askpatty.typepad.com > AskPatty Automotive Expert Women

Kimberly McPherson - Business Manager

Meet Kimberly McPherson:

Kimberly entered the automotive industry by following her lifelong creed of “doing what my Mother told me to do”. At the request of a family friend who needed female students for her newly opened Az Automotive Tech School, Kimberly’s mother asked that two of her daughters enroll. That was in 1979, and Kimberly has never left the automotive field.

Her career has taken a few turns. She started as a warranty administrator for Courtesy Chevrolet. The position lacked enough people interaction for her; that led Kimberly to work as a service advisor for another dealership. Her love of numbers and continued accounting education led her to the financial environment. Now her position demands a constant balancing of numbers and people!

While enjoying the pace of the retail automobile business, Kimberly feels that being able to utilize her life experiences, including parenting, maximizes her leadership skills.

Kimberly and the staff of Right Honda continue to benefit from her versatility as Assistant Controller.

Kimberly McPherson
Business Manager
Right Honda
www.righthonda.com

Deborah Renshaw-Parker - Professional NASCAR Driver

Meet Deborah Renshaw-Parker:

“Dare To Dream” – that is exactly what Deborah Renshaw-Parker does everyday. As women increase their efforts and opportunities in auto racing, the 30 year-old native of Bowling Green, Kentucky continues to set new marks in the sport.

The dream began as a youngster at local race tracks around Kentucky and Tennessee where her father, Dan, was a team owner. Eager to learn the sport, Deborah attended races with her father and helped with anything she could – such as lap times, tire pressures, etc... With racing in her blood, she went off to college at Northwood (MI) University where in 1997 she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business along with an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Marketing. With this education in tow, Deborah chased that racing dream with the support of her family by competing at local tracks near Nashville, Tennessee.

The 1999 and 2000 race season saw Deborah compete in the Late Model stock car division at Highland Rim (TN) Speedway where she finished fifth in the points while earning a runner-up finish for the Rookie of the Year award. The dream became even bigger in the 2000 – 2001 seasons with participation in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series at the famed Nashville Speedway USA and Riverview (TN) Speedway. She made 27 starts throughout the season accumulating three top-ten finishes, six top-15 finishes and one pole position which also set a new track record at Riverview.

At the Nashville Speedway USA, Deborah earned her way to the top of the championship point standings and made history in the process by becoming the first female to lead the point’s race in a NASCAR – sanctioned series.

Deborah took her dream and emerging talent to the ARCA RE/MAX Series for the 2002 and 2003 campaigns where she impressed many with six top-ten starts and three top-ten finishes.

Determined to continue down this path, the 2004 season saw Deborah make another big step into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In 14 starts, she earned two top-20 finishes with a career best finish of 15th at Martinsville Speedway in late October. She also became the first female to lead a lap in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race after doing so in the race at Darlington Raceway.

As the dream progresses, so does this determined female racer. The 2005 campaign will see Deborah climb behind the wheel of the #8 DODGE from the stable of Bobby Hamilton Racing. She will compete in the full schedule of the 2005 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and will continue to wake up everyday and “Dare To Dream”.

Deborah married Shawn Parker, a NASCAR crew chief, in 2006.

Becky Chernek - President and Founder of Chernek Consulting Incorporated

Meet Becky Chernek:

Becky Chernek, president and founder of Chernek Consulting Incorporated, was first exposed to car sales while helping her father run their family owned Cadillac and Pontiac dealerships in Maryland. Since then, she has enjoyed an exemplary sales career spanning almost two decades, and experienced every aspect of the car sales process, including: sales manager, general sales manager, and district sales manager. She is AFIP certified and has worked with many industry leaders, including JM&A and AutoNation.

For the past seven years, Becky has devoted her energy to helping others achieve sales excellence. She has helped hundreds of car, RV and marine dealerships throughout the United States and Canada refine the sales process and increase their profits. "Learning Has Never Been This Much Fun" has become her trademark slogan, and she has earned a laudatory reputation for her rapid-paced, high-energy, action-packed teaching style.
Her unique workshop methods offer a refreshing way for attendees to learn the subject matter and have proven to be more retention effective over methods found in more traditional seminars. This same style is incorporated into her personal in-store consultations, for a more one-on-one learning experience.

