Meet a Woman of Asphalt: Rock Road’s Wendy Lou Bloedow
BY Sandy Lender
Wendy Lou Bloedow started her construction career as a laborer in the Operating Engineers Local 139’s operating engineer program and worked her way up to join the asphalt industry in 2009. She dove in as a paver operator and also hauled equipment for Rock Road Companies Inc., Janesville, Wisconsin. Now she’s a paving foreman for Rock Road and took some time from those responsibilities to share her story as a woman of asphalt.
AsphaltPro: What about that first position as a paver operator with Rock Road was “most cool” to you?
Wendy Bloedow: All of it! Being able to see the operation of what’s ahead of you, going on right there at the paver and the operations behind you.
AsphaltPro: Could you share with the readers your career trajectory since high school and what challenges you’ve overcome along the way? (What part of your education relates best to the career track you’ve been on?)
Wendy Bloedow: I started as a laborer in union trade and worked my way up. I was given the opportunity to join Operating Engineers Local 139. Through the operators, I went through their apprenticeship program.
AsphaltPro: What did you find most valuable about the apprenticeship program?
Wendy Bloedow: The operating engineer program is great, especially for those already in the construction field. I was able to learn how to weld, get familiar with equipment I had never been given an opportunity to operate before, and learn to identify, set and lay grade.
AsphaltPro: Could you share with the readers what your job as a paving foreman for Rock Road requires of you for the asphalt team? (And what are some of your daily responsibilities, too?)
Wendy Bloedow: Paving foreman responsibilities include setting up your daily jobs as far as equipment and employees and trucking. Providing quality production. Training of some of the new hires. Making sure productivity is where it should be in a safe working environment.
On this night paving project, Bloedow is in the paver operator seat as the team paves in echelon for a seamless longitudinal joint.
AsphaltPro: Why did you become a paving foreman? What about that position attracted you?
Wendy Bloedow: I had operated the paver for roughly 13 years and was looking for a new challenge. I guess you could say I was intrigued at seeing if I was capable of all the responsibilities and if I succeeded, to be able to look back at the accomplishments of one’s crew.
AsphaltPro: What do you think is the most important skill you’ve brought to your position as a paving foreman in the asphalt industry? (and how would you encourage other women entering the industry to hone a similar skill to be any kind of foreman or lead operator they want to become?)
Wendy Bloedow: Positive attitude, optimistic outlook and good work ethics along with a sense of pride in workmanship. Encouragement by always working hard.
Never be afraid to fail. If you don’t fail or make mistakes, you’re not learning. Our world is more accepting of everyone than it has been in the past. Just work hard and show your good qualities. It will be noticed by management.
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AsphaltPro: What would you say was the most challenging “obstacle” you, as a female on the asphalt crew, had to overcome in the past 14 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?
Wendy Bloedow: There can be many obstacles in paving! The job itself can be challenging. The biggest obstacle would be facing and dealing with people who don’t believe in you or your abilities nor giving you a chance. You just have to keep trying and work hard. “Broad shoulders and thick skin” so to speak. It’s a challenge for us all. Know the difference between constructive and negative criticism; brush off the negative criticism.
AsphaltPro: What is something you never thought you’d get to do that you’ve experienced because of this career in asphalt?
Wendy Bloedow: Well for one, I never really thought I’d be a foreman, nor be chosen for the Women in Asphalt segment two years ago and now this interview. It is all rewarding! I am excited to do more training this coming spring and see where this asphalt road takes me.
On this night paving project, Bloedow is in the paver operator seat as the team paves in echelon for a seamless longitudinal joint.
AsphaltPro: Let’s talk about teamwork. What is the most challenging project you’ve been a part of and how did you and the Rock Road crew overcome the challenge?
Wendy Bloedow: Every project has its own challenges. Might be weather, density or segregation. As a crew, we might change up rolling patterns, or make adjustments with the paver. Constant communication is key with plant and lab techs. Adjustments can be made accordingly and quickly.
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?
Wendy Bloedow: This industry is more than just operating equipment. It’s working together as a crew shoveling, raking, compacting, etc., whatever it may take to achieve a job well done. It’s a career choice that one has to have the drive for hard work and long hours. And it is also rewarding on many levels.
AsphaltPro: What is the most rewarding aspect for you of being in the asphalt business?
