Building More Than Sidewalks: Black Rock Paving and a Partnership That Paved the Way
When Fabiola Arnao and Christopher Vernick launched Black Rock Paving in 2020, they weren’t just laying driveways and sidewalks, they were laying the groundwork for something much bigger: stability, independence, and a future fueled by purpose.
Like many small business journeys, theirs started with grit, sweat, and no guarantees. After the logistics company in Latin America Fabiola was working for closed, she brought her skills and entrepreneurial spirit to the U.S. Armed with a background in accounting and experience managing truck fleets, she teamed up with her husband Christopher, a machine operator with a degree in administration and a sharp eye for construction. Together, they founded Black Rock Paving in Connecticut.
At first, the company focused on residential projects, including driveways, patios, and retaining walls. But growth came quickly. By their second year, they were securing municipal contracts, including sidewalks and playground installations in New Haven. Today, the company is involved in diverse projects ranging from entryways to basketball courts and landscaping. They even stay busy through the winter months with snow removal services.
Yet behind the visible progress were real challenges. “Running a small business is like trying to make all the parts of a machine work at the same time,” Fabiola shared. “You need the material, the team, the budget, and the right weather. If even one part is off, the whole job can fall apart.” Early on, there were moments when they considered walking away and finding regular jobs. But they kept showing up because they believed in the opportunity, and they believed in the future they were building.
That future got a major boost thanks to the Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF). Coming off a slow winter, Black Rock Paving landed a contract to upgrade a community basketball court. But they lacked the capital to get started. While searching for a loan online, Fabiola discovered CEDF and what began as a financing inquiry quickly turned into a full-circle support system.
“They didn’t just give us a loan,” Fabiola said. “They gave us tools, advice, and confidence.” She worked closely with a business advisor from CEDF, who helped them organize financial documents, better understand their numbers, and navigate new opportunities. When the insurance company said their small size would prevent them from securing the bond needed for a municipal contract, he connected them with someone who made it happen. “It was a blessing,” she said. “He saw things we didn’t see and helped us move forward.”
Today, the team has grown from the original crew of five to a consistent team that flexes as needed. Though recruiting workers can sometimes be a challenge, especially for a job that demands long hours in the heat, Fabiola and Christopher remain committed to creating employment opportunities, especially in the communities they serve.
What fuels them isn’t just profit, it’s impact. "When we build a sidewalk or fix a playground, it’s more than a job,” Fabiola said. “It’s about giving kids a cleaner, safer place to play. That changes how they see their world, and it can change their path in life. It might sound small, but it’s huge.”
Black Rock Paving’s work is now visible across New Haven, from city sidewalks to recreational spaces. And while the jobs are growing, the heart behind the work remains the same. “I remember a woman who found us on social media and sent us the sweetest message about her patio. She was so happy. That’s how we know we’re doing good work.”
As for what’s next? Fabiola dreams of expanding their work with cities, building projects that will stand the test of time and serve the public. “This is more than a business. It’s our way to give back, create something lasting, and show others what’s possible.”
With CEDF by their side, Black Rock Paving isn’t just laying asphalt, they’re paving a path to something bigger.