Featuring Women on the Move with Utility Pro™ and their Safety Alliance Program. The Safety Alliance’s mission is to unite professionals and promote safe, responsible practices in the workplace. The Safety Alliance aspires to be the go-to resource for industry news and best practices, and we are committed to helping workers stay safe on the job.
Jessica’s mission is to educate and empower women (& men) who want to get into the Trucking Industry.
Could you tell us about yourself and how you got into the gravel and trucking industries?
A few years ago, I felt a strong urge to step out on faith and try something new. I was tired of living in a box. I knew that there was so much more that I could do. I wanted to diversify my experiences outside of my 9 to 5 life. This led me to a search for different business opportunities. After researching for several months, I came across the trucking on social media. I purchased a few classes and then decided to dive into the world of trucking. I purchased a truck and trailer and the rest is history.
What were the main challenges you faced when entering a male-dominated field?
The earliest challenge I faced were individuals that did not take me seriously. I recall visiting truck dealerships early on, and some of the salesmen didn’t think that I was prepared to actually purchase a truck. But once I spoke up and articulated what I was looking for, they realized that I was knowledgeable about the industry. I had to embrace my role as a new business owner and fight past those situations in order to accomplish my goal.
Do you think things are getting easier/more accepting for women in trucking and other male-dominated fields?
It is true that trucking is a male-dominated industry, but with the constant need for trucking companies and the industry’s growth potential, there is more than enough room for women to join and become successful! It is becoming more accepted for women to be part of the trucking industry.
Who are your role models?
My parents are my role models. They are caring, supportive, and encouraging. I would not have made it this far without their love and support.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy serving in ministry, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
What is the most important advice you would give a woman, specifically, getting into the trucking business?
I would tell women that you are worthy, capable, and strong enough to get into trucking. You will face challenges and hard times. But you must be determined to fight for it. Your destiny awaits.
What are your goals for the next two years?
My goal is to continue educating. Through my social media efforts, I’ve discovered a passion for teaching people about trucking. Over the next few years, I plan to offer a mentorship program and plan to scale it to a community of business men and women who are in the trucking industry. My community will have practical steps on how to start and run a trucking business. I want to maximize my gifts and use them to make a difference in the world.
How would you define a successful life?
A successful life is a life operating in purpose. Doing the things that I was created to do.
What was the most difficult moment in your career and how did you overcome it?
The most difficult moment in my career occurred a year ago. I had to let go of my driver at the time and it took a few months before I could find a new one. During that time, I watched my savings disappear as I had to deal with numerous truck repairs and parking expenses. To make matters worse, payment for my last 3 loads were delayed. My business bank account balance went down to $3.33. I was just about ready to give up at that point. But I kept on fighting, and somehow, I managed to stay afloat and get my truck back on the road. It wasn’t pretty. But it was worth it.
What kind of posts resonate most with your audience?
The posts that resonate most with my audience are informational post where I provide key information about the trucking industry.
What do you say to people who doubt women’s abilities to work in certain fields?
Actions speak louder than words. And the best way to show that a woman can work in certain industries is by doing it. When women go out and work in these fields, it shows that we are able to get the job done.
Connect with Jessica
Check out her interview at: https://www.utilityprowear.com/pages/the-safety-alliance-jessica-marie
Check out this article and others like it in our Empowering Women in Industry Digital Magazine.
By: Utility Pro
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