A Woman’s Journey in the Asphalt Industry
by Kristi Randolph
Working in the asphalt industry as a woman—within an OEM manufacturing environment—means navigating a space historically dominated by men, while contributing to the innovation and progress that keeps our roads, highways, and infrastructure moving forward. As someone who works for a company that designs and builds paving equipment, I’ve found this journey both challenging and deeply rewarding.
The asphalt industry has long been considered a male-dominated space—one where hard hats, heavy machinery, and rugged job sites have traditionally been associated with men. But times are changing. Women are stepping into roles across the industry, not just in administrative or support functions, but in engineering, production, leadership, and fieldwork. And they’re not just participating—they’re paving the way.
As someone with an education in Engineering and a career built in industries where women were often the minority, I’ve learned to navigate environments where I was frequently the only woman in the room. That experience shaped me. It taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of showing up with both competence and authenticity. Now, working in the asphalt industry, I see those same dynamics at play—but I also see incredible opportunity.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is helping bridge the gap between technology and the people who use it. Whether it’s developing campaigns that highlight the durability of our equipment or working with trade publications to share customer success stories, I get to amplify the voices of our customers and showcase the impact of our work. It’s especially meaningful when I see other women featured—operators, engineers, and leaders—who are also breaking barriers in the field.
From the perspective of an OEM, we see firsthand how women contribute to every stage of the asphalt lifecycle. At our facility, they’re involved in manufacturing products, parts fulfillment, customer service, purchasing, human resources, finance and marketing. From marketing new product lines to supporting field teams with technical documentation and customer engagement, every day presents an opportunity to learn something new.
One of the most powerful shifts I’ve witnessed in my 10 years in the industry, is the growing network of women supporting each other. Whether it’s through associations, mentorship programs, or informal connections, women in asphalt are building communities that uplift and empower. We’re sharing knowledge, celebrating wins, and encouraging the next generation to see this industry as a place where they can thrive. I’ve had the privilege of serving on committees for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and the National Asphalt Pavement Association, and the networking opportunities these roles have provided have been truly invaluable. Organizations like Women of Asphalt have also been instrumental in creating a sense of community and support. Through mentorship, networking, and professional development, they’ve helped elevate the visibility of women in all areas of the industry. Being part of this movement has reinforced my belief that representation matters—not just for those of us currently in the field, but for the next generation of women considering careers in construction, engineering, and manufacturing. When young women see others like them succeeding in these careers, it expands their vision of what’s possible. It tells them, “You can do this too.”
And yet, there’s still work to be done. Women remain underrepresented in many technical and field roles. Barriers—both visible and invisible—still exist. That’s why it’s crucial to continue advocating for inclusion, offering mentorship, and creating pathways for women to enter and advance in the industry. But over time, I’ve learned that expertise, passion, and commitment to excellence speak louder than stereotypes. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside senior level management, engineers, product managers, and field operators who value performance and results—regardless of gender. There were certainly challenges but each one became a steppingstone. Each success, no matter how small, reinforced the belief that women not only belong in this industry—they are essential to its future.
The asphalt world is evolving. Technology is advancing, sustainability is becoming a priority, and the workforce is diversifying. Women are contributing to this evolution in meaningful ways. We’re designing smarter equipment, managing complex logistics, leading marketing strategies, and driving innovation from the OEM side to the paving crews on the ground. The future of asphalt is not just about better roads—it’s about building a better workforce. One that reflects the diversity of our communities and leverages the strengths of all its members. Women bring unique perspectives, collaborative energy, and a problem-solving mindset that enriches the industry.
As I look ahead, I’m proud to be part of an industry that’s evolving—and proud to contribute to that evolution from within an OEM that’s committed to innovation, quality, and progress. Being a woman in asphalt isn’t just about marketing the equipment that paves roads—it’s about paving the way for others to follow.
So, to the women who are already here—thank you for paving the way. Let’s encourage the next generation to see this industry as a place where they, too, can thrive. And to the industry leaders—keep opening doors and investing in the future.
Kristi Randolph is the Director of Marketing for LeeBoy. She can be reached at Kristi.Randolph@Leeboy.com
