Jessica Palmer, executive director of the South Carolina Aggregates Association (SCAA), paid P&Q a visit to discuss her career in the industry, her experience as a woman in a male-dominated field and her work with SCAA over the past four years.
How did you get your start in aggregates?
I started as a pre-med/nursing major at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). [Then] I learned about the concrete industry management program [at MTSU] and the unique opportunity it offered. It was a good chance for me to do something different, branch out and challenge myself.
I graduated in 2005 and went to work for Cemex. Unfortunately, that was right around the economic downturn in 2007-2008. At that point, I decided to go back and finish my nursing degree. After I graduated, I worked as a pediatric mom-baby nurse for almost eight years where I enjoyed teaching and helping families achieve their goals. But I wanted more and the entrepreneur in me was ready to grow, so I started my own consulting business.
It was at that time I was approached about a position back in the industry and went on to join the Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA) in 2017. I loved getting back in the industry and starting to build and develop relationships with the members, develop a program that wasn’t there before and strengthen things that were already there.
SCAA, which was founded in 2019, approached me because I knew a lot of members through CRMCA. SCAA’s executive director was ready to retire, and they approached me for that position. I’ve been here for two and a half years now. It’s great to see the organization thrive and strengthen the voice of our industry.
What would be your message to other women in the aggregate industry?
Don’t be intimidated. Be confident. That confidence comes from learning and growing, but also humility. Not being afraid to dive in or get it wrong. That’s how we grow. My greatest lessons in life were not from when I was doing it perfectly. It was from times I could have done things differently or I didn’t get the outcome I thought I would.
Being a female in a male-dominated industry, it is a relationship business, but it’s [also] knowing how to carry yourself and understanding that respect is earned. It’s not just directly given. That goes both ways. Don’t be afraid to get out there and learn, grow and show up in a respectful way for yourself.
What are your thoughts on how SCAA has grown since 2021?
South Carolina is a growth state. It’s on the radar for a lot of these companies. They have a lot of options on where they invest, so we ask ourselves, how do we stand out so it’s not ‘Maybe I can join that association,’ but rather ‘I’m missing out if I’m not a member of this association’? We are trying to continuously improve and think outside the box for ways that make us stand out, while also making sure we are growing in a sustainable manner that provides a consistent return on their investment.
How important is it for state associations to develop relationships with other state associations?
We’re all learning from each other. Working with state associations has been fantastic. We bounce ideas off each other all the time. We understand the issues that are important to our members. We work together and figure out what kinds of things we can do to make our associations better as a whole, which only helps the industry and their businesses.
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