Betsy Ashley developed her pride in community growing up in Casville, NC, a tiny community in Caswell County. “My mom grew up in the house next door to where we lived during my childhood, and my dad grew up five miles away. Our little town is known for the Paschal Christmas Lights. A family on our road opened their property every Thanksgiving through New Year’s for a Christmas light extravaganza. Everyone in the county and neighboring areas knew about the Casville Christmas Lights. I could see them and hear the carols from my house,” she fondly remembered. While she’ll never forget the joy of growing up where everyone knew each other, she believes she’s found the next best thing as a Project Administrator on the Davie Construction team and participating with colleagues in many volunteer projects.
Betsy attended a Charter School in Alamance for grades 1 through 12 and graduated with 29 seniors in her class. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, with a minor in sociology, from Appalachian State University in 2019. The pandemic made it difficult for her to find a job in her major, so she began her career with a major grocery chain. She was quickly promoted to manage a team of five and open a new department—their online grocery order and pick-up program. She married her husband, Ty, in 2020. Her next career step was joining a Winston-Salem glass company with an accounts receivable position. Here, she became familiar with Davie Construction Co., as they were one of her customers.
“I was ready for a new career challenge when I noticed that Davie had a position open. While the job didn’t require my psychology degree, it was a blessing that Kim Givens and Janet Sheppard saw my potential. I was called for an interview and met my boss, Kim Givens, over lunch. We chatted a lot, and she spoke so highly of the Project Management team, the Carney family, and the mission of Davie Construction Co. I considered it a no-brainer to work here with Kim. Kim and I still have no issue finding something to talk about. We are chatters! ”
With the only expectation that she would be welcomed and trained to be a valuable team member, Betsy was encouraged by Kim’s immediate trust in her. “I was assigned to many fun projects right away—my favorites are the veterinary offices! I love watching a project go from preconstruction to pouring concrete to painting and giving the owner the keys. One of my favorite final steps is taking care of the warranties. I enjoy them all!” she said.
“The most fulfilling part of my job is knowing that I am part of a team, not just any team, but the best of the best. I work for so many hardworking and talented people. It gives me a purpose and a goal in my professional life, and that is all I can ask for!” Betsy credits her work at Davie with teaching her that as far as construction goes, “No one is born with all the answers – and not only is that okay, but it’s also expected. What matters is having the courage to ask questions and lean on your team. Asking for help doesn’t show weakness; I’ve found that it builds confidence and opens the door to learning and growth. This awareness has been a game-changer for me. When I ask folks who know more, like Rickie (Shutt), Jamie (Bowles), and Kim, for advice, they are always enthusiastic and grateful that I ask them questions.”
While Betsy appreciates the decades of experience represented by the company’s leaders, she believes the support of younger team members ensures its ongoing success. “I have learned that Davie invests in the career goals of young adults who are new to the construction industry. The Davie team is full of knowledge, skills, and talent. If you are willing to learn and put in the effort, Davie will meet you with opportunities and support. I’m grateful for the blessings and opportunities this job has given me. I want to build a career where I keep learning, improving, and eventually supporting others like I’ve been supported. I want to embody what I have experienced here at Davie and help carry forward the culture that’s impacted me,” she said.
According to Betsy, the company’s commitment to innovation is a benefit some clients aren’t aware of. “We are always exploring the newest technology and workflow processes. Even our longest-working employees introduce fresh ideas and scenarios to keep us prepared and adaptable. We have that solid foundation and old-school work ethic, paired with a fresh and modern approach to facilitate our work; it’s the Goldilocks of workflow!” she said.
The joy she finds in her career is apparent to all who work with Betsy. She loves teaming up on community service projects. “It is such an honor to be a part of the community/volunteer work with Davie Construction. I have enjoyed working at the annual Toys for Tots Breakfast with Santa in Advance and partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build houses in Mocksville. I approached Cody for some extra community work, and he guided me to the Little Free Library program. Learning about the program and becoming the steward of our “Purple Libraries” has been a blast. Of course, I haven’t done it alone – Jonathan Smith and Michael Turner have offered their skills and labor to the project, and I couldn’t do it without them. Michael and I are working on our third Little Free Library and already have a home for it! And yes, they are purple because Carl LOVES purple!” she smiled.
Helping increase literacy is a big motivator for Betsy, and she anticipates expanding the Little Free Library program throughout the community. “I’m also excited to work with our clients to bring these libraries to multi-family communities and medical offices. Each can be customized to reflect the property and serve as a unique amenity. It’s a small addition with a big impact, and I’m excited to see this initiative grow.”
Betsy’s advice to young professionals who don’t share her joy in their jobs is to “Keep your eyes peeled for new opportunities. Talk to your peers, and use your connections in your book group, trivia night, or gym. Don’t underestimate the power of showing up, shaking someone’s hand, and making a real connection with someone. Trust that the right opportunity will come when you’re ready!”
Joy and contentment imbue Betsy’s family life, too. “Family is incredibly important to me, and I have so much support inside and outside of work. I’m especially grateful to my mom and dad, who have guided me both personally and professionally. They have instilled in me compassion and hard work and have been so supportive. I love spending time with my husband and my phenomenal group of friends. There is nothing like having a whole community of people around to support you,” she added.