WO M E N O F A S P H A LT
Meet 17 Women of Asphalt: Women of Superior Asphalt FROM SUPERIOR ASPHALT
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uperior Asphalt Inc., Grand Rapids, Michigan, employs a number of women from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are making a name for themselves in the asphalt industry. The February 2022 issue highlighted CFO Danielle Sands to focus on the skill set she brings to the industry and what information she would have women consider when thinking about the many office jobs available in the construction marketplace. For this summer edition, the women of Superior Asphalt took the time to share what role they currently hold in the company and to offer a piece of advice they would share with other women interested in a career in the asphalt industry. STEPHANIE BERZLEY TRUCK DRIVER “Going on third year at Superior, fourth year hauling asphalt.” Advice: “I worked in excavating and was leased out to work asphalt and fell in love with it. Just go for it. It’s a job that is rewarding itself. New challenges every day even though you are doing the same type of project, it’s always different. Always new places to see and people to meet. We are all a team and we help each other succeed; no matter what area you are in.” VALERIE DESANTIS RECEPTIONIST “Two years”
SARAH SPEES TRUCK LOADOUT OPERATOR AND JUST STARTING TO LEARN SALES AND ESTIMATING. “Fifth year with Superior Asphalt” Advice: “The industry is tough. Don’t let words bring you down. Be strong-willed. Learn, grow and stick to it.” 24 | JULY 2022
CHRISTIE HULST ESTIMATOR “Three years. I have had the privilege of working side by side with my husband every day since May of 2019.” Advice: “To other women looking to join the asphalt industry, find a good company to work for. Read the reviews online, see what the community thinks of them. Find one that is going to help build you up and give you the support you need to be the very best you can be. You want a company that has your best interests at heart and is looking to have you grow with them. I am blessed to have that at Superior. We are like a family, and I absolutely love working here.” KRISTYN STEPHENS TRUCK DRIVER “I am starting my sixth season of driving for Superior. The first couple of seasons I was grader support and drove the grader around with water. After that, I got transferred to just trucking where I catch under the mill and dump asphalt into the paver.” Advice: “The hours are long in the summer. Find a company that is willing to work with you. Superior is very good at respecting me and my needs to have my Saturdays off for my family.” MICHELLE SUMMERS ACCOUNTANT AND PAYROLL “I have been with Superior Asphalt since 2010.” Advice: “Be confident but ask questions and be willing to learn. Don’t be intimidated because the industry is predominately men. Have thick skin and don’t be easily offended, but stand your ground when it is necessary. Communicate, not everyone thinks the same as you do.”
