How did you become involved with Women of Asphalt?

I first learned about Women of Asphalt at a conference I was attending. I remember thinking that there were not many women in attendance, and it was a little intimidating. I received a small Women of Asphalt sticker there and took it back to my office. I ended up joining and have loved every minute of it since.

You’ve just joined the leadership team for Women of Asphalt. What will you be doing?

I will be focusing on getting more women involved in the organization. I want to make sure that we are providing experiences and information that are relevant and valuable to members. Providing opportunities for women to explore career options — like trying out heavy equipment operations — is crucial to expanding this industry.

I also want to focus on providing more outreach to local high schools. There are some high schoolers who don’t know what they want to do when they graduate. The career potential in this industry is so high. You can do anything from office work to being outside to operating heavy machinery and so much more. Introducing students to the industry before they graduate provides them with job options.

How does membership in UAPA and Women of Asphalt benefit those who join these organizations?

For me, membership is such a beneficial thing. We are all familiar with the companies around us — we are used to seeing the logos, names and trucks — but it’s getting to know the people behind those companies. In the past, I would say, “Oh, that’s our competition.” But then, as I got to know people better, I thought, “Those are our industry friends and they help us.” So, it changed my mentality. We all work with each other and use products from each other.

Where are you from?

I’m originally from El Paso, TX. When I was young, my family moved from El Paso to West Hollywood, California. After living there for about nine years, my mom thought it would be best to look for somewhere else to live because California was getting a little crazy. So we moved to Utah and have been here ever since. I love Utah; it is home to me and I don’t want to live anywhere else.

What is your educational background?

I graduated from Ogden High School and have taken some business courses from the University of Utah. I also spent four years with the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. These experiences have taught me a lot about running a business. I hope to go back to school and will most likely focus on civil engineering or something in that realm.

Please tell us about your job. What are your main responsibilities?

I have worked for Consolidated Paving & Concrete since 2020. I wear a lot of hats at work and do a little bit of everything — I go wherever I am needed. I love to learn and my job gives me opportunities to learn every day.

I help the owner, Jeremiah Falslev, oversee employees, job sites, estimating, internal office staff and more. As I mentioned, I do a little bit of everything. A typical day at work includes making sure bids are getting done and that paperwork and certifications are completed, as well as attending all meetings. It is an all-hands-on-deck mindset, doing whatever is needed to get the job done, especially during the busy season.

How did you get into the asphalt industry?

So, prior to working at Consolidated Paving & Concrete, I worked for a funeral home in Ogden. I’d always wanted to work in the funeral industry and enjoyed learning the trade. Then, COVID hit. Hours were being shortened and work was not the same. I applied at Consolidated Paving & Concrete and when they called me back, I had actually taken a different job offer in Salt Lake City. I thought, “It’s close to home. Years ago, I was an estimator, and I loved it!” I decided that this was my chance to get back into the industry. I am so glad I took this job.

What is the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Seeing completed work is rewarding — from the first estimate to seeing the end product. It is so fulfilling for me because I see all the hard-working people and I know all the time and effort it took, internally and externally, to get to a final product. We have a great team.

Who are your most important mentors?

I say my most impactful mentor is Jeremiah. He is the person that helps me if I ask questions. He doesn’t just answer them; he’ll explain them to me so I understand completely. I’m super grateful for that because I love learning, and he’s willing to teach and take the time to help me. Three years ago, I would have been like, “I’m just going to be in the office, paper pushing and stuff like that.” But because of him, I’ve grown to such a higher level of achievement.

If you could talk to other women about a career in the asphalt industry, what would you tell them?

This industry is not just for men. I think that’s something that a lot of women that I’ve talked to think — that guys do that and girls don’t do that.

We have paver and heavy equipment operators who are women. There is so much opportunity for women in this field. When it comes to road maintenance, if you pay close attention, you’ll see a ponytail behind the hard hat.

What are the three most important work-related lessons you’ve learned that you would share with someone you mentor?

1. Never stop learning. I find that if I’m given an assignment, I achieve it, but always ask myself, “What else can I learn?” It is the “why’s,” “what’s,” and “how’s” of the job that lead to other opportunities. If you are interested in learning more or doing something else, talk to your employer.
2. Set goals. This industry is fast-paced, and setting goals is important. When I mentor others, I like to ask, “What is your next goal? How are you going to be better than yesterday? How can you do more than that?” Setting goals pushes us to improve ourselves and to keep learning.
3. Don’t limit yourself. I want to remind women that if you come in as an office assistant but you want to be out in the field shoveling asphalt, you can do it — you can be both!

Please tell us how you spend your time when you are not working, i.e., family, hobbies, etc.

I have two boys, ages 13 and 18, and a little schnauzer that I am obsessed with. Together, we love shopping, hanging out, trying out local restaurants and going for long drives.

I also enjoy all that Utah has to offer — hiking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. I have decided to start skiing this year and recently learned how to golf.