Carl Pippin’s life journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and adaptability. Born in Detroit, Michigan, his family moved to Toledo when he was six months old. Growing up in a loving yet modest household alongside his brother and three sisters, Carl learned the value of perseverance and hard work early on. “You didn’t get everything you wanted, but you got everything you needed,” he reflects, underscoring the principles his parents instilled in him.

Carl attended Libbey High School, an inner-city school known for its rough environment. With daily fights and struggles against adversity a common occurrence, Carl developed a resilient spirit, refusing to back down in the face of conflict. At the age of 23, seeking a safer environment for his young family, he decided to leave his hometown behind and move to Liberty Center.

Carl began working at the young age of 12, helping out in his father’s painting and home improvement business. That early exposure to hard work taught him the values of determination and perseverance. He credits his strong work ethic largely to his father, who dedicated his life to hard work. Carl notes, “I learned a lot from watching my dad, some good and some bad. His challenges as a small business owner inspired me to pursue a different path.”

A Commitment to Safety

In 2002, Carl joined The Gerken Companies as part of Gerken Materials, Inc. His career evolved, and he transitioned to the Safety department in 2015. But Carl quickly realized that he missed the camaraderie of a tight-knit road construction crew. Today, he thrives as part of the dedicated team at Roadway Services, Inc., which plays a vital role in ensuring safety on road construction sites.

By managing traffic and implementing safety measures, Carl and his fellow professionals play an essential role in protecting both drivers and workers. The team handles crucial tasks—from setting zones and installing construction signage to managing barrels and programmable message boards—serving as a vital link that keeps the community safe during construction activities.

At work, Carl’s passion is particularly evident, especially when it comes to workplace safety. He expresses annoyance when observing unsafe practices and imagines that some people might perceive him as angry. But he insists any anger he projected in his youth has transformed into a powerful passion for caring. “I’ve traded the fistfights of high school for straightforward talk,” he notes, using his experience to foster cooperation and safety among his coworkers.

Real-life events have shaped Carl’s perspective on safety, and he often shares his viewpoint with new hires. “I tell them it’s important they show up for work every day, but even more important that they’re able to go home to their families every night.”

Personal Philosophy

Outside of work, Carl enjoys fishing, playing golf, and spending time with his wife of 20 years. The couple is embracing the joys of being empty-nesters and discovering newfound depths in their relationship. They recently bought a winter home in Sebring, Florida, near Lake Jackson.

Carl offers invaluable advice to young people considering careers in the construction industry. While the work can be physically demanding, the rewards of teamwork and seeing a project come to fruition are unmatched.

“Some days are tougher than others,” he acknowledges. “But if you have a strong back, a good work ethic, and a team mindset, there is tremendous reward in seeing the finished project and satisfaction in being part of something great.”

Three words that Carl would use to describe himself are passionate, caring, and hardworking. He hopes that those who cross his path understand his deep devotion to family, commitment to coworkers, and unwavering desire for everyone to return home safely each day. As he puts it, “If people believe that when I’m gone, I will have done something right.”

Carl Pippin embodies the spirit of resilience and care. More than just a worker, he is a mentor, a leader, and a friend. His story is a tribute to rising above early circumstances and transforming past challenges into a profound commitment.