Building Roads and Breaking Barriers with Ebony Jennings

How does the youngest asphalt company owner in Wisconsin, and the only woman of color in that role, build a thriving business? Ebony Jennings shares her journey of honoring her family's legacy while forging her own path in a male-dominated field. She offers a direct look at the challenges and advantages of her unique position.

Ebony explains why certain industry programs, designed to help, can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword, and gives practical advice on how women can build the confidence needed to lead and earn respect. Her story provides a clear blueprint for attracting the next generation to the trades and succeeding against the odds.

🎯Key Episode Takeaways

⚠️ THE FORGOTTEN SOLUTION [09:28]:

"I believe that if we put trades back into high schools like we did, or even as low as middle schools... We don't live in a world where they push trades a lot. You more so will see the four year colleges are being pushed. That doesn't work for everyone."

This addresses the root cause of the skilled labor shortage and offers a clear, systemic solution to building a stronger talent pipeline for the future.

✨ THE SISTERHOOD STRATEGY [19:10]:

"That is where your village is going to come from. That is where your sisterhood comes in at. And you need that because you may not be as vocal as me or someone, another woman you know in your industry."

Discover how building a strong network of women provides the support and motivation to find your voice, gain confidence, and claim your space.

⚡ THE LISTENING ADVANTAGE [32:53]:

"Come and listen to the women's perspectives... especially us women in this industry, it's majority men. So we're always listening to you. So come and just listen in with us as well."

This is a direct call to action for male leaders to gain a competitive edge by understanding the experiences and ideas of women in their companies.

Chapters

00:00 - Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Is a Must Attend for Construction Pros

00:54 - Breaking Barriers as a Woman of Color in Asphalt

04:18 - The Real Impact of Minority Business Certifications

09:19 - Fix the Skilled Labor Shortage by Rebuilding Trade Education

12:00 - Use Social Media to Attract the Next Generation to Construction

14:22 - What to Expect from the EmpowerHER Workshop

16:22 - How Women Can Build Confidence in a Male Dominated Industry

19:00 - Why Construction Sisterhood and Mentorship Matter

26:58 - How to Prepare Your Team and Brand for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.com

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

🔗 CONNECT WITH EBONY JENNINGS:

1. Ebony Jennings: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-jennings-b11042142/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenningsasphalt/?hl=en

Interested in hearing more from Ebony? Add the EmpowerHER Workshop to your CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 registration today! Limited spots available for this two-day event taking place Friday, March 6 – Saturday, March 7.

#WomenInConstruction #ConstructionLife #SkilledTrades

https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20