Share a little bit about yourself. What's a day in the life of Jennifer Bishop at Dynapac look like?
For the past five years, I’ve served as the Dealer Sales Manager for the Southeast. In this role, I focus on ensuring our dealer partners are well-equipped to succeed in their markets. This includes helping them stock the right equipment and parts to drive growth while providing their teams with all the tools and resources needed to support their customers effectively.
What I enjoy most about my job is that no two days are the same. Each day brings a new set of challenges and opportunities, which keeps the work exciting and rewarding. I genuinely believe work can and should be fun, and I’m grateful to be in a role that offers both challenges and enjoyment.
How does the role you play impact the industry?
I see myself as an advocate for the asphalt industry. By working closely with equipment dealer personnel, end-user decision-makers, and operators, I have the unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into their challenges and needs. This allows me to act as a bridge to communicate these insights back to our internal team as well as sharing them with others in the industry through my involvement with organizations like National Asphalt Paving Association.
How did you get your start in asphalt?
I got into the asphalt industry completely by accident. While working with an executive recruiting firm in the San Antonio market, I came across an opportunity with Dynapac North America that piqued my interest. At the time, I was looking for a change, and although my employer was reluctant to let me go, they selflessly submitted my resume. The rest, as they say, is history!
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Have you ever faced any unique challenges as your career progressed?
Yes, early in my career a promotion came with a requirement to travel and while I enjoyed the role, my children were still young, and the strain it placed on my family was something I couldn’t accept. I made the difficult but necessary decision to move into a different role with no travel requirements, and I have no regrets.
Looking back, I see that roadblock as an opportunity. It allowed me to gain deeper knowledge of the inner workings of our organization, which ultimately made me stronger and more effective in my current role.
The experiences for many women in construction are well documented. How would you describe your experience?
I’m incredibly grateful to the trailblazing women who came before me and paved the way for greater acceptance and recognition of our value in the industry. Thanks to their efforts, I’d say that 98% of my experiences over the years have been overwhelmingly positive. As for the remaining 2%, I’ve come to realize that those moments were more about the other person’s mindset than about me or my abilities.
How has your perspective as a woman helped you over the years?
Over the years, I’ve found that not focusing on being a woman in the industry has been one of my greatest strengths. When I reflect on the past two decades, I realize that being a woman hasn’t been a weakness or a strength—it’s simply been a part of who I am.
Were there times I felt the need to work harder to prove my value compared to my male counterparts? Absolutely. But in hindsight, I often wonder if that pressure came more from within than from others.
In your opinion, do you see barriers in recruiting women into construction?
Perhaps one of the barriers to recruiting women into the workforce is the perception that the higher ratio of men to women in the industry translates into a lack of acceptance for women. Speaking from personal experience, I can confidently say that this perception is largely unfounded.
Articles like this, which share the stories of women in the industry, play a crucial role in changing that narrative. I wasn’t born into this industry, nor did I initially aspire to spend my career in construction, but here I am—and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
How has the industry changed across the last twenty years in your eyes?
One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed in the industry is the growing acceptance of change and new technologies. The rise of multimedia has created opportunities that simply weren’t available in the past. It’s now easier than ever to share ideas, techniques, and innovations across the industry, fostering collaboration and driving progress.
This openness to technological advancements and knowledge-sharing has not only improved efficiency but has also helped the industry evolve to meet modern demands. It’s exciting to see how these changes continue to shape the future of our work.
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What key takeaway has made a personal difference for you?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in this industry is the importance of building and nurturing relationships. The asphalt industry feels like a small town—everyone knows each other. I’ve often said that while the logos on our shirts may change over the years, the faces remain the same.
Building strong relationships has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. Some of my closest friends in the industry are even competitors. We’re fortunate to work in a field filled with amazing people who bring vast knowledge and diverse experiences. Taking the time to get to know them, learn from their stories, and share insights has been invaluable. These connections truly last a lifetime, and you never know where they might lead.
What would you consider to be your “passion” topic in the industry? What is the subject that you get excited to talk about any chance you get?
Without a doubt, keeping workers safe is my passion topic in the industry. Before my current role, much of my career was in marketing, and while I had some exposure to job sites, nothing compares to the experience of walking behind a paver all night, getting to know the crew, and those supporting their efforts from the technicians to the DOT employees.
What drives me is the commitment to ensuring that everyone gets home safely to their families after every shift.
What would you like other women to know from your experiences who are new to the industry or thinking of joining the industry?
Find your mentor! It does not have to be a woman - most of my mentors have been men. The key is to find someone who can guide you, offer advice, and provide support as you navigate the industry.
