Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Image by Ryan McGill
When Hannah Bates graduated high school in 2013, she was uncertain about her future. Instilled with the value of hard work since her youth, she chose to forgo college for careers in traditionally male-dominated fields, seeking hands-on work environments.
Following the birth of her son in 2014, Hannah embarked on a demanding work schedule, working two jobs from early morning until midnight, six days a week. However, her career path soon took a significant turn when a family friend offered her a position as a receptionist at Southern Tint and Tire. Embracing the role, Hannah managed secretarial responsibilities alongside changing tires. There, she also met her future husband, Jameson, marking the beginning of her family’s story.
“If I’m not at work, I’m at the ball field or drag strip because my husband and nine-year-old drag race, and the kids are ball players,” says Hannah. “Without my husband, life wouldn’t be as fun. He’s my mister mom, and the family we have created is everything I ever dreamed of. It’s what you see in movies!”
Though her time at Southern Tint and Tire gave her valuable experience, Hannah soon took on a new role as store manager at Granite South in Jasper.
“I went to Granite South to talk to Miss Becky (Sherer). I was covered in grease when I got there because I had just left work. She told me that she typically would look at somebody who walked in covered in grease and looking for a job with some hesitation, but she gave me the opportunity,” Hannah recalls, laughing.
As store manager, Hannah is a jack-of-all-trades. She oversees office and financial operations, consults with clients, operates the forklift, and assists with installations. She has fully immersed herself in the store’s day-to-day operations and proven she can hold her own in the male-dominated industry.
“My favorite thing is seeing men call or come in asking for the owner and getting Miss Becky. They are always shocked at all the women working. A lot of people look at women and think we don’t know anything, but with what I’ve learned in this industry, I choose to treat both men and women as I would want to be treated,” says Hannah.
With her career firmly established, Hannah looks forward to planning her future while cherishing the journey that led her to the family and career she always envisioned. WL
