Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

Chris Dowell Exposes the Hidden Costs of Cheap Asphalt in New Book, “The Pavement Trap”

By: Get News
Chris Dowell, founder of Taylor Ridge Paving and Construction, releases The Pavement Trap, a straight-talking guide that helps property managers avoid costly mistakes and protect investments when hiring paving contractors.

Chris Dowell, founder of Taylor Ridge Paving and Construction and a 30-year veteran of the paving industry, has released a new book, The Pavement Trap: How to Avoid the Costly Mistakes of Hiring the Wrong Contractor. The book shines a spotlight on the hidden dangers property managers and business owners face when chasing low bids on asphalt projects—and how those “savings” can quickly turn into six-figure disasters.

Dowell began his career in 1996 as a laborer with a shovel and worked his way up to become the youngest paving foreman in the Quad Cities by the age of 27. In 2011, he launched Taylor Ridge Paving and Construction, which has since grown into one of the region’s most respected commercial paving firms. Today, the company operates seven crews, five pavers, and its own asphalt plant, ensuring quality control and accountability on every project.

The Pavement Trap combines real-world stories, insider knowledge, and practical checklists to help readers avoid common pitfalls, such as:

  • The hidden costs of “low bid” contractors who cut corners on materials and thickness.
  • The risks of improperly using recycled asphalt—and how the right mix design makes all the difference.
  • The seven dumbest mistakes people make when hiring a paving contractor.
  • The nine smart questions that instantly separate professionals from pretenders.

“This book isn’t about paving—it’s about protecting yourself,” Dowell said. “I’ve seen too many property managers and business owners waste tens of thousands of dollars because they trusted the wrong contractor. My goal is to give people the knowledge they need to make smarter, safer decisions.”

The Pavement Trap is available now in print and digital formats. A free flipbook edition can also be accessed online for property managers and business owners who want an immediate resource before their next paving project.

About the Author

Chris Dowell is the founder of Taylor Ridge Paving and Construction and owner of Superior Asphalt Plant. With nearly three decades of hands-on experience, he has led major projects for schools, municipalities, hospitals, and industrial facilities across the Midwest. Known for his straight-talking approach and commitment to doing things right, Dowell has become a trusted authority in the paving industry.

Location Info: Taylor Ridge Paving & Construction, 602 2nd St W, Andalusia, IL 61232, +13097951516

Media Contact
Company Name: Taylor Ridge Paving and Construction
Contact Person: Chris Dowell
Email: Send Email
Phone: (309) 795-1516
Country: United States
Website: https://www.trpave.org/

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.