From a young age, Alejandra Harvey knew she wanted to start something on her own from the ground up. She just didnt know what that would be. So, in the meantime, she began a career in hospital administration with positions at the Hospital Corporation of America and the Swedish Medical Center. She ultimately climbed the ladder to become the Associate Chief Operating Officer at Presbyterian St. Lukes Medical Center.
However, that nagging desire that she wanted to build something unique and different was still there. When Harvey found an investment opportunity with a striping company, she felt inspired to participate.
While that particular opportunity didnt come to fruition, it did light a fire in me, said Harvey. Soon after, in 2016, I sailed away from my safe harbor to start American Striping Company with two refurbished trucks and three employees.
The vision of the American Striping Company was not to become the biggest pavement marking company in Colorado, but rather the best in terms of quality, customer service and cost. Most importantly, the goal was to be a solid, dependable employer in the community, said Harvey.
In just three and a half years, Harvey took the company from $400,000 in sales in 2016 to $10.5 million in 2019. The fleet has grown from two refurbished trucks to a fleet of more than 55 vehicles and the employee count grew from three to 50. Harvey has also worked actively to address and manage the problems that arise with seasonal work.
We are working to implement new pay practices that will ensure employees stay employed year-round, independent of weather, she said. This will be significant as it will reduce the need for employees to apply for unemployment, decrease turnover costs and increase savings and efficiencies. The most critical outcome will result in increased financial stability for our employees and their families.
Harveys innovation has led to numerous honors such as being named Top 40 under 40 by Construction Magazine, receiving the Rising Star award from Colorado Business Magazine and being chosen as a finalist for Women in Business in a Non-Traditional Industry by the Metro North Womens Chamber.
As a leader, Harvey says she believes that independent thinking, humility and open mindedness have been instrumental in her success. She also believes that following your dreams, trusting your instincts and developing your talents is essential and rewarding.
Build trust, break glass, challenge the status quo and combine all voices toward a common goal, said Harvey. For her willingness to inspire and motivate others while leading a growing team at American Striping Company, Harvey has been named a Titan of industry.