Becky Chernek
President and Founder
Chernek Consulting Incorporated
www.ccitraining.info

Sarah Draley - Vice President Marketing and Acquisitions Rocket City Automotive Group, Inc.

Meet Sarah Draley:

In 2002, eBay Motors invited Sarah Draley to jump start their “Dealer Assistant” program in the Chicago market. This program was designed to put qualified people in major markets across the United States to train dealerships on how to sell in the eBay marketplace. She created Dealer Online Auctions, which quickly grew to service over one hundred dealerships throughout the Midwest. Dealerships benefited from the extensive knowledge of Ms. Draley and her team, implementing best practices, sales strategy and marketplace research, resulting in higher online sales.

After three years, Ms. Draley left Dealer Online Auctions and moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she partnered with her brother-in-law and began a second company, SODAauctions.com. Within the first year of business, the SODA team signed and serviced over one hundred accounts in all of the major Texas cities: Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.

In early 2007, SODAauctions.com was acquired by Rocket City Automotive Group Inc., the holding company for CompleteAuto.com. Ms. Draley joined the RocketCity team as Vice President of Marketing and Acquisitions. In her short tenure she has established four exclusive partnerships which account for 30 percent of the company's revenue with the potential to increase the company’s dealer base by 500 percent.

Ms. Draley has earned the reputation as an expert on how to buy and sell on eBay Motors. She provides extensive training to dealerships and private parties on how to approach the “world’s largest online marketplace” with confidence and success.

Sarah Draley
Vice President Marketing and Acquisitions
Rocket City Automotive Group, Inc.
sarah@completeauto.com

www.RCAU.com
www.CompleteAuto.com

Burnam Eubank - Dealer Principal Palmetto Jaguar

Meet Burnam Eubank:

Burnam graduated from Duke University in 1986 and soon came to work in many different positions in the family Ford dealership. In 1991 she completed the National Automobile Dealers Association Dealer Candidate Academy and in 1995 was awarded the Jaguar franchise in Charleston, SC.

Burnam is a past president of the Trident New Car Dealers Association, past member of the Jaguar Business Operations Council, past member of the Trident Hospital Board and is currently serving on the Ford Credit Advisory Board. In 2002 she was named the Jaguar Clubs of North America Dealer of the Year and has received the prestigious Pride of Jaguar many different times.

Burnam’s Clumber Spaniel, Winston, spends much time at the store and wants everyone to know that we’re not only “female friendly” but also “pet friendly”! Woof!

Burnam Eubank
Dealer Principal
Palmetto Jaguar

Kim Borcherding - President Borcherding Pontiac Buick GMC

Meet Kim Borcherding:

The Borcherding Family Name has been a recognized automobile brand in the Cincinnati market for the past forty years. In her 6th year as President, Kim Borcherding, is the third generation leadership. We continue to outperform our same make competitors because of the great value we add to our products with exceptional customer service given by one of the most professional and dedicated teams of leaders in the marketplace.

For over 25 years, I have had my roots planted in the automobile industry both for General Motors and my late father who owned a dealership. I returned to Cincinnati where my late husband, who was also my mentor, continued to build the culture known as “The Borcherding Thing”.

Kim is active in charities that serve health needs that have impacted her life. Kim serves on several automobile industry boards. Most importantly, she has a young daughter who always reminds her to view the world with faith and through the eyes of a child.

Kim Borcherding
President
Borcherding Pontiac Buick GMC
www.borcherding.com

Amy Plant-Lowe - Owner Plant's Auto Service

Meet Amy Plant-Lowe:

Amy grew up in the automotive industry with her dad and four brothers. They all raced go-carts as kids and one of the requirements for getting their first car at 16 was to find a car from a wrecking yard and help rebuild the motor.

Her father also grew up in the industry working in his grandfather’s filling station from age 10 until he was about 21. At that point he went to work for a GM Dealership in Boulder Colorado and eventually opened his own shop, Plant’s Auto Service, Inc. in 1986. Amy started working at the shop in 1989 as the receptionist answering phones and greeting customers. She quickly moved into the Service Advisor position. Amy worked for several years along side her father, while one of her brothers worked as a technician.

