It isn't an everyday occurrence to have a company passed down through generations for decades. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. In the case of Jenning's Asphalt & Construction, a family-owned business faced a significant setback when there was no one in the family with the expertise to run it. But with the determination and hard work of a grandchild, along with the support of a few key people, this business is now thriving.

From Stagnation to Success: The Story of Jenning's Asphalt & Construction

History and Legacy

Jenning's Asphalt & Construction was started by John Lee Jennings in 1984, primarily focusing on sealcoating and working on driveways and small parking lots. Ebony Jennings fondly recalls hearing her grandfather's truck coming down the street with the big seal tank. But when John Jennings passed away in 1996, the company was left without a leader. The equipment was sold, and the business went into a state of stagnation.However, Jennings never gave up on the idea of reviving her grandfather's business. She started teaching herself and, during the pandemic, saw it as an opportunity to pursue her dream. She did extensive research and joined different social media groups to learn more about the industry.

Learning from Others

During her research, Jennings came across American Pavement and was inspired by their work. She took a bold step and called them, and to her surprise, the owner's wife answered. She shared her story with her, and soon the owner, Bill, called her back and provided her with valuable knowledge.Jennings' father also advised her to seek out Karen from Eaton Asphalt in Wisconsin. Karen took her under her wing and taught her about estimating, bidding jobs, and operating the roller. With the help of these two asphalt companies, Jennings was able to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to bring her grandfather's company back to life.

Versatility and Adaptability

Today, Jenning's Asphalt & Construction does a variety of work, with a focus on paving. While they mainly work on city and county projects, they never forget their roots and continue to take on driveway and small parking lot jobs. This flexibility has allowed the company to thrive and become a valuable subcontractor for larger companies.Jennings understands the importance of being a subcontractor when starting out as a new company. She knows that competing with established, multi-generational companies is tough, so she focuses on smaller projects that allow her to build her business.

Woman-Owned and Unique

One of the unique aspects of Jenning's Asphalt & Construction is that it is woman-owned. In an industry that is not known for its female employees, having a woman at the helm sets the company apart. Jennings is able to work with prime contractors in her community and is often sought out by them due to her company's minority and women-run status.She believes that being a small company gives her the opportunity to make a bigger impact in her community. She can take on projects that larger companies may overlook and provide valuable services to the local area.

Well-Deserved Recognition

The journey for Jennings has not been easy, but the support she has received from other women in the construction industry has been overwhelming. She receives messages and direct messages from women who are inspired by her story.Coming from a place where she was initially discouraged by a family member, Jennings has achieved a lot. She is now bidding on city, government, and state projects, and her story is inspiring other small minority contractors.Jennings has big plans for the future. She wants to continue growing her business and compete with larger prime contractors. She knows that the success of her company is not just about the money but also about the impact it can have on the community and the legacy she is building.With her determination and hard work, Jenning's Asphalt & Construction is paving the way for future generations and showing that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.