Chelsea Ellis-Hogan didn’t set out to work in construction.

But growing up around entrepreneurs, she saw what it looked like to build something, solve problems, and still be present for the moments that mattered.

Now, as CEO and majority owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt, she’s not just continuing a 40+ year business, she’s reshaping how it operates.

In this conversation, we talk about what it’s like to step into a family business, earn trust in an industry that’s traditionally male-dominated, and introduce new ways of thinking without losing what made the company successful in the first place.

From leadership retreats and team development to bringing things like yoga and mental health into a construction crew, Chelsea shares how she’s building a culture that people want to be a part of.

We also get into succession planning, developing leaders from within, and what it takes to grow a business that’s meant to last beyond the next generation.

About Chelsea Ellis-Hogan

Chelsea Ellis-Hogan is the CEO and majority owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor, a family-owned business that has been serving the Louisville community for more than 40 years.

Growing up around entrepreneurs, Chelsea developed an early interest in business, but didn’t originally see herself in the construction industry. Over time, she found her place by focusing on systems, leadership, and building strong relationships, bringing a fresh perspective into a legacy business.

Today, she leads across multiple areas of the company, from commercial sales and marketing to operations and team development. Her approach blends practical experience with a focus on culture, investing in her team through leadership training, retreats, and new ways of thinking about growth.

Chelsea is also passionate about mentorship, continuous learning, and helping others find their path, whether in business ownership or the trades.

Learn more at:

https://jimreynoldsasphalt.com/

About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.

With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.

She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, go to:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast