Influential Woman · Milling road construction

Lisa Thorn

Area millng manager, Ongrade Contracting, Inc.

Leesburg, FL

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree College degree Member Women of Asphalt Member FTBA

Her Story

About Lisa

I started my first milling job in 1985 and worked as a foreman and operator for many years before stepping into my current role as operations manager and area manager for Central Florida about 5 years ago. I've been on every piece of equipment there is. When I first started, I had to deal with the good old boy syndrome - the older men back in 85 did not think women belonged out here. I actually had several employers who only hired me because it was a joke. But I never gave in, I just kept going. My dad told me you'll never say I can't, because can't could never do anything. You get on it, you do it, and you figure it out, and you go on with it. That's how I learned everything - I got on it, I checked out what everything did, and I went from there. I've never said no. I do have a college degree, but once I got it, it wasn't what I wanted to do, so I came back to this because I enjoy it. I enjoy going different places - you're never bored. Every job is absolutely different, a different scene. You get to see beautiful sunsets, beautiful sunrises, things I would have never got to see if I hadn't have been doing this. Being in the position I'm in now is probably the best that it's been the entire time I've been in it, though I do miss mowing.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Lisa

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to hard work and being a single mom that told me to keep going. And a dad on the other side that said I could always do anything I wanted. I guess that's it. I just kept with it.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I had someone tell me one time that I have the ability, the initiative, and that there was nothing I couldn't run. I have been on every piece of equipment there is. My dad told me you'll never say I can't, because can't could never do anything. You get on it, you do it, and you figure it out, and you go on with it. That's how I learned everything. I got on it, I checked out what everything did, and I went from there. I've never said no.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Never say I can't, because you can do it. Any woman that really wants to do it can do it. Don't let other guys influence the way she feels about doing something. You have to think for yourself, don't let everybody else think for you.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Right now, the challenges are the younger generation. This is just my opinion, because I'm in the position I'm in now - the girls work harder than the men because they feel that they have to do a good job, and some of these newer guys are coming in, and they don't care. They just don't care. I think their challenge would be just to make themselves known and to do it and just stick with it. The challenge is sticking with it. If you can stick with it, you'll do great.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Pride - you need to be prideful of what you do. And honesty. I think you should always be able to walk away from something proud of what you just left behind.

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