Happy International Women’s Day! It’s been over a century since this holiday began, and it celebrates women’s progress in society, politics, and history.
At Southeastern, we’re lucky to be led by great female powerhouses in every department. We caught up with Nicole Belcher, Melissa Cowman, and Charla Mayhew on what it means for them to be groundbreakers here at Southeastern. Read on to find out how their journeys started and why they think being part of our team is so special.
Nicole Blecher – Customer Success Manager
Years of Service – 4 years
After working with her husband in the trucking industry and then moving into a Parts Coordinator/Service Writer position in the landfill industry, she knew once she laid eyes on the heavy equipment industry that’s where she wanted to be.
“I love being a part of an industry that builds our infrastructure. That I can tell people I work in one of the biggest industries in the US.”
What changes in the industry have you seen over the years?
“When I first started, there were only a few women in heavy construction, and there were many hurdles that I had to overcome. The most challenging obstacle many women had, and still sometimes do, is not having an equipment background and learning it on the job. I was fortunate enough to have a mechanic husband and work with him in the trucking industry. I brought that knowledge with me when I started.
Since many women don’t have that equipment background like I did, they feel like they have to prove themselves more. The best way I have found to overcome this is by asking questions, especially to my technicians. Having a great relationship with your technicians is key to gaining equipment knowledge.”
What do you love most about your day?
“I love seeing customers leave with big smiles and being satisfied with the job that we did for them. They walk out the door knowing that we have inspected every inch of their machine. We can tell that customer everything that is going on and even find things that the customer didn’t know were happening with their machine.”
Do you have any advice for another woman who is starting out in the construction field?
“The best advice I can give is to stay strong, and like Rosie the Riveter says, WE CAN DO IT! Be loud, so you’re being seen and heard when you have an opinion or idea. If you’re not loud, you’ll get bulldozed over.
I get my inspiration from the generation before me. They set the path for many women in the workforce. My mother was a single mother, so she had to work to provide for her family, and many times she had to work a lot of long hours. To this day, she is still a role model to me.”
Melissa Cowman – Professional Development Manager
Years of Service – 4 years
Breaking new ground isn’t anything new for Melissa. She started her career as a social worker, and after being in the field for a while, she realized talent acquisition was where she wanted to be. “I was working at a firm and had Southeastern as a client. When the opportunity came to join the team, I jumped on it!”
What’s the best part of your job?
“The best part is watching other people I have brought in succeed and seeing their contributions. Especially now, looking back at the four years I have been here and seeing all the people I have brought on … I can’t help but smile!
I also love learning new things from our veteran employees. I learned more about the parts in two hours with Carrie Haiflich than I did learning at the desk. By learning from our veteran employees, I can be a better recruiter, because I understand more about the position and the skills I need to be interviewing for.”
What recruiting goals do you have this year?
“One of my biggest goals is to hire Southeastern’s first female technician. I have one shadowing right now, and she’s AMAZING. I’d love to be able to bring more women onto the team. I want Southeastern to have the most diverse and hard-working team out there.
My other goal this year is to continue to build our vocational outreach program. It’s where students can come to work for us while still in school and get hands-on experience. The goal of this program is that after they graduate school, they’ll come onto our team full-time.”
What advice would you give to another woman starting in construction?
“Don’t let the idea that construction is a male-driven industry stop you. Be confident in your knowledge and experiences because nothing can stop you if you know where you want to be.
In high school, I was pushed to go into a more “woman-related career.” I just made my own path and didn’t let them stop me, so don’t be afraid to make your own path. Be a groundbreaker.”
Charla Mayhew – Marketing and Communications Director
Years of Service – 4 years
Charla’s never been one to be afraid to pave her own path. After getting her undergraduate degree in graphic design and photography, she knew she wanted to do something big.
“Originally, I thought I wanted to be a photography teacher and started school for it. But, I got a killer marketing internship at a local automotive tool company. Fast forward 4 years later, and I got the opportunity to join Southeastern. I’ve loved every minute since then.”
What’s the most exciting thing about being in this industry?
“There’s such an opportunity for women to grow. There are so few of us, but we’re on the rise. I love that I can be a part of the change and help push things forward. The perception that women can’t cut it is so last century.”
Who has inspired you along the way?
“My past brand manager inspired me. I asked her how I could move forward in my career, and she’s the one that told me to continue my schooling. She’s the one that really started my career in marketing.
I’m also inspired by several of our agency partners. They’re pushing me to look at my job, how I’m doing things now, and what I should be doing instead. It’s helpful — you have to be open and implement new changes.”
What keeps you at Southeastern?
“There are so many great people here that it makes the job worth doing. I love telling Southeastern’s story and helping people fall in love with Southeastern.”
These are just three examples of the incredible women on our team. We’re honored to have you here, so keep up the great work!