In 2022, construction industry veterans Daniel Mikus and James Rolph teamed up for a new venture. Armed with one truck, a wheelbarrow and a borrowed 1995 VS Holden Ute, the duo launched the asphalt company, Pelly-Can Asphalt, which would eventually be renamed MR Roads.

The business would go on to yield a gross revenue of more than eight figures in its first year, as the duo carved a place for themselves at the forefront of Queensland’s construction industry. Described as “the next generation of Australian construction”, MR Roads specialises in complex road projects through a focus on integrated services and innovative solutions.

Only two years on from its first launch, MR Roads is one of Australia’s fastest-growing asphalt companies, employing more than 40 full-time staff and scaling revenue by 325 percent. 

At this year’s 40 Under 40 Gala Awards, Daniel took home the Industry Innovator Award, presented by QUT. The award was designed to recognise the individual who is a leading innovator in their field and is contributing to the prosperous future of our state.

“It felt like validation for what we are doing to be recognised independently as something of value,” shares Daniel. “Being with my family, my adopted brother and business partner, James Rolph, [and] sharing the moment with him was something I’ll always remember. I could not do this without him by my side.”

According to Daniel and James, a driving force behind MR Roads’ success is its commitment to challenging the status quo. The brand has succeeded in shaking up the industry by executing a new approach to the road and construction industry.

“We don’t do things just because they’ve always been done. We look for ways to do it better.”

The launch of MR Roads’ new asphalt plant in Queensland demonstrates this approach in action. Currently under construction, the project will serve to help streamline MR Roads’ operations by ensuring a stable and reliable supply of asphalt. The presence of this plant will also boost MR Roads’ construction efficiency and local job creation whilst shortening project timelines.

“Beyond financial milestones, I am passionate about creating sustainable growth and positive impacts within our industry,” explains Daniel. “Having been in the industry since high school, I’ve learnt where opportunity exists … I’m hyper driven to leave a legacy that outlives myself in some way.”

Another impressive pillar of MR Roads’ remit is the Community Carpark Safety Program – an initiative launched this year to address carpark safety issues in high-use areas like schools, sports facilities and medical centres. MR Roads repurposes unused asphalt to the repair potholes and road infrastructure issues. 

“We recognise the financial constraints many organisations face in maintaining safe environments,” says Daniel. “Which is why we have committed to donating up to $16,000 worth of asphalt maintenance services each month throughout Southeast Queensland.”

The 40 Under 40 Galas Awards offered Daniel a rare opportunity to reflect on MR Roads’ supercharged growth over the last few years, as well as all that’s to come. 

“When I’m working non-stop, I rarely lift my head to see how far we have come … 40 Under 40 was a great moment to take stock and be proud of what we’ve created as a team.”

In 2025, Daniel and the MR Roads team are gearing up for another impressive year. “We have a huge orderbook upcoming with some of Australia’s largest civil contractors and also Government bodies.”

To see the full list of this year’s 40 Under 40 winners, head here.