Pub. 3 2020-2021 Issue 3

22 MEET NICOLE MAXWELL Tell us how you got into the asphalt industry? I originally came from the hospitality industry. At one point, I went with Brent Maxwell to a trade show as a spouse. When we got there, I asked if I could be in the booth. Brent couldn’t understand why I wanted to do that, but the group gave me a crash course in the material and everything we do. I loved everything about that experience. I talked to the contractors, and I learned more about Brent, Ken, Ted, and Del. They saw something special in my skill set, and Ken told me I could have an amazing place here, too. Joining the business was a big shift for me, especially because I knew wonderful people on the hospitality side, too. My previous work experience involved a high expectation that I would provide amazing customer service, and I never thought I could have that outside the high end of hospitality. I had a narrow vision and thought I was limited. But Tom Cannon, my boss here, has nurtured my skill set and abilities. He is our sales manager, and he is a strong, supportive guy. What is your educational background? I graduated from high school, but my education after high school consisted of on-the-job training and experience in the hospitality industry. I worked at Little America and Grand America. You are held to an unusually high standard when you work in hospitality, and I learned a lot of what I do now. I never thought I would leave the hospitality industry. When I made the jump, though, I was able to contribute immediately. I am grateful for what I learned. Are there specific individuals who have had an impact on your career? I dote on the Maxwells because they are incredible people. They test everything because they have their name on the box, and they want to provide the best service possible. They don’t skimp. What is the most rewarding part of your career? I am encouraged to learn, grow, and be social, and there is no limit to what I am allowed to accomplish. When you combine that with being in the asphalt industry and knowing we affect and support this country’s valuable transportation infrastructure, the results are really pretty spectacular. It gives me purpose. What are some professional moments that make you proudest? One of my proudest moments is being here at the start of the Utah branch of Women of Asphalt and working with the other women, such as Keri Dumont of UAPA, Nicole Shields of Barricade Services, Hailey Isaacson with Staker Parson Materials & Construction, and Stacey Kelly with Construction Material Recycling. I love this industry. Many women can be a little intimidated because there’s a stereotype that girls don’t play with big machines. But it’s amazing over here in the asphalt industry. There’s potential to grow, and it isn’t limited by education. If you need training, you can get training. We are saying to women, “This is great and wonderful. Come hang out over here with us!” I am proud to be part of that. Was there an “aha” moment in your career that defined you? I love talking to people and helping them, and when I worked in hospitality, I provided a high level of service by putting together weddings and big events. But I thought I was also stuck wearing three-piece suits and wandering around hallways with English carpet. Then I went to a trade show and found out that my specific skills are needed, valued, and encouraged. I have a home here, too. Now I can wear jeans and talk to a guy starting a crack seal company. There is room for what I love doing here, as well as what I can provide. If you had to look back at your professional life, what three things have you learned that you would pass on to someone looking at a career in the asphalt business? 1. Growth opportunities are endless within the industry. Companies value degrees, but they want to know what you have to offer, and they look at abilities, experience, and skillsets. You have no limits, even without a degree. I could continue to grow anywhere in this industry. 2. This industry is vitally important. Transportation infrastructure and Maxwell Products, Inc. Women of Asphalt Leadership Team