Competitive spirit: Kitty Hoyle takes her family business in new directions

Concrete Producer, The, April, 2005 by Rick Yelton

She credits much of the success of the new Shelby plant to the foreman. Jason Hamrick (no direct relation) started at the precast plant and moved into ready-mixed operations soon after the plant began. "Jason's been raised properly, as he's very respectful to women and to all employees," says Hoyle. "And this sense of fair play and hard work has carried through to our employees and customers."

Future endeavors

And now Holye is challenged by the future. She continues to compete for more market share. She also searches for more respect, striving to be considered more than a minority-owned business. "For us to profit, we need to earn our work on the same playing field as our large competitors," she explains.

Hoyle believes her future challenges come from her company's size. To prepare for growth, Hoyle recently installed Command Alkon's Command Concrete total system at both plant. "It's been a big undertaking, but now I have the capability for expansion, and the information I need to manage like my larger competitors," says Hoyle.

Hoyle has one goal for the future of women in concrete. "I hope programs like the Concrete Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University encourage more women to enter our industry," she says.

Hoyle's support for education is known in her area. There are plans to award the Wellington Hamrick Educational Scholarship to assist selected Cleveland County High School graduates who plan to pursue technical, math, or science careers.

One supporter Hoyle counts squarely on is her husband, Marvin Hoyle, who owns a trucking company that serves as Wellington Hamrick's main contract hauler. While partners in life, Hoyle says their on-the-job relationship is purely competitive. What does the future hold? Hoyle smiles and says, "I'm planning on winning for a long time."