Hailey Bond, Operator, Asphalt Paving Division, O&G Industries, Inc.
Hailey Bond
Hailey entered the construction industry two years ago as an apprentice with the International Union of Operation Engineers (IUOE). She has been with O&G Industries, Inc. for her entire apprenticeship.
She is an asphalt finish roller. “This means I iron out all the fine details in a paving job to make everything look perfect,” she says. “I am also responsible for making sure the compaction numbers meet state requirements. I also drive the water truck on paving jobs. As an apprentice, I’m expected to know how to run all the equipment (except cranes).”
Hailey says one perk of her job is her “amazing coworkers. I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve been honored to work with. Wintertime work is another perk, and I also consider the jobs I’ve been assigned to perks because they have all been respectable.” She says the company supports her in her role by “keeping me employed despite the weather. The company is so large and has so many different things going on year-round that when the asphalt plants are shut down for the winter, I am able to work on other projects.”
Penny Pinkerton, dispatcher, South Main, says, “Hailey is an integral part of the team at South Main whenever she isn’t operating a roller on an asphalt job. She helps with deliveries and has never batted an eye about running long hauls or the occasional early start. Hailey always has a way of just making the magic happen! We always miss her when it’s paving season, but we know she’ll be back next winter, and we also know that she’s absolutely killing it wherever she goes!”
Hailey’s advice for other women looking to enter the construction industry: “Working in construction can be challenging, and it’s only for some, so my best advice is to do it only if you really enjoy it!”
