Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Lixey.
Johanna graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A in Business and a minor in Public Relations. After graduation in 2004, Johanna immediately began her career in the Commercial Construction industry with a large General Contractor in Grand Rapids, MI. There she was responsible for the sales and marketing of the firm as Director of Business Development. In 2007, her success in the commercial construction industry brought her to Winter Park, FL. In September of that year, Johanna was relocated to run the business development & sales operations for a leading regional provider of geotechnical & environmental engineering services. When the recession of 2008 caused that engineering company to close the Orlando operation, while also 5 months pregnant with her daughter, Ella…., Johanna decided to take her passion for the industry to the next level and not just survive but thrive by starting her consulting business, JLG Consulting, Inc. JLG Consulting, Inc., took the place of a full time Business Development and Sales/Marketing professional, therefore allowing construction-related firms the opportunity to continue their sales and marketing efforts during the worst recession the industry had seen in decades. Her clients included leading architectural firms, general contractors, geotechnical engineering firms, subcontractors and also placed her as the Executive Director of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). During this challenging time, Johanna put her focus on being a new mom & learning all facets of the AEC industry via her numerous clients, as well as finding the divisions with the highest potential for longevity. And all roads led back to hardscape. By May of 2013, she found what she was looking for and purchased the majority of Transcrete Services, Inc., a Winter Park-based Decorative Concrete firm. Transcrete Services, Inc., transforms concrete flooring in the following ways: Polished Concrete, Stained Concrete, Stamped Concrete, Resinous Flooring applications, Decorative Overlays, Grind & Sealed Concrete, Flooring Removal and Floor prep, to name a few. They work all throughout the SE and Johanna not only runs the day to day operations but is also one of their lead installers. Working daily in the field with her husband, Jake, transforming previously drab slabs together into a work of art is her passion. In 2016, Transcrete Services, Inc. was granted an MWBE/DBE certification which aids female-run businesses in procuring government-related contracts. Heading into uncertain times in 2021, Johanna will utilize her vast 17 years of construction experience to provide Transcrete Services, Inc., with creative strategic business practices to weather the storm. Also, Johanna hopes to inspire other women to enter the Trades. As construction is a male-dominated industry, the female presence is lacking and much needed. She hopes to inspire other women to not feel intimidated entering an industry where they are the minority.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Over the last 17 years, this industry has not been easy…. Working in Business Development and Marketing was far more “expected” for a woman than working in the field. Initially, no one took me seriously. Lots of eye rolls, leering and the overall sense that my presence made them feel uncomfortable. It’s definitely been an uphill battle. However, this challenge inspired me more not to give up and succeed. Over time, the beauty of our floors did the talking for me. I love what I do and it shows. Clients also love seeing the owners of the company on the job installing as no one cares more about the outcome than we do. Decorative Concrete is not only an art, It’s also incredibly technical. Understanding how to test the concrete, set expectations, and achieve the clients desired “look” is something one can only gain by experience and making lots and lots of mistakes. I’ve learned from them all and, at 42 years old, can only hope for 20 more years of creating high quality, custom floors, continue building strong client relationships based on trust & inspiring other women to think outside of the box as far as career options.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Absolutely. Transcrete is a Winter Park, Florida based, Woman-Owned, MWBE Certified Decorative & Specialty Concrete firm offering a wide range of services including; polished, stained & stamped concrete, decorative overlays, epoxy & urethane flooring – including metallic epoxy, commercial kitchen epoxy mortar floors, high performance coatings, self leveling underlayments, moisture mitigation & all facets of floor prep, concrete surface repair and reconditioning, decorative exterior concrete (DEC), terrazzo, terrazzo refinishing & repair + our trademarked LEED alternate to Terrazzo, Trazzcrete™. Transcete services all of Florida with Orlando and surrounding areas (Central Florida) our primary territory. What am I most proud of? My family, our floors & having no fear when tackling each project. What sets me apart from others? I’ve never compared myself to anyone else, so I’m not really sure? You’d have to ask them 🙂
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The take-away I’d love to give here is inspiring women to pursue careers not traditionally “meant” for woman & also to start their own businesses. There are so many more opportunities for us to really kill it out there that I feel we’re steered away from by society. I hope to be a be an example that nothing is impossible.
Contact Info:
- Email: johanna@transcreteservices.com
- Website: www.TranscreteServices.com
- Instagram: @J.Lix