In 2001 her father retired and Amy and her brother Spencer became owners. Amy’s responsibilities include Business Development, Marketing, Training and Customer Relations. It is her goal to build knowledge with her customers on vehicle maintenance, educate the public on the questions that you must ask when having your vehicle worked on and teach women how to develop a relationship with their mechanic.

Amy is an ASE Certified Service Advisor. She currently writes a monthly newsletter and has a column in Boulder Women’s Magazine.

Amy resides in Arvada Colorado with her husband Todd and children Haley & Matthew.

Amy Plant-Lowe
Owner
Plant's Auto Service
www.plantsautoservice.net

Dana Schaeffer - Director of Business Development Chop Shop Customs

Meet Dana Schaeffer:

Dana Schaeffer actually married into the car industry back in 1993. Her husband owned a 1956 Chevrolet Belair mild custom and together they would travel up and down the East Coast to car shows, enjoying the hot rods and cool people they met. It’s during this time that Dana found out she actually enjoyed the hobby on her own terms.

In early 2004, Dana & her husband opened up Chop-Shop Customs in Woburn, MA (www.chop-shopcustoms.com) where they specialize in hot rod auto body, paint & metal fabrication. She is currently the Business Development Manager for the ‘shop’ and handles all the advertising, communications and website management.

Dana is Assistant U.S. Director of Representatives for New England for the Right Coast Association (www.rightcoastcars.com). She is also Media Relations Director for Bearing Burners Car Club (www.bearingburners.com) of Massachusetts and webmaster for the Massachusetts Association of Automobile Clubs (www.massautoclubs.org).

At the SEMA show in 2006, Dana was honored with an achievement award recognizing her continued support for the SEMA Action Network’s legislative efforts in the State of Massachusetts.

Dana resides in Burlington Ma, with her son, Nathan and her husband Lenny. She also works full time as an Automotive Account Manager for iMake News Inc. and is looking forward to the car show season this year with fervor.

Dana Schaeffer
Director of Business Development
Chop Shop Customs
www.chop-shopcustoms.com

Elizabeth Daniels - Owner and General Manager Daniels Chevyland

Meet Elizabeth Daniels:

Elizabeth is a fourth-generation owner of Daniels Chevyland. She did not inherit the dealership, but rather earned her place in it. She began her career in the automotive business in 1985 as a service cashier and worked her way through the various departments, including finance. She eventually became the marketing director and later worked alongside her father as general manager. As Owner and General Manager since 1999, Elizabeth has served her dealership with leadership and guidance. Elizabeth holds numerous affiliations within the community and the industry at large. Her wealth of experience and unique insight as a woman business owner has afforded her the opportunity to serve in various capacities.

GM Certified Used Vehicles Dealer Work Group – Member and first woman dealer selected
GM Women’s Dealer Advisory Council – Member
Colorado Springs Auto Dealers Association – Member and past President
NADA Dealer Academy – Graduate
Chevrolet Dealership Management School - Graduate
Palmer Land Trust – Trustee
Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center – Fundraiser Chairperson – volunteer position
Pikes Peak United Way – Leaders in Giving Program – Volunteer Coordinator

Elizabeth Daniels
Owner and General Manager
Daniels Chevyland
www.danielschevyland.com

Julie Pizzorni - Director of Business Development Carey Paul Honda

Meet Julie Pizzorni:

Julie Pizzorni is Director of Business Development at Carey Paul Honda.She understand the needs of female customers and conducts on going training in process improvement and customer satisfaction at the dealership.

Julie is no stranger to the car business she has spent over 10 years managing and training employees in different aspects of the business. She has successfully completed the Ritz Carlton Legendary Service training, The Disney Institute Quality Service training, American Honda Continuous Improvement training and Dale Carnegie business training.

Julie is the ask Patty representative at Carey Paul Honda and understands women have a choice of where they do business and we want them to choose Carey Paul Honda.

Julie Pizzorni
Director of Business Development
Carey Paul Honda
www.careypaulhonda.com

Suzanne Grego - Technician City of Philadelphia Fleet Management

Meet Suzanne Grego:
Suzanne’s curiosity in cars began as early as eight years old, when her father brought her to a classic car show. It wasn’t just the shine of the paint that caught her eye. When she heard the rumble of the engines, she was automatically curious about the machines and how the engine produced such a magnificent noise.

