Introducing ABC SEMI’s 2026 Chair
Debbie Starke Owner, LaFemina Trucking
For Debbie Starke, the construction industry isn’t just a career—it’s home. She grew up in it, spending her childhood tagging along with her father to job sites and later working in the office of John Carlo, Inc., his road construction company. Even in high school, she loved being part of the rhythm of the industry: the pace, the people and the sense of building something real.
Debbie’s entry into entrepreneurship came almost accidentally. She started with data entry and pay ables, handling invoices for truckers day after day. Eventually, she asked her father the question that changed everything: “Why don’t you have your own trucking company?” His response was simple: “Start one.”
At just 25 years old, she did exactly that. Built on family, determination and grit, Debbie founded LaFemina Trucking in 1998, starting with four trucks primarily supporting her father’s projects. She credits her parents for everything that followed—not only for the financial help they provided early on, but for the work ethic, humility and determination they instilled in her.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mom and dad,” she said. “They taught me how to work hard, stay grounded and never shy away from a challenge.”
Her business truly began to take off around 2006, when she expanded her fleet and purchased six trucks—growing to a fleet of now ten. As the company matured, so did its capabilities. Three years ago, LaFemina expanded into concrete crushing, an addition that opened new doors and strengthened the company’s position in the marketplace. This year, the business secured a permanent Shelby Township permit for crushing operations—a milestone years in the making.
The company remains a deeply family-driven operation. Debbie’s husband manages the shop and crushing operations. Her mom still works one to two days a week—“and keeps me in line,” Debbie jokes—while her nieces join the office in the summer months doing bookkeeping and invoicing.
Her mom has also become the “face of the day,” warmly greeting customers and keeping the office running smoothly.
Through every high and low, Debbie remained steady, even when others doubted she could succeed in a tough, male-dominated industry. Rather than framing it as people “betting against her,” Debbie prefers to say she learned to persevere with quiet confidence, letting hard work—not words—prove her capability.
Debbie joined the ABC SEMI Board of Directors around 2018, with her first Planning Conference held in Traverse City. She describes her time on the board as one of the most meaningful chapters of her career.
“Having the privilege of learning from an exceptional group of mentors has been incredibly rewarding,” she shared, noting that board member Robert Clancy played a special role in pushing her outside of her comfort zone. Their professional connection has grown into a valued friendship—one that reflects the strength of ABC’s community.
Debbie often laughs that her mom still asks whether all these meetings are “worth her time.” Her answer? Absolutely.
“Every single meeting, I’ve learned at least one new thing,” she said. “That alone makes every minute worth it.”
As she steps into the role of ABC SEMI’s 2026 Chair, Debbie is focused on advancing the goals of a strong, united association—one that continues building the next generation of Michigan’s merit shop workforce. She is especially passionate about promoting SEMCA and its exceptional students, emphasizing the real opportunities available in the skilled trades.
“It’s so important for kids to know that it’s OK if college isn’t the right path. There are amazing careers in this industry waiting for them,” she said. “Our job is to keep opening those doors.”
Grounded, determined and deeply committed to the people who build Michigan, Debbie Starke brings both heart and horsepower to her role as Chair. Her leadership—shaped by family, forged through perseverance and strengthened by the ABC community will help lead ABC SEMI into a year of growth, opportunity and continued impact.
