Women of asphalt
A Woman of Asphalt: Meet Pittman’s Angel Griffith Angel Griffith began working with Pittman Construction, Atlanta, June 28, 2017, and has already moved to the position of traffic control zone supervisor. Her life experiences, work experiences and commitment to quality have made her a well-rounded member of the crew, willing to take on whatever job is needed most at whatever time. Not each and every day is perfect on a paving job, and she was willing and ready to share her stories and encourage other women in the field. AsphaltPro: Could you share what your job as the traffic control supervisor requires of you for the asphalt team?
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Angel Griffith: My role as the traffic control zone supervisor is to form an elaborate plan to keep both the traveling public and my guys safe while moving throughout the work zone. This includes placing advance warning signs, lane closures, flagging operations, barrels on the shoulders and minor jobs like blowing out the curb in slow times or learning how to run a roller, broom or Bobcat, organize trucks, string line or dump trucks. I am also known for dragging a bag around picking up trash. My motto is “I promise we will leave it better than how we found it!”
AsphaltPro: Could you tell us about some changes you’ve seen in the asphalt team “culture” in the past couple of years? Angel Griffith: My crew is my work family. Sometimes I see them more than I see my own kids! I feel like I have 30 big brothers out there. Asking if I need food or drink or help setting up, they have accepted me from day one, and if ever I messed something up they were always there to back me up. For example, when I first started, I got the barrel truck and trailer stuck in the median with cars coming in both directions. Immediately, the guys jumped into action holding all lanes and my foreman at the time—Tater—jumped in the truck and rolled it on out the grassy median. And all this happened in what seemed like two minutes. These guys are my family every day I roll on the job. I pray for their safety. I’ve cried with some and for some, and laughed with them all; we play and even eat together. AsphaltPro: What part of your education relates best to the career track you’re on?
26 // DECEMber 2020
Angel Griffith Angel Griffith: My career path made a total flop. I was headed for nursing school and ended up here and honestly I love it. I am hungry for knowledge and every day I try to learn something new. I hope to one day own my own traffic control company where every person shares the same passion.
AsphaltPro: What is the most important skill you’ve brought to your position? Angel Griffith: The most important skill I’ve brought is passion. When I was little, my uncle worked for the same company and was killed on the job by a tractor trailer getting on the interstate, I never want anyone to know what that feels like. I vow every day to keep them safe and do everything in my power to protect everyone I come