Years later, Suzanne began college at the University at Buffalo, just a short trip from her parents’ home outside of Rochester, New York. When the time came for her to purchase her first car, she became even more excited about the ins and outs of automobiles. She started doing her own oil changes and replacing brake pads with a little assistance from her father. In 1999, she graduated from college with a Bachelors degree in Film and English and she headed to California to become a filmmaker. However, not enjoying the West coast, she once again packed up her bags and headed to Philadelphia. Knowing it was time to get serious about life, she asked herself, “what is the one thing that I could do to wake up everyday and want to go to work?” The answer: fixing cars.

With only a basic understanding and limited maintenance experience, she realized she needed to go to school. She enrolled herself into the Automotive Technology Department at Community College of Philadelphia graduated in 2003 with her Associates degree. While enrolled in school, she also took advantage of a Ford Training Program which placed her into her first mechanics job in a Ford dealership.

Suzanne currently works as a technician for the City of Philadelphia, Fleet Management. She fixes and maintains the performance of the Water Department cars and trucks. She thoroughly enjoys her job, and the excitement that new challenges everyday bring to her.

Suzanne Grego
Technician
City of Philadelphia Fleet Management

Shelly Irwin LoCascio - Dealer Principal Irwin Lincoln Mercury Mazda

Meet Shelly Irwin LoCascio:

Shelly is the Dealer Principal of Irwin Lincoln Mercury Mazda in Freehold, NJ.
Irwin is a family owned business that has been serving Central Jersey for 47 Years!!
Her philosophy of always having the welcome mat out is a driving force at the dealership as well as Irwin’s Mission Statement: We strive to exceed our customer’s expectations.

This year Shelly’s team of professionals is boasting Mazda’s Gold Cup & Lincoln Mercury’s Presidents Award for Customer Satisfaction. This comes as no surprise since Shelly has strict rules requiring all customers (whether sales or service) be treated honestly, fairly & with great respect.

Shelly graduated from Radford University with a BS Degree in Secondary Education. After a short stint as a High School Drivers Ed. Teacher, Shelly went to work for her Father’s dealership. She spent time working in both Sales & Service before becoming the company’s Controller. Today with 31 years of experience, she is the Owner & Dealer Principal of Irwin Lincoln Mercury & Irwin Mazda.

Shelly & her Husband John have 2 grown sons. She would tell you that it’s not easy being a “Working Mom”, but she has no regrets. She believes that you really can have it all if you keep your priorities in order. Family First!! She also believes in giving back to the community personally through various volunteer organizations including:
President of South Wall Little League Auxiliary, President of Wall Pop Warner, PTO Trustee for Wall Foundation for Educational Excellence, Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. Her dealership also supports the Val Skinner’s Life Event, Habitat for Humanity, Toys For Tots, The Marine Corp League, MADD, the Freehold Area Schools & various smaller organizations.

Shelly has lent her expertise by participating on numerous automotive committees over the years including: National Lincoln Mercury Dealer Council, Ford Training Advisory Board, Ford Motor Credit Co Dealers Advisory Board, NJCAR Executive Committee & Lincoln Mercury Brand Communications Advisory Board.

Shelly’s philosophy, “It’s All About The Karma”. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Shelly Irwin LoCascio
Dealer Principal
Irwin Lincoln Mercury Mazda
www.irwincars.com

Amy Mattinat - Auto Repair Shop Owner & Author

Meet Amy Mattinat:

Amy’s career in the automotive industry began at Auto Craftsmen Ltd., an independent Import Dealership located in Montpelier Vermont. Over the years Amy has done almost every job in the place. From cleaning lady to mechanic’s helper, bookkeeping and marketing, to salesperson and service advisor. From part-time to full time, she took on more and more responsibility until she became so integrated in the life of the business and the customers that she was asked to become a business partner.

She has become passionate about creating Automotive Excellence within her business. Amy feels that good communication is the essence of being able to explain, suggest and fix any problem her clients may have. She has created a business that is both pleasing to the eye as well as comfortable and fun. She spoils her client base and they love it!

