TLDR;
Denise Petho, the plant manager at Sylvi of Limerick, shares her 25-year journey from batch operator to her current role, highlighting the importance of detail orientation, continuous learning, and teamwork in managing a concrete plant. She discusses her daily responsibilities, the evolving nature of the industry, and the benefits of working at Sylvi, while also touching on the challenges and surprises she faces as a woman in a male-dominated field.
- Denise Petho's 25-year journey at Sylvi of Limerick.
- Daily responsibilities include plant inspection, concrete production, paperwork, and material management.
- Importance of teamwork, continuous learning, and detail orientation.
- Benefits of working at Sylvi, such as 401k and healthcare.
- Challenges and surprises faced as a woman in the industry.
Introduction [0:02]
Denise Petho introduces herself as the plant manager at Sylvi of Limerick, celebrating her 25th year with the company. She recounts her career progression, starting as a batch operator at Sylvie Concrete for over 20 years, then becoming the assistant, and finally the plant manager in 2018. Denise also mentions her educational background, including attending rec school and obtaining plant manager certification from the NRMCA (National Ready Mixed Concrete Association).
Daily Responsibilities [0:28]
Denise describes her typical day, which starts early, usually by 6 a.m. She begins with a plant walk-through to ensure everything is functioning correctly, followed by opening the computer system and preparing for concrete production. After her assistant arrives, she shifts her focus to the previous day's paperwork, including time cards, fuel sheets, and smart drive checks for coaching needs. She also manages material supplies, parts, and admixtures, highlighting the juggling act required to keep the plant running smoothly. Denise is also ready to operate the loader if needed, allowing the mechanic to focus on other tasks.
Teamwork and Relationships [1:13]
Denise emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the strong relationships she has built with her colleagues. Having been at the location longer than anyone else, she has developed a rapport with her drivers, many of whom have been with the company for 15 to 20 years. She highlights that the plant's success depends on the collaborative efforts of the drivers, maintenance personnel, her assistant, and herself. She also mentions that maintaining a clean plant is a priority.
Evolving Industry [1:56]
Denise discusses the ever-changing nature of the concrete industry, noting that things are constantly evolving with new mix designs, processes, trucks, plants, and people. She advises aspiring plant managers to be detail-oriented and stay on top of everything to avoid falling behind. She also values the support and advice she receives from fellow managers, who she can rely on for guidance on unfamiliar issues.
Benefits and Challenges [2:50]
Denise mentions the benefits of working at Sylvi, including the 401k and healthcare plan. She also shares her experiences on job sites, where people are often surprised to see a woman as the plant manager. She recounts instances where people look past her when she arrives to address an incident or accident. Denise credits her upbringing with three brothers and a mechanically inclined father for equipping her with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field. She emphasizes the importance of having mechanical knowledge, especially when running a concrete plant.