When it comes to business, the Van Horn family believes in two things above all else: making a strong first impression and building a company that protects both people and the environment.
Located at 109 Alden Loop in Evergreen, Summit Surface Partners is the evolution of Montana Sealcoat & Plow, the asphalt maintenance company founded by Kodey and Tasha Van Horn nearly a decade ago. What began as a small husband-and-wife operation has grown into a regional surface solutions company serving customers across Montana, Idaho, Eastern Washington, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
This spring, the company will officially launch its new headquarters and 2,400-square-foot sealcoat manufacturing facility — the first Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat manufacturing plant in Montana.
"It's still a little surreal. We started with one truck, one employee, and a lot of cold calls."
The Decision to Come Home
Before starting the company, Kodey worked as a construction manager for Amazon, traveling the country for large-scale projects. While the career provided stability and a six-figure income, it also kept him away from his family for weeks and sometimes months at a time.
In 2018, after returning home from an extended assignment, Kodey was told he would immediately need to leave again for another out-of-state project. Instead, he made a decision that would change the trajectory of his family's future: he quit.
"I wanted to be home with my wife and kids. I realized I was building everyone else's dream while missing my own family grow up."
Building It the Hard Way
With limited savings but a strong background in asphalt maintenance, the Van Horns launched Montana Sealcoat & Plow in 2019. During the early years, they built the business the old-fashioned way — knocking on doors, cold-calling potential customers, running radio ads, and relying heavily on word of mouth.
While Kodey handled field operations, Tasha Van Horn managed scheduling, customer service, and administration while raising their growing family.
"We wore every hat imaginable. There were days we were working jobs, answering phones, taking care of kids, and trying to survive unpredictable Montana weather all at the same time."
Despite the challenges, the Van Horns became known for their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to presentation.
"We've always believed appearance matters," Kodey said. "Whether it's our equipment, our trucks, or how we treat customers, we want people to know we care."
A Cleaner Sealcoat: The Pitch Black® Difference
Today, Summit Surface Partners employs a growing team and offers a wide range of services including asphalt sealcoating, crack sealing, parking lot restoration, striping, asphalt patching, salt brine de-icing, and dry ice blasting.
The company's newest venture — manufacturing Pitch Black asphalt emulsion sealcoat — reflects the Van Horns' commitment to environmentally responsible products.
Unlike traditional coal-tar-based sealers, asphalt emulsion sealcoats contain no harmful PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), chemicals that have been linked to environmental contamination and health concerns. Several states have already moved to restrict or ban coal-tar-based products.
Pitch Black products are water-based, environmentally conscious, and designed for long-term durability.
"We believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice performance to use a safer product. Pitch Black gives customers both."
National Recognition: ASMA-USA Appointment
Kodey's passion for environmentally responsible asphalt products recently led to his appointment as Northwest Regional Director for ASMA-USA, the Asphalt Sealcoat Manufacturers Association — a national organization focused on promoting asphalt emulsion technologies and safer industry standards.
Expanding into Dry Ice Blasting
In addition to asphalt maintenance, Summit Surface Partners has expanded into dry ice blasting, an advanced cleaning process that uses compressed dry ice instead of abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
The technology can be used for industrial cleaning, heavy equipment restoration, mold remediation, food-processing equipment, marine applications, and fire restoration — all without damaging surfaces or creating secondary waste.
"Dry ice blasting opens doors into industries most people don't even realize. And the fact that it's chemical-free and non-abrasive makes it incredibly valuable."
The dry ice blasting division now operates under Summit Cryo , a subsidiary of Summit Surface Partners dedicated to restoration, industrial, and fleet dry ice blasting.
Giving Back
They regularly provide discounts to veterans and churches and occasionally donate services to elderly residents in need.
"We've been blessed by this community. If we can give back and help people, we're going to."
Looking Forward
As the company continues to grow, the Van Horns say their mission remains the same: serve customers well, take care of employees, and build something their children can one day be proud of.
What started as a small family business has now become one of the region's fastest-growing surface solution companies — and for the Van Horns, they believe they're just getting started.