Encouraged to “spread the word,” Amy writes a monthly newsletter, and has written both newspaper and magazine columns on automotive repairs, maintenance, car care and safety. After selling used cars for 6 years, she has also written an easy to use manual, “How To Buy A Great Used Car,” available at www.usedcarexperts.com. She believes that everyone deserves to purchase a quality car no matter what their budget is. They just need to do their “homework!”

Wanting to spread automotive excellence throughout the country, Amy is teaching other shops how to improve communication with their customers and how to create lasting, top-notch customer service.

She is a board member on the education committee for the Women’s Car Care Council, belongs to WAAI (Women’s Automotive Association International,) and AWARE (Advancing Women in Automotive Retail Enterprises). She is delighted to be on the advising board of AskPatty.com

You can purchase " How to buy a great Used Car" by Amy Mattinat by going to this site:
www.usedcarexperts.com

Amy Mattinat
Auto Craftsmen Ltd
Automotive Experts LLC
www.autocraftsmen.com
www.usedcarexperts.com

Wendy Engelberg - Director of Operations and Founder AutoVisuals

Meet Wendy Engelberg:

Wendy Engelberg is the Director of Operations and Founder of AutoVisuals, maker of the Auto Sharp Paint Pen™. A marker used to touch up the chips & scratches on your car. Wendy started in the automotive paint industry by having her own touch up company that went to the dealerships and touched up the cars and painted the bumpers. After multiple injuries from a previous horseback riding accident, she needed to find something new to do that was less physical. Since already having contacts at some of the dealerships and being aware of the need for a good touch up product, AutoVisuals was formed.

Wendy lives in Los Angeles, CA. and in her spare time is an avid mountain biker.

www.AutoVisuals.com

Marnie Kramer - Owner and Creator EverythingCarz.com

Meet Marnie Kramer:

During her 15-year career in the automotive industry, Marnie Kramer has worn many hats. As a youngster, she sold old-car parts at swap meets. Later on, while earning a degree in marketing and psychology, Kramer had a day job selling Porsche's, Audi's and Range Rovers. Over the years, she worked her way up the ladder, filling the positions of customer service manager, assistant finance manager, sales manager and leasing computer software consultant. Kramer is currently the owner and creator of Everything Carz; an automotive company that takes automotive style to a beyond the garage experience . In addition she also serves as sales and marketing director for Classic Design Concepts, a Michigan-based manufacturer of automotive restyling components for both the OEM and specialty-equipment industries.

A self-professed car lover who spends her free time at hot-rod shows, swap meets and car auctions with her husband and son.

www.EverythingCarz.com

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Susan Givens - Vice President AutoSuccess

Meet Susan Givens:

Susan Givens is the Vice President of Systems Marketing Inc., dba AutoSuccess Magazine. Susan started with Systems Marketing, Inc. in her final semester at the University of Louisville where she received her degree with a major in Business Management and a minor in International Business. She soon became a part owner with the company. The focus of the magazines is to create a positive avenue for the readers to learn and grow. Susan has made this way of thinking part of her everyday life.

"By staying positive, you can learn and grow so much faster!"

Since starting with AutoSuccess Magazine, she has seen the industry changing. "More women are influencing the automotive industry than ever before, it’s an exciting time for both consumer and automotive industry women!"

Susan Givens
Vice President
Systems Marketing, Inc.
dba AutoSuccess Magazine
3411 Pinnacle Gardens Dr.
Louisville, KY 40245
877.818.6620 x 226
502.588.3170 (f)

sgivens2@sellingsuccessonline.com
www.autosuccessonline.com

Kathy Gilbert - Director of Sales and Business Development ADP

Meet Kathy Gilbert:

Kathy Gilbert is the Director of Sales and Business Development within ADP Dealer Services Division based in Hoffman Estates, IL. In her current position, Ms. Gilbert is nationally responsible for the minority automobile dealer segment. Ms. Gilbert is responsible for helping the minority dealer market achieve long-term growth. In addition to her relationship with the minority automobile dealers, she has developed strong relationships with the automotive manufacturers and dealer associations. She strives to strengthen ADP’s relationship with minority dealers and key segment influencers through involvement in regional and national dealer meetings and by developing business solutions and services to address the specific needs of the minority dealer segment.

Ms. Gilbert is also a member of the Women’s Automotive Association International, National Sales Network, National MBA Association, and the Association of Information and Imaging Management. Ms. Gilbert has received recognition as Marketer of the Year, Presidents Club and Key Contributor.

Ms. Gilbert holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, in Business Administration and Computer Sciences and her Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems from the University of Dayton.

Kathy Gilbert
Director of Sales and Business Development
ADP Dealer Services Division
www.adp.com

Kim Walker - Owner and Marketing Director Peak Automotive

Meet Kim Walker:

“Those who never risk going too far never know how far they can go” is a quote by which Kim Walker operates. She has taken her career from that of an Elementary School Counselor to becoming fully involved in the day to day operations and marketing of their family business, Peak Automotive, only by subscribing to that belief. Kim and her husband, Brian, opened their business in 2002 as a small Mercedes-Benz automotive repair shop. At the time, Kim’s career did not involve the family shop. Two years later, as the business progressively grew it was time for Kim to use her skills in listening and knowing women to help market the business.

Treating customers in the most extraordinary way has taken them from simply being a repair shop to “The Most Female Friendly Shop in the Triangle” (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill of NC) and selected by Motor Age Magazine as one of the Top Ten Shops in America. Kim chose the risk of going too far by marketing Peak Automotive based on the reputation created by their customers as being female friendly. They learned that treating women with respect, honesty, understanding and really paying close attention to even the smallest details will earn the lifelong customers we all strive to have.

Becoming a professional at marketing to women came as a fun, invigorating challenge to Kim. She has proven that listening, being observant and learning from others can take you from where you are to where you want to be. She involves herself in as many networking events as possible. With membership in Women Business Owners Network of Cary, Chix in Business, BNI, Cary and Apex Chambers of Commerce, as well as participating on committees for charities and other community organizations Kim stays very busy! In addition to networking, Kim takes great pride in being involved daily with Peak Automotive’s customers. From hand written thank you notes, personal follow-up phone calls to every customer, to email newsletters and car care events, staying in touch with their customers is the most important responsibility of her job. Simply being a woman, Kim knows what is important to women. She listens to what women care about, their needs and wants; then she translates that into the level of customer service provided by the Peak team.

Kim has been nominated for the Triangle Business Journal’s Women in Business Award and the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Award. Kim was selected to receive the Right Choice Business’s Frontrunner Award. Peak Automotive, an ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Recognized Shop and Bosch Authorized Service Center, has been profiled in Auto Inc Magazine and by WorldPac’s client newsletter. Their most recent achievement has been being selected by Motor Age Magazine as one of the Top Ten Shops in America.
Kim attributes her success to her strong Christian faith and caring, supportive family. She and her husband, Brian, live in Holly Springs, NC with their 4-year-old son, Payton and 14-year-old niece, Kasie.

Kim Walker
Owner and Marketing Director
Peak Automotive
www.peakautomotive.com

Heather Conary - Web Developer Downeast Toyota-Scion-Buick

Meet Heather Conary:

Heather Conary is a founding partner of ID Communications, a division of Illumination Design, based out of Orrington, Maine. Heather also serves as the Director of Women Dealer Relations for the Women’s Automotive Association International. She has previously worked at Downeast Toyota-Scion in Brewer, Maine, serving as a creative consultant to the management team.

Heather is currently attending the University of Maine’s Orono campus, working towards a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She also plans to continue, and obtain her MBA.

Heather has published articles in AutoSuccess Magazine, an automotive trade publication, as well as online at SitePoint and SEOChat. These articles demonstrate her knowledge of both the automotive industry and of marketing tactics and design strategies.

Heather brings her marketing experience, professional knowledge, and her willingness to learn and adapt to WAAI, and serves us as the Director of Women Dealer Relations.

Heather Conary
Founding Partner
ID Communications, a division of Illumination Design
www.illuminationdesign.com

Lorraine Schultz - Founder/CEO WAAI

Meet Lorraine Schultz:

Lorraine Schultz began making history during a time in the automotive industry when there were probably 400 men to ever one woman employed. In 1999, the Automotive Hall of Fame awarded its Distinguished Service awards to women for the first time since 1945. Lorraine Schultz, a member of its Board of Directors and Founder of the Women's Automotive Association International, had a lot to do with that decision.

Lorraine began her career in the automotive industry when she acquired an interest in the Detroit Model