WO M E N O F A S P H A LT
Meet a Woman of Asphalt: NSSGA and Bond Construction’s Karen Hubacz BY SANDY LENDER
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or the annual aggregates issue of AsphaltPro, we’re honored to share with you a woman in construction who has grown up in her family’s small business to join and gain leadership of her state’s Massachusetts Asphalt and Aggregate Association and now the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA). Karen Hubacz, president and CEO of Bond Construction, Spencer, Massachusetts, is the first chairwoman of the NSSGA, accepting the gavel during the association’s annual membership meeting at the 2022 annual convention in Nashville in March. “It wasn’t until I joined NSSGA 14 years ago that I realized I wasn’t alone,” Hubacz shared with the membership. “That there were resources to help me navigate this industry, and that I could be a resource to others—particularly women. There are so many small aggregates companies out there who don’t even realize what they’re missing by not being a member. I want them to see both the benefits of being part of our association and what they can accomplish by joining with us. It’s clear through the success of the past year that we’re truly stronger together.” Hubacz was kind enough to share some of her story and encouragement for other women in the aggregates and asphalt industry, starting with the passion she has for getting the job done. She explained to us that she was born into the aggregates industry but went to work fulltime in May 1988 as an equipment operator and truck driver. In those early days, “Every day was like playing in an adult sandbox,” she shared. “It was a lot of work but so much fun at the same time. Because we’re a small business, I learned to handle every job related to the business side and production side of producing aggregates and asphalt. It was no easy task. I ran into resistance, even at times from my own father, because I was a girl in a man’s industry. I went to college for one year. Everything I know and have learned has been from actually doing and watching and listening to other people in the industry.”
AsphaltPro: You’ve had the opportunity to experience all the jobs at Bond Construction—from equipment operation to the scale house to the office to permitting to everything—which of those responsibilities was the most energizing and why? Karen Hubacz: It’s true, in my 34-year career I have experienced every type of role that the company has to offer. Even though in my current position as president and CEO I get stuck at my desk and my phone, I would much rather be out in the pit at a hands-on job like 28 | AUGUST 2022
Karen Hubacz, 2022 NSSGA Chairwoman All photos courtesy of NSSGA
on an excavator or a loader or on the road making a delivery. I still do get out of the office and can still do everything I did before, but only when the need arises.
AsphaltPro: What elements or aspects of leadership would you say a woman in construction can nurture to bring her to positions such as director of the Massachusetts Asphalt and Aggregate Association and chairwoman of NSSGA? Karen Hubacz: I am very passionate about this industry, and I think my personality is naturally one that likes to take charge and get stuff done. I have also never been shy about voicing my opinions and have learned it’s important to make sure as a woman with leadership aspirations to always speak up. Women in this industry should feel comfortable sharing their ideas and then use their pedestal if on a statewide or national stage to help lift others up, too.
