Megan Muller
Vickie Brown is a Heavy Equipment Operator at QAP, which is a part of Colaska, Inc., the Colas USA subsidiary that operates throughout Alaska.
Read more about Vickie through the following spotlight.
Describe your role to someone who is not familiar with the construction industry or Colas USA.
I am a mainstay on the asphalt paving crew. When I’m not paving, I fill in different areas such as driving trucks, running loaders, rock trucks, sweepers, water trucks – whatever needs to be done. Clean up, flagging, dirt work, etc… I do it all!
What has been your favorite project so far?
One of my favorite projects was the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Auke Bay Laboratory at Lena Point in Juneau, AK. I was an apprentice at the time and was working with a great group of people who taught me many things.
What drew you to working within the construction industry?
The idea of learning new things and making a better wage while doing it is what drew me to the construction industry.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work every day?
Let’s be honest – the financial aspect is of course the main reason why we work for others! But, there is also much satisfaction in looking back at a project well done.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know how intuitive and empathetic I am. Most people probably don’t know that I would rather be hanging out with animals in nature than in the loud environment of my work.
From her nomination:
“Vickie is always willing to teach those around her the skills she has acquired in the many years she has been with the company. Vickie also has a very strong work ethic that is unmatched by the majority of today’s workforce, which she sets an example for those who work with and around her.”