dmipavingandsealcoating.com/
