Breaking the mold
Patricia Madden is a technical sales specialist with the Ontario-based Austin Powder Company. In this interview with Avenues, she discusses her unconventional career climb, future prospects for the industry, and why her grandsons think she’s the “coolest grandma”
Q: What was your initial exposure to the aggregate industry?
A: I was born and raised in a rural area just east of Brantford and still reside there. Any exposure I had to aggregates as I was growing up, that I can recall, had to do with deliveries of stone or concrete for lane ways and or barnyards, silos and anything related to farming. The aggregate business was not anything I would have even thought of in terms of employment or career.
Q: When did you first seriously consider the idea of working in the industry?
A: In 1998, I was working for a milk transport company as a truck driver picking up milk at the farm and delivering to the dairy. The company I was working for was bought out by a larger company that took on one of the three drivers with the acquisition. I was one of the other two and therefore was looking for work. My brother-in-law played baseball with the location manager of Austin Powder Company in Hagersville, and told me they needed a driver.
Q: What was your first impression?
A: I had a meeting at the site, and to be honest, I really wondered if I was doing the right thing. First off, working with explosives – never would I have thought in a million years (that I would be doing this), and then, not only driving, but also operating a bulk explosive truck. This was something totally new for me, but I decided to go for it.
Q: Was hiring a woman a novel move at the time?
A: It was a big step for Austin because at the time they did not have any women drivers or operators and I was fortunate that (the manager) was willing to take that first step and hire a woman. Since that time I have operated the bulk trucks, been trained as a certified blaster (Austin Powder Co. first and only woman blaster) and now hold a technical sales position.
Q: How would you rate Austin Powder as an employer?
A: Austin has been an excellent company to work for, providing ongoing training and support for not only myself, but all their employees, and giving you the chance to advance if you have the desire. It is exciting being part of a growing company that has a vision. I can honestly say I love my job and am very proud of myself and the job I do. And, having five grandsons, they think I am the coolest grandma because “I blow up stuff !”
Q: What is your view on the future of the industry?
A: I think the next decade will be a very challenging time. There will be more and more regulations to adhere to and our industry will be challenged to raise the bar in technology so that we can do our jobs and stay within the parameters given. Our industry as a whole needs to go out and showcase itself if we want young people to choose a career with us. Austin has been active in participating in college level job fairs, but we know we have to become involved much sooner. If we want students to choose a career in our industry, we have to pique their interest as early as Grade 7 or 8. We will be participating in elementary-level career path days and engaging school guidance counselors to show them what we have to offer. This will also be a great way to get more women interested in the industry.