Meet 17 Women of Asphalt Women of Superior Asphalt

FROM SUPERIOR ASPHALT

Superior 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.”

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.”

MALISA KLANN HUMAN RESOURCES, SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

“I have worked in the asphalt industry for seven years.” Advice: “The best advice I can offer other women entering the asphalt industry is to go out each day and be proud of their work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn from “the old pros.” They have been in the industry for as long as they have for a reason. It’s a fast-paced and ever-changing environment that no doubt has its challenges, but it’s also extremely rewarding, especially when you get the opportunity to work for a company like Superior. We are like family.”

KIM LEGGE OFFICE/INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

“I have been in the industry for 11 years and work in the office out at the plant. I track incoming and outgoing materials (inventories). I also help track trucking costs and costs associated with production and trucking. I process all of the invoices in regard to those things, checking for accuracy. I also make sure we have the information needed to invoice retail customers properly.” Advice: “I would tell them to look into what position might interest them as there are many different roles that can be filled. From there, gain knowledge in any and everything you can to make yourself more versatile. You never know where your career can take you and what opportunity might present itself.”

STACIE NEWMANN PUBLIC RELATIONS

“Nine years” Advice: “The asphalt industry continues to offer many opportunities for women of all skill sets. Don’t let the fear of trying something new stop you. Never in a million years did I think that I would be working for an asphalt company. I have a Fine Arts Degree. Taking the chance to try something new has led me on an extraordinary journey to work for an outstanding company that I am proud to represent, have a flexible schedule and be able to financially contribute to the needs of my family. I am an active member of the Women of Asphalt organization and thoroughly enjoy connecting with other women within the asphalt trade.”

DANIELLE SANDS CFO

“23 years” Advice: “No one is going to take care of you but you. Personal responsibility is as important as work ethic. If you make a mistake, own it, learn from it and don’t repeat it. Mistakes are an opportunity for learning. Work hard and you can do anything you set your mind to.”

LISA SCHILD PLANT, TRUCK DISPATCH AND LOADOUT OPERATOR

“Seven years” Advice: “This industry is definitely not for everyone, but it’s perfect for me because it fits me and my desire to organize and get things done. This is an industry where everyone knows everyone and it’s really not a competition but more of a passion that we can't explain but all understand. Each company is different yet all the same. We live, breathe, eat and sleep asphalt nine months a year, some of us 12 months a year. People that have never worked asphalt will never understand the dedication and commitment it requires.”

BROOKLYN WARD CREW MEMBER, SCREW OPERATOR

“This will be my 5th season in the asphalt industry.” Advice: “My advice is to follow life’s journey. Don’t ever let someone else’s opinion affect your choice or hold you back and don’t ever let anyone tell you you aren’t capable of something. You are capable of anything you put your mind to. Stay focused and determined and don’t ever give up. We are much stronger than we give ourselves credit for and you are in control of your own journey. Be brave and take that step and you might end up finding a love for a career that you never expected. Asphalt keeps me active and it’s like having a second family. You get to know a lot of new people and every day is a new day. You might end up finding an odd love for something you never expected. I found mine in asphalt and maybe you will, too.”

ASHLEE SCOTT CREW/ ROLLER/ TRUCK DRIVER

“I have been working in the asphalt business since I was 18. I have been with Superior Asphalt for three years.” Advice: “The asphalt industry is a great opportunity for men and women who don’t mind physical work. I would encourage anyone who has thought about joining construction to go for it. There are several different jobs that come with asphalt. It’s a great career and you never stop learning.”

ELIZABETH VONLINSOWE TRUCK DRIVER

“Eight years”

SUSIE VAN HILL ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

“I started in 1996 working with the Thompson McCully Company where I managed the scale house, loading and dispatching trucks. From there I moved up to job cost accounting and accounts receivable. I started working for Superior Asphalt in 2014.” Advice: “My advice to other women is don’t let the asphalt industry intimidate them. Women can be respected and appreciated in the industry.”

NOT PICTURED: REXANNE MONTAGUE LOAD OUT

“19 years in asphalt, new to Superior”

SUE HADEN OFFICE SUPPORT, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

“10 years”

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