From grocery hand to the helm of the boat, Beverly Ahner’s journey as part of Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply Inc. (EMIS) is a story of hard work, determination and the opportunities that can arise when someone is willing to step up and take on new challenges. Since joining Ergon in June 2022, Ahner has shown an incredible ability to grow and learn, making her a source of inspiration for her coworkers and community.
Ahner began her maritime career in an entry-level position at the EMIS grocery store in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She spent her days pulling orders, stocking shelves and filling pallets. Her willingness to learn and contribute led her to apply for a role in the dispatch office, where her dedication and adaptability stood out to her supervisors. “She was really quick with the training, took off with it — real fast learner with a really hard work ethic,” said Chris Maxwell, Vice President of Marine Operations.
While working in dispatch, she interacted with EMIS pilots regularly and became fascinated with their work, so much so that she expressed interest to her manager, who guided her on a new career path. “I never dreamed I would be doing something like this,” said Ahner, who spent time, even on her off days, learning the towboat business. When the opportunity to work as a deckhand on a crew boat came up, Ahner eagerly applied and quickly adapted to the role, gaining hands-on experience and eventually learning how to operate the boat. Even as she took on new responsibilities, Ahner continued to support her team in dispatch, demonstrating her commitment to collaboration and teamwork.
Her hard work eventually led to her earning a 100-ton master license, allowing her to pilot vessels weighing a minimum of 100 tons. The license required one year of service on the water, a 10-day training program covering navigation, mechanics and safety, and passing multiple challenging exams. Passing all the tests on the first attempt — a rare accomplishment — was a testament to Ahner’s perseverance and focus.
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Now, she’s earned the distinction of becoming Ergon’s first female marine pilot. She captains the M/V Big Valley, the boat where she learned the trade. “She’s earned this, and her coworkers are all big, big fans of her success,” Maxwell said. Not only is Ahner’s Ergon family proud, but her family is as well. “Many of my family members are in this business,” said Ahner. “They supported me every step of the way when I told them this was something I wanted to pursue.” Ahner also noted the feeling of accomplishment that’s validated by her children who sing her praises while in school: “My kids go to school and tell all their teachers, ‘My mama’s the first female pilot.’ Just to see them so happy about it is truly amazing.”
By celebrating Ahner’s achievement, Ergon hopes to highlight the many opportunities available in the marine industry and inspire others in the community to consider careers on the river. “We hope her story shows that the river is for everyone and that there are plenty of opportunities for people to create a career out here,” Maxwell said.
Ahner’s story is one of persistence and growth, supported by a workplace that values hard work and determination. “She’s a really good example of what Mr. Lampton would’ve called an Ergonaut,” Maxwell added. “She’s still young in her tenure, but she’s well on her way. She’s a success story that we’re all proud to see.”
Ergon is grateful to play a part in Ahner’s journey, and we look forward to seeing her continued success in the years ahead.
