Our Team

Stuart Close , President
Stuart is a co-owner of Blaktop and Twin State Sand & Gravel. He is the second generation of his family to be involved in the business, and his responsibilities include operations, strategic direction, business development, bidding on commercial and municipal contracts, human resources, and customer relationship management. Stuart has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Vermont. He lives in Norwich, Vermont with his wife, son, and daughter.

Paul Karp, Upper Valley Sales
Since 1990, Paul has been lead salesperson for Blaktop, Inc. He is responsible for sales of paving services to residential, commercial, and municipal customers in the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region. Paul is well-known in the community for his devotion to Karp's Classic; an annual all-state basketball tournament for high school athletes that takes place at the Carter-Witherall Center in Lebanon, NH

Tim Cramer, Littleton Sales
Tim is celebrating his 27th year of employment with Blaktop. He began as a construction foreman and is now responsible for paving services sales from Blaktop's Littleton office, where they service the north country of New Hampshire and Vermont. Tim lives in Fairlee, Vermont with his wife Ellen, where they operate a 5000-tap maple sugaring operation.

Rick Lock , Paving Superintendant
Littleton and Upper Valley – Rick has worked for Blaktop since 2001, and has over 40 years experience in the paving business. He lives in Monroe, New Hampshire and enjoys fishing and hunting.

Herb Williams, Paving Superintendent Upper Valley
Herb lives in Plainfield, New Hampshire and has worked for Blaktop since 1972. When not overseeing paving crews, he likes to hunt and spend time with his five grandchildren.

Tim French, Asphalt Plant Superintendant/Materials Technician
Tim has worked for Blaktop since 2003. His primary responsibilities include managing the production of asphalt and testing to ensure compliance with project designs and state specifications. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, is a Marine Corp. Veteran, and enjoys hunting, fishing, and working on racecars.