Wendy Bloedow: Being able to look back at our crews’ accomplishments of jobs we’ve paved. Also the amount of things I’ve learned and am still learning every day. It’s endless!
AsphaltPro: Will you tell us about a person who served as a mentor for you and how this person encouraged you? Is there a piece of advice you can pass along?
AsphaltPro: Could you share with the readers what your job as a paving foreman for Rock Road requires of you for the asphalt team? (And what are some of your daily responsibilities, too?)
Wendy Bloedow: Paving foreman responsibilities include setting up your daily jobs as far as equipment and employees and trucking. Providing quality production. Training of some of the new hires. Making sure productivity is where it should be in a safe working environment.
AsphaltPro: Why did you become a paving foreman? What about that position attracted you?
Wendy Bloedow: I had operated the paver for roughly 13 years and was looking for a new challenge. I guess you could say I was intrigued at seeing if I was capable of all the responsibilities and if I succeeded, to be able to look back at the accomplishments of one’s crew.
AsphaltPro: What do you think is the most important skill you’ve brought to your position as a paving foreman in the asphalt industry? (and how would you encourage other women entering the industry to hone a similar skill to be any kind of foreman or lead operator they want to become?)
Wendy Bloedow: Positive attitude, optimistic outlook and good work ethics along with a sense of pride in workmanship. Encouragement by always working hard.
Never be afraid to fail. If you don’t fail or make mistakes, you’re not learning. Our world is more accepting of everyone than it has been in the past. Just work hard and show your good qualities. It will be noticed by management.
AsphaltPro: What would you say was the most challenging “obstacle” you, as a female on the asphalt crew, had to overcome in the past 14 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?
Wendy Bloedow: There can be many obstacles in paving! The job itself can be challenging. The biggest obstacle would be facing and dealing with people who don’t believe in you or your abilities nor giving you a chance. You just have to keep trying and work hard. “Broad shoulders and thick skin” so to speak. It’s a challenge for us all.
Know the difference between constructive and negative criticism; brush off the negative criticism.
AsphaltPro: What is something you never thought you’d get to do that you’ve experienced because of this career in asphalt?
Wendy Bloedow: Well for one, I never really thought I’d be a foreman, nor be chosen for the Women in Asphalt segment two years ago and now this interview. It is all rewarding! I am excited to do more training this coming spring and see where this asphalt road takes me.
AsphaltPro: Let’s talk about teamwork. What is the most challenging project you’ve been a part of and how did you and the Rock Road crew overcome the challenge?
Wendy Bloedow: Every project has its own challenges. Might be weather, density or segregation. As a crew, we might change up rolling patterns, or make adjustments with the paver. Constant communication is key with plant and lab techs. Adjustments can be made accordingly and quickly.
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?
Wendy Bloedow: This industry is more than just operating equipment. It’s working together as a crew shoveling, raking, compacting, etc., whatever it may take to achieve a job well done. It’s a career choice that one has to have the drive for hard work and long hours. And it is also rewarding on many levels.
AsphaltPro: What is the most rewarding aspect for you of being in the asphalt business?
Wendy Bloedow: Being able to look back at our crews’ accomplishments of jobs we’ve paved. Also the amount of things I’ve learned and am still learning every day. It’s endless!
AsphaltPro: Will you tell us about a person who served as a mentor for you and how this person encouraged you? Is there a piece of advice you can pass along?
Wendy Bloedow: Where do I begin? There have been many throughout my career. From the first day of paving, first day operating a paver, roller, road widener, shuttle buggy to where I am now. It’s hard to choose just one.
My advice to anyone that has the drive to be in the asphalt industry is to be a trainable person. Be willing to work hard, ask questions, listen and never give up. I’ve worked under many foremen and supervisors that could see that drive and they were more than willing to teach me. They want to see you succeed just as much as you want to succeed. You’ve got to want it!
Wendy Bloedow: Where do I begin? There have been many throughout my career. From the first day of paving, first day operating a paver, roller, road widener, shuttle buggy to where I am now. It’s hard to choose just one.
My advice to anyone that has the drive to be in the asphalt industry is to be a trainable person. Be willing to work hard, ask questions, listen and never give up. I’ve worked under many foremen and supervisors that could see that drive and they were more than willing to teach me. They want to see you succeed just as much as you want to succeed. You’ve got to want it!