A mother-son bond in construction
Mother’s Day is on May 11, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the women who inspire us — especially the moms, grandmas, and mentors who help shape our paths in life and work. In the construction world, women continue to make big moves, leading businesses, managing projects, and showing the next generation what’s possible. Family businesses play a huge role in the industry, and more and more, women are at the heart of those legacies.
In this Q&A, Constructor catches up with a mother-son duo who are building more than just structures — they’re building a future, together.
In August 2003, Amy Hall was living in Atlanta when her father unexpectedly passed away. Coming from a divorced family with no siblings, she was immediately thrust into the position of president of Ebony Construction. Pregnant with her youngest son, she relocated to Toledo, Ohio, in December of that year. One month later, her son was born and, two weeks later, she was back at work.
In 2023, she sold Ebony Construction to two employees and took advantage of an opportunity to buy Armstrong Steel Erectors in Newark, Ohio. Today, Amy and her son, Joseph Hall, are co-owners.
Q: Can You Share a Bit About Your Background and Why You Entered the Construction Industry?
Amy: I believe the industry chose me. I wasn’t thinking about going into highway construction, asphalt, paving, milling, and — now — steel erection, but when opportunities present themselves, sometimes you have to trust the process and flow of the universe. So, the choice I made out of familial obligation became one of the best decisions of my life.
Q: What Inspired You to Join the Family Business?
Amy: I joined the family business because I am an only child, and my mother was not involved in the business at the time of my father’s passing. On my way to my father’s funeral, I felt an overwhelming sense of commitment to the community, as well as to the employees of Ebony Construction. Many of them had been there 15+ years, and their dedication, combined with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, helped me decide to return to Toledo.
Q: How Has Working with Your Son Influenced Your Relationship?
Amy: Working with my son has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has allowed me to see myself as a mother, a business owner, and a mentor, and to witness the impact of my decisions on our family and business.
We’ve had to establish clear boundaries between our personal and professional lives. It took a lot of maturity on his part to distinguish my role as his mother from my role as his coworker. Despite occasional disagreements, we always come back to the core of our relationship, with great respect for each other.
Q: What Strengths Do a Mother-Son Team Bring to a Family-Owned Construction Business?
Amy: It has really strengthened our business because we share a deep commitment to the company’s success. Joseph brought the corporate culture we developed at Ebony to Armstrong, emphasizing the value of employees, fostering accountability, and fully supporting our team. This approach has positively transformed our company in meaningful and lasting ways.
Q: How Do You Handle Business Disagreements While Maintaining Family Harmony?
Amy: We disagree frequently, but it helps us grow as people and better managers. It also allows me to see another side of a situation. We’ve come to respect our differing viewpoints and recognize the strengths each of us brings to the organization.
Our ability to resolve disagreements without taking things personally has been crucial to maintaining a strong family bond and a successful business.
Q: How Do You Balance Family Traditions with Modern Building Practices?
Amy: The number one tradition we follow is treating employees like family. Number two: stand on the integrity of who you are in the decisions you make. Doing things right and staying aligned with your core values makes long-term decisions clearer.
Number three: having compassion for people is hugely important, especially in today’s world. When our employees know they matter, and we see them as human beings, it creates a culture that is both impactful and successful for our family business.
Q: What Advice Do You Have for Family Members Considering Going into Business Together?
Amy: First, leave your family dynamics at home. The office can amplify those roles and hierarchies, so it’s crucial to set clear boundaries.
Second, have tough conversations while maintaining respect for the other person’s views. This can be challenging but is incredibly important for long-term success.
Finally, integrate all generations. Take the lessons that made previous generations successful and blend them with the fresh ideas the younger generation brings. This blend creates a tight, resilient tapestry that strengthens the entire company.
Q: What’s Your Favorite Part of the Job?
Amy: I love being able to drive down the road or across a bridge and know our company played a role in that creation. It’s a privilege to provide safe roads that connect people to their destinations.
Q: Final Thoughts?
Amy: Life is what you make it. Some of the greatest opportunities come from the hardest times. It’s our job to find the silver lining in everything we do. I am deeply grateful for the chance to work with my son and be part of the construction industry. These gifts aren’t taken for granted, and I truly live in gratitude for everything I’ve been given.