Optics Advises Sale of BAC Paving to Pave America

HERMITAGE, TN (September 2025) – Optics Capital Advisors is pleased to announce the successful sale of BAC Paving, Inc., a leading Middle Tennessee utility paving contractor, to Pave America, LLC, the nation’s premier provider of paving and concrete maintenance services. Pave America is backed by AEA Investors, BCI, company management, and other institutional shareholders.

A Local Leader in Infrastructure and Utility Paving

Founded in the late 90’s by Scotty and Claire Barnett, BAC Paving has become one of Middle Tennessee’s most trusted names in utility and specialty paving. The company has built its reputation on quality workmanship, responsiveness, and integrity while serving their municipal and state infrastructure clients throughout the greater Nashville area.

Under the Barnetts' leadership, BAC Paving developed a strong teamwith a family culture and a loyal customer base, consistently delivering on its promise of precision and reliability in every project while creating an environment that employees love to work in.

A Strategic Partnership for Growth

The sale to Pave America marks a significant step forward for both companies. With the acquisition, Pave America expands its footprint in the fast-growing Nashville market and strengthens its capabilities in specialized utility paving. The partnership brings additional resources and scale to BAC, enabling the company to take on larger and more complex projects while maintaining its culture and close-knit team environment.

Scotty and Claire Barnett will continue to lead BAC Paving as part of the Pave America family and will retain a minority ownership stake in the platform going forward.

Scotty and his GM are excited to be able to operate with a powerhouse platform behind them. Among the most enjoyable parts of the process were the conversations around what resources and capabilities would be added for them to accelerate growth and further improve quality.

Claire is looking forward to the back-end support they will receive and the ability for her to focus on strategic initiatives and preservation of culture. Most of all, she is excited for the opportunities this deal will create for their people.

“Our employees are the backbone of BAC, and this partnership ensures they’ll have even more opportunities to grow and thrive,” said Claire Barnett, Co-Founder of BAC Paving.

Highlights of the Process

Will Pouncey, Founder and Managing Director of Optics Capital Advisors, noted that BAC Paving was one of the most unique companies he’d ever worked with. “Claire and Scotty’s ability to carve out a niche, focus on brilliant execution, and spend decades rewarding and taking care of their people made them two of the most successful entrepreneurs I’ve ever gotten to work alongside.”

David Grahn, Partner at Optics, said, “We were honored to work with great clients who built an amazing organization from top to bottom. A true masterclass in how to treat your associates, customers, suppliers etc. and change many lives along the way.”

Everyone involved in the process commented on Claire and Scotty’s generosity, treatment of their people, and reputation in the market. We at Optics feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such excellent people and we look forward to seeing what BAC and Pave America are able to do together.

About Optics Capital Advisors

Optics Capital Advisors is a Birmingham-based M&A advisory firm specializing in helping business owners achieve their exit and growth goals. Whether through sell-side advisory or buy-side representation, we are dedicated to creating successful outcomes for our clients. If you are considering selling your business or exploring growth opportunities, contact Optics Capital Advisors today to learn how we can help you navigate the process