Women in Construction Spotlight: Sandra Boone

Keeley’ns join our family in many ways, and we value their growth no matter how they got their start. Sandra Boone, Administrative Assistant in the Paving Group, is a perfect example of this. She jumps in where needed and prioritizes her professional development to ensure that she is giving her customers and her team the highest quality service possible.

Sandra joined the Keeley team in October 2007 via a temp agency. After serving as receptionist, she was hired on full-time in June 2008 and worked out of Keeley Construction’s Sauget shop. She continued serving as receptionist, or as we like to call it, Director of First Impressions, while also handling Marketing and Event responsibilities. As the company grew and expanded across the river, she moved to Keeley’s St. Louis headquarters in December 2015. As “Director of First Impressions”, Sandra ensured headquarters was running smoothly and greeted every person that walked through the door with bright positivity and an infectious smile. In September 2021, after over 13 years in her role, Sandra knew it was time to grow in her career and made the transition to the Paving Group. As an Administrative Assistant for Paving, Sandra works on invoicing and billing for one of our largest accounts while doing whatever she can to help her team reach their goals. The support she has received over the years, and especially during her transition to the Paving Group, has given Sandra a sense of empowerment in everything she does.

“I know my team depends on me to meet their quotas, so I feel empowered to exceed my team’s expectations while ensuring that projects stay on track for our clients. I try to learn as much as possible while paving my own path and implementing my own way of doing things. This has given me more confidence in my role.”

Sandra didn’t necessarily know that she wanted to work in construction, but when she saw that Keeley had an opening, she leapt at the opportunity. Once she joined the team, she learned the industry by coming into work every day excited to learn and with an open mind. After years of getting to know our people and learning the ins and outs of the job, she knew she wanted to grow and join the Paving Group so she could be hands on with clients and projects. She loves the industry because she knows that there is always a new opportunity to learn and grow her skills. So, if Sandra could give one piece of advice to those just starting out in the industry, it would be:

“It’s not just about you, but it’s about your team. Look out for each other and have fun. Love what you do because that will make every day challenging and exciting. Be careful and always do what you can to help your team succeed.”

Since joining the Paving Group, Sandra has a clearer vision for her future with Keeley. She wants to continue learning more about everything that goes on in the Paving Group, help her team succeed year over year, all while growing her career to the next level. During her transition into her new role, she also learned one of her most valuable lessons.

“When I was working at the front desk, I was afraid to move to another department even though I wanted to learn more and do more. I learned to not listen to my fears. I’m so glad I took the leap and have tried new things even though it seemed scary in the moment. Now that I am where I am, I absolutely love it and see incredible future growth.”

As “Director of First Impressions”, Sandra had the incredible opportunity to get to know every single Keeley’n. Our core values – PRIDE – drive what we do every day and the core value that Sandra sees lived out in our people is Integrity. To be a Keeley’n, you have to do the right thing even when no one is watching, and she knows that every team member is empowered to act with integrity in every situation and do what they can to continuously exceed expectations.

Sandra has been a Keeley’n for 15 years and has experienced many changes, ups, and downs. Her favorite thing remains unwavering, the family atmosphere. The culture of giving and being able to get involved with giving back to our communities is something she does not take for granted. It’s truly priceless. Since she has had such an amazing experience at Keeley, Sandra wants others to feel at home just as much as she has.

“If someone is looking for a family-oriented culture, they should join Keeley. Everyone truly looks out for each other and wants everyone to succeed. Larry and Rusty treat everyone as they would want to be treated themselves, are open to feedback, and truly take the time to get to know every Keeley’n. It’s an awesome company to work for and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Sandra, thank you for being the face of Keeley for so long and for your dedication to our mission and core values. Your positive attitude, passion, and growth are incredibly admirable and we couldn’t do what we do without you!