Chelsea Ellis-Hogan

Chelsea Ellis-Hogan is an entrepreneur, CEO, author, and motivational speaker with a leadership role in the construction and asphalt maintenance industry. She is President and CEO of Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and became the third-generation majority owner of her family's business at age 24. Under Ellis-Hogan's leadership, the company has grown as a minority- and woman-owned business in an industry where Black women are underrepresented among the 10.7 million people employed nationwide.

Ellis-Hogan began her career at Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor as an estimator, gaining hands-on experience with equipment and company operations. She has held roles including Vice President and President, and her leadership incorporates technology and systems to empower her team and streamline operations. The company serves corporate clients such as Yum Brands, Kentucky Derby Festival, and Waterfront Park.

Ellis-Hogan is the author of the business book "Fail To Success: How to Embrace Failure While Never Losing the Desire for Success," which draws from her experiences and business strategies. She owns FailToSuccess, a motivational platform offering speaking and coaching services focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and fostering a positive approach to failure.

As a keynote speaker and industry expert, Ellis-Hogan addresses topics including leading across generations, retaining strategic partnerships, and scaling specialty contractor businesses. She has spoken at events such as the National Pavement Maintenance Expo, the YPAL Summit, and Tuskegee University's WOMEN ON FIRE event. Her work has been featured on KET's "Connections."

Ellis-Hogan was recognized as a Louisville Business Forty Under 40 honoree. She is committed to economic empowerment, hiring from community programs that support young minority adults in gaining trade experience, and working to help others in her community become entrepreneurs.