Meet a Woman of Asphalt: Construction Angels’ Hannah Garison
BY Sandy Lender
Meet a Women of Asphalt, NAWIC and Construction Angels Representative: Hannah Garison
Hannah Garison started her construction career as a credit account representative in 2008 with the Keeling Company, headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and brings vibrant energy to not only her job as an executive support manager for Riggs CAT of Arkansas, but also to the construction industry at large. From serving as the 2025-2026 co-chair for the Women of Asphalt Arkansas (WofA AR) branch to the treasurer of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Chapter of Greater Little Rock to her more recent involvement as the state representative for Arkansas with the Construction Angels organization, Garison is a powerhouse for helping others and encouraging the women around her. She took some time this fall to share with AsphaltPro Magazine her story as a woman of asphalt.
AsphaltPro: Tell us about your entry into the construction industry with Keeling Company.
Hannah Garison: They are mainly an irrigation distributor, but also supply storm drainage, and a variety of other landscape products to residential and commercial landscape contractors, excavating companies, farmers, and golf courses throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and a portion of Texas and Oklahoma. I transitioned over time from the credit department, then I was both credit department and receptionist, then to sales. I was promoted to store manager for the North Little Rock Location in 2019. I was the only female store manager of 30 locations and worked there for 14 years. It was very intimidating at first getting into the sales side. I had to learn a lot and my boss had confidence in me. It was an industry I never knew I would have been a part of.
“Using your resources and making relationships is what it’s all about. Being consistent, reliable, just doing a good job speaks volumes.”—Hannah Garison
AsphaltPro: What did you find interesting or fulfilling about your roles with Keeling Company? And what do you think about that would be attractive to other women joining our industry?
Hannah Garison: It was exciting and very busy. I had to be a professional, but it was also very casual. My customers became friends. I enjoyed going to work every day. I became “one of the guys” selling sprinkler systems, monster size storm drain, competing for landscape and drainage bids all over the state. I loved the challenge, making miracles happen. If we were out of something, we engineered something. Living in the south, everything is an irrigation emergency and needed yesterday. Using your resources and making relationships is what it’s all about. Being consistent, reliable, just doing a good job speaks volumes. There are lots of opportunities for women in the industry and I discovered that I prefer to work with men.
Here, Garison joins other branch members at the annual Arkansas Asphalt and Pavement Association (AAPA) cookoff in Jonesboro, November 2025.
AsphaltPro: What part of your education relates best to the career track you’re on? (And what would you recommend to women who want to join a company as an equipment dealer or in support of equipment/accounts?)
Hannah Garison: I graduated high school in 2002 and got a job. I didn’t have a secondary education. All I had was my work ethic. Being trainable, I exposed myself to new things and figured it out. Experience is priceless. Work hard and be dependable. It’s a huge asset and hard to come by these days; no one can take that away.
AsphaltPro: Could you share with the readers what your job as an executive support manager for a CAT dealer requires of you? What are some of your daily responsibilities?
Hannah Garison: I’m a representative for the executive management. I must put that into perspective in my work and personal life. I’m a reflection of them. I’m a travel planner and coordinator of events and numerous sales meetings. We hosted our two Arkansas United States Senators last year. I have hosted two NAWIC Block Kids events at our facility, ABC Field Trip, AGC Taste of Mardi Gras, Women’s Leadership Network Happy Hour. I coordinated an employee pickleball tournament, a couple of golf tournaments, and our Riggs CAT night at the Travelers baseball game. I’m pulled in about 10 different directions some days and I love it. It’s always exciting and time goes by fast. I love my job and feel incredibly lucky to be in this position. I do not take it for granted.
AsphaltPro: What about your job with Riggs CAT is “most cool” to you?
Hannah Garison: I love that it’s a family-owned business and will be celebrating 100 years in 2027. My boss is the 5th generation. They are one of the oldest Caterpillar dealers in the United States.
One of my roles is sending out the monthly Riggs Benevolent Fund (RBF) Check Request. They are incredibly generous and support a multitude of non-profits all over the state.
Then, there is the Share it Forward initiative where we volunteer and support non-profits in our community. This spring I coordinated a workday at the Pheifer Camp. We delivered a couple pieces of equipment and repainted a flagpole. We busted up a hazardous concrete basketball court, hauled it off, and helped with a drainage project. The Pheifer Camp and the Riggs family have a long history, so much that RBF paid for the Jack and Lila Riggs Fieldhouse.
I was inspired to become a BIG this year for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Little Rock; RBF is a big contributor to the organization. They have supported my involvement with Women of Asphalt and NAWIC, which means the world to me.
Then, this year I took on a role as the first Arkansas rep for Construction Angels. I asked the RBF to consider being a state sponsor and help me spread awareness about the organization. They pledged to be a silver sponsor, they sent me to Boston for the NAWIC National Conference in August where I helped co-host my first Construction Angels fundraiser. Now, we are in the beginning stages of planning our first statewide fundraiser in 2026 for Construction Angels at the Martin Marietta Hatton Quarry. They really do blow me away with their commitment to Share it Forward.
“We are helping young adults pursue careers in the construction industry by offering scholarships. I know what it’s like to be fresh out of high school and having no expectations or guidance transitioning into adult life. There are so many opportunities for high school graduates to get the training needed to have a very successful career in the trades.”—Hannah Garison
AsphaltPro: How did you learn of the Construction Angels non-profit and how did you reach out to them/get involved with them?
Hannah Garison: I discovered Construction Angels on the NAWIC website. I was renewing my yearly dues and it asked me if I wanted to make a donation to the organization.
AsphaltPro: Why did you reach out to Construction Angels? What about the national organization spoke to your heart?
Hannah Garison: I wanted to know who our representative was. There was an accident involving an ARDOT employee who was struck by a vehicle and killed while he was working on the side of the interstate. I thought I should reach out and see if they would be able to assist.
I also thought maybe there was a way I could get RBF to be involved with this non-profit. I had never heard of anything like it and thought it would be a great opportunity for the RBF to get involved. I couldn’t believe that this was for real and being the wife of a construction worker myself, I had a desire to get involved.
At the NAWIC conference in Boston, Garison’s NAWIC chapter donated $500 to the Construction Angels organization.
AsphaltPro: What are some of your responsibilities as a state representative for Construction Angels?
Hannah Garison: Spreading awareness about the organization. Recruiting state sponsorships and fundraising. Promoting the trades and scholarship opportunities they offer. Making connections in the industry and promoting safety.
AsphaltPro: What do you think is the most important skill you’ve brought to your position as a state rep for the organizations you’re a part of?
Hannah Garison: My work ethic and determination to be a part of something here in my home state. I can relate to the people; I’ve lived and breathed it for a very long time. I’m grateful to work for a reputable company that is highly respected. It’s a privilege to have this platform and represent the construction industry in Arkansas.
AsphaltPro: What would you say was the most challenging “obstacle” you, as a female in the industry, have had to overcome in the past 18 years, and how DID you overcome that obstacle? How do you think other women in the industry can incorporate that skill or habit into their workdays?
Hannah Garison: I don’t recall a challenging obstacle because I was a woman necessarily. When I was looking for a new career path after my previous job, not having a college degree made it very challenging for me. I knew I wanted to stay in the construction industry because it’s what I knew and loved. But everyone wanted the credentials that I didn’t have. I got very discouraged. I had skills, experience, and I was trainable. I needed to find a company that would take a chance on me and gain their confidence. I think timing is everything, and the good Lord taught me I needed to be patient, and it would all work out. He blessed me with a great opportunity at Riggs CAT.
Maryland Women of Asphalt Launches “Paving & Pastries” Series
AsphaltPro: Let’s talk about teamwork. What is an example of a project either with Riggs CAT or with Construction Angels that you were proud to be a part of?
Hannah Garison: Riggs CAT participated in the annual AAPA (Arkansas Asphalt and Pavement Association) cookoff in Jonesboro. AAPA became a state sponsor for Construction Angels this year, by the way. I attended the event with my Riggs CAT team and with Women of Asphalt AR branch. It’s two days of socializing and cooking. One of my Women of Asphalt AR members was there, along with the company she works for—APAC. I had set up some Construction Angels pamphlets that morning with our breakfast bar. She immediately suggested that we should throw a spontaneous fundraiser together, right then and there. I asked what she had in mind. APAC donated floor seats to an upcoming Arkansas Razorback basketball game, and we raised $4,000 for the Construction Angels. I was amazed! I was incredibly grateful that they were willing to do that, and it allowed me to speak in front of everyone there in attendance and to tell them about the organization. It was a great day for sure, and you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face!
AsphaltPro: Let’s talk about perceptions. What do you think is an incorrect perception that we, as an industry, can re-educate young people about to encourage more women to consider a career in the asphalt business? What is something you would tell a young lady to encourage her in this industry?
Hannah Garison: There are so many different aspects of this industry to consider and have an open mind! Men are more welcoming than you might think. Just do it. I was sucked into the construction industry a long time ago and I wouldn’t change a thing.
I would suggest all women to get involved with the associations like NAWIC, ABC, AGC, AAPA and Women of Asphalt because you will make so many priceless connections female or male. We are a special breed of people and are all supportive of one another.
AsphaltPro: What is the most rewarding aspect for you of being in the asphalt industry and/or of participating in the Construction Angels organization on a state level?
Hannah Garison: Regarding Construction Angels, just being able to help people. It’s heartwarming even though it can be so sad at the same time. You must look at the positive side, too. We are helping young adults pursue careers in the construction industry by offering scholarships. I know what it’s like to be fresh out of high school and having no expectations or guidance transitioning into adult life. There are so many opportunities for high school graduates to get the training needed to have a very successful career in the trades. It’s an exciting time because the industry and technology are evolving more than ever, and we all are going to have to adapt to it.
Upcoming Events
If you’re interested in supporting the work of the Construction Angels, National Association of Women in Construction or Women of Asphalt organizations, make sure to visit their websites for upcoming events. Mark your calendars for:
- Las Vegas National Golf Fundraiser at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Course March 2. Visit this link: https://www.constructionangels.us/event/conexpo-2026/
- 2026 WIC Week March 1-7. Visit this link: https://nawic.org/events/2026-wic-week/
- EmpowerHer Workshop at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, Friday, March 6, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 7, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Visit this link: https://www.womenofasphalt.org/events/empowerher-workshop-at-conexpo-conagg