We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Bledsoe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Ashley with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is driven by a combination of factors—my values, professional pride, childhood upbringing, dedication to excellence, and a desire to be successful in a male-dominated industry.
Growing up, my Father was self-employed and owned a modest construction company specializing in home remodeling. He instilled in me, from a young age, the importance of integrity, persistence, punctuality, loyalty, and a “never quit” mentality. My older brother and I were always involved in select sports as kids, excelling in everything from Taekwondo to BMX racing. Hindsight, I guess you could say that I am no stranger to breaking barriers in male-dominated sports or organizations.
I believe having an athlete’s mindset can be beneficial for success in many ways because athletes learn to embrace failure as part of the journey. They also understand that failure is a stepping stone toward improvement and success. This helps build resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles in pursuit of goals.
Being a woman in this industry is constantly challenging me to excel and break down barriers to help change the paradigm to prove that gender does not determine capability or work ethic.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In my short history as a business owner, I have learned that owner and business become synonymous and are truly the same.
Being a business owner may be the hardest job to have but I have also learned it is the most rewarding. After my husband got laid off from the oil field in 2016 is when I knew I had to take charge of my future and start my venture.
A close friend was in the hydromulching business in Van Texas, and after conversing for hours about all things from grass to soil health I was intrigued and began researching every aspect of the industry.
I discussed it with my husband and we decided that this was something I was going to pursue with full force, and that night Bledsoe Hydromulch was born.
Understanding that education and acquiring knowledge in my new chosen field was imperative. In 2017 I became certified in Turf grass management through the University of Georgia with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, attended numerous online training courses, and have been a member of the International Association of Hydroseeding Professionals since 2016. Bledsoe Hydromulch is also a certified minority woman-owned business that is part of the WBE and SBE. This allows us to accept government contracts and proposals for large commercial developments.
As the owner and founder, I provide the strategic direction and oversight of the business but also serve as a business developer and first line of communication to customers as well as prospect acquisition. One thing that makes Bledsoe Hydromulch different or unique is the fact that I am one of the only females in this industry.
When I started on this journey in 2016, I quickly established the presence of Bledsoe Hydromulch as one of the leading experts in the hydromulching industry and have essentially shaken the industry and fought to bring awareness and light to a niche market that most homeowners are unaware of. My goal was to create an exceptional landscape for our customer base that provides beauty and value for many years to come.
While appreciating the economic cost savings that can be passed onto customers, coupled with the demand for residential expansion in Texas, I tried to focus on a growth mindset with a strong business model to support an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to sod.
I saw an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship and I went for it. In doing so I had to take risks, expand on opportunities, and throughout it all strive to provide the highest level of quality and customer service to my clients.
Even after all these years, as I continue to strategize how to continue a trajectory of significant growth, my core principles remain centered on integrity above all else, and a commitment to the Wylie community and surrounding areas.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey as a woman building a hydromulching company in a predominantly male-led industry, three defining aspects have been instrumental: resilience, adaptability, and expertise.
Resilience has been my bedrock, allowing me to navigate through adversities and setbacks while maintaining unwavering determination. I feel it is the inner strength that enables you to bounce back stronger after every setback, shaping your course toward success.
I believe adaptability is the cornerstone of any growing industry. Being adaptable has empowered me to embrace change, explore innovative techniques, and pivot strategies quickly. It helps open doors to unforeseen opportunities and ensures survival in dynamic landscapes. Always be open to exploring new methods, technologies, and markets. My willingness to embrace change is what has cultivated growth and innovation for my company.
Expertise forms the basis of credibility no matter what industry. My diligence in continuous learning, seeking mentorship, acquiring industry-specific education, and gaining hands-on experience have fortified my confidence and positioned me as a respected leader in my field of revegetation and land reclamation.
For women or anyone embarking on their entrepreneurial journey:
My advice is to learn to cultivate resilience as an indispensable ally. Believe in your capabilities — confidence is key. Seek mentors and allies who support and champion your journey. Embrace setbacks as learning curves, and strengthen your determination to push through challenges. This mindset shift will fuel your journey toward success. And remember, success takes time and resilience, so stay determined through the challenges. And as Grant Cardone says – “ALWAYS SHOW UP”
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
First and foremost, my mother has played a pivotal role in my journey as an entrepreneur and business owner in several impactful ways:
Her actions, work ethic, and determination have always served as a guiding light, inspiring my drive and perseverance. Witnessing her navigate challenges, displaying resilience, and excelling in her endeavors instilled a strong work ethic in me and the belief that success is attainable, regardless of any industry barriers. Her mentorship has provided valuable insights allowing me to navigate complexities within the hydromulch industry, and build the confidence necessary to assert myself as a leader in this male-dominated territory.
Secondly, becoming a member of the Wylie Master Networks Chapter a little over 2 years ago has been pivotal for my growth as an entrepreneur. It has helped transform my weaknesses into strengths by exposing me to diverse perspectives and skills regularly. This group has amplified my confidence, notably in public speaking, through consistent interaction and practice within a supportive environment of peers.
Being a member of this network has also consistently placed me among successful, like-minded individuals, fostering daily learning and inspiration. I have always heard – “If you’re the smartest person in the room, it’s time to find a new room” — and Master Networks has continuously provided that dynamic, enriching space for my entrepreneurial journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.linktr.ee/BledsoeHydromulch
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bledsoe_hydromulch
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/BledsoeHydromulchTx
Image Credits
Christine Monroe Photography Dj Shirley with Speak Loud Media
