Jackrabbit in the spotlight / Roth’s future may include return to alma mater

Emma Roth never knew a degree in concrete industry management existed when she enrolled at South Dakota State University in fall 2021. Now she is only a semester away from graduating and has made quite an impact on the 3-year-old program.

She would like to make an even bigger impact in the future — as program director.

Roth, of Sioux Falls, enrolled as an animal science major but didn’t find that to her liking. Searching on the SDSU website through its list of majors, she stumbled upon concrete industry management. Given that her father works in the construction field, she decided to give it a try. Both Roth and Tim Hostettler, director of the concrete industry management program, are glad she did.

In her 2 ½ years in the major, she has founded two construction clubs, mentored underclassmen and set a goal of eventually returning to the program to be its director.

“I have a dream of coming back to SDSU to be a professor in the CIM program. I want to leave a lasting impact in the industry whether through teaching future generations or actively contributing within the field. Tim has made a significant impact on my life and my career goals.”

Hostettler, who was hired in July 2021, hopes it is a dream that comes true.

He said, “Coming from industry, I was taught that as a manager the first thing you need to do is start thinking about your succession plan. 

“So, my plan?  In the first few years of the program, identify a student as my potential successor who is passionate about the concrete industry, excited about our program, makes other people comfortable and enjoys helping them succeed, and is as comfortable chatting with the owner of a billion-dollar company as she is coaching a shy incoming freshman. 

“When Emma joined us in our second semester, it did not take long to realize that she checked all of those boxes.”     

Following her graduation in December, Roth plans to seek a master’s degree in concrete industry management at Middle Tennessee State, the only university to offer that degree. Then she plans to work in industry sales. After that, who knows.

“I love to help students out. If I could give students the same opportunity I had, that would be very rewarding to me,” said Roth, who also will earn minors in marketing and engineering management.

Roth was in her first year in the program when Hostettler asked her, “‘What are you doing in 10 years,’” she recalled. “‘Maybe you would like to come back and take over the program.’ It would just be an honor to take over. I just like to help people in general.” 

Founder of women’s construction club 

Hostettler noted, “In the fall of our third year, conversations with some of our existing students made us realize how challenging it is for new freshmen in their first semester. 

“For many, it is their first time away from home for any length of time, not to mention finding their way around campus and negotiating classes, so the learning curve is steep. We came up with the idea of student mentors, where each of the incoming CIM freshmen would have an upper-class CIM mentor to help them find their way around the obstacles and understand the finer points of our non-typical program. 

“As we had more incoming freshman than upper classmen at that time, Emma ended up as mentor to four or five freshmen. 

“She took to that challenge as she does with every challenge, head on and fearlessly. From tips on where to eat, have business cards made, what to expect on which trip, or how to apply for scholarships, Emma was and continues to be a terrific resource for our new students.”     

Part of Roth’s altruistic efforts is seen in spearheading formation of the Women in Concrete and Construction Club. Efforts to form a constitution began in October 2023 with the first monthly meeting held in February. A vigorous launch is planned in 2024-25 with guest speakers and business and self-improvement activities.

She said, “I wanted a place where, since we’re such a small group, women feel safe and hear you do belong in a male-dominated industry. You’re supported, motivated and valued.” Roth, who is president, added, “Tim was very supportive and the girls absolutely love the club.”

Other charter members, all in the concrete industry program, are Katherine Connor, Olivia Van Zee, Grace Jensen, Samantha “Sam” Fogle  and Brittany DeGroot.

DeGroot became the program’s first graduate in May. Roth and Josue Mendez will become the second and third graduates in December.

Roth is also the president and founder of SDSU’s student American Concrete Institute chapter. 

Learning includes convention trips 

Roth describes her SDSU experience as “nothing but exceptional. I’ve had beyond a great experience.” 

Highlights include trips to Las Vegas for the World of Concrete convention, to San Antonio and Tampa Bay for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association convention, and to Denver and Nashville for the ConcreteWorks convention plus numerous lifelong friendships and networking opportunities.

In addition to classroom instruction and field trips, Roth already has a wealth of practical experience. In summer 2022 after her freshman year, she had an internship in quality control with a testing firm in Sioux Falls. Then interned for a ready  mix company in summer 2023. This summer she is interning at a Sioux City, Iowa, ready mix firm.

In addition, through her schooling she has gained American Concrete Institute certification, which most concrete industry companies require for technical or managerial personnel. 

“Generally, companies will arrange for this certification process after the employee is on-boarded, but CIM students receive it in their sophomore year free of charge thanks to one of the program’s industry patrons,” Hostettler said.  

Not who contractors expected

Nonetheless, when she pulls up on the job site, “Some people are definitely shocked by it. They don’t expect a 21-year-old tall girl to step out of a big truck. There is a mixture of shock and support. It’s fun to talk to the guys. They say ‘I can’t believe you’re doing it.’ I tell them ‘I love it and I’m here to stay,’” Roth said.

One of those who is pleasantly surprised is her dad, Dan Roth, a sales account representative for Cemcast Pipe and Precast, of Hartford, working with regional contractors.

“I think he would have never imagined having a daughter in the same industry as he is, but now it is pretty fun to talk shop with him and get to know some of the same people. Growing up I always tagged around with him before or after school. He had a red hard hat in the backseat of his work truck. I would jokingly wear that. Now here I am wearing the hard hat to work every day,” Roth said.

Among the places she wore a hard hat at last year was the reconstruction of 41^st Street in Sioux Falls.

“Every time I look at it (41^st Street), I remember standing right there. I helped build that. It’s very rewarding. It’s an honor to help create the world we live in today.”