E28:The Lady with the Big Machines - Joanne Green

Joanne and Ira Green started the Ira M. Green Construction company in 1969. They both loved construction and worked hard together – they were a team! They raised 3 children of their own Brian, Brent and Julie. Ira’s daughter Vanessa also came to live with them in 1975. Ira passed away in 1996 and Joanne has continued to run the company and operate as CEO since then. Joanne was born in 1950 in Claremore at the old Franklin Hospital to Junus and Gussie Bentley. She was the last and only first grade student at Owalla School before it was consolidated. Joanne started work at the age of 15 in Claremore at Roy’s café making fifty cents an hour plus tips. She became an ordained minister for the Little Rock Church several years ago and still gives thanks to God for leading her in this journey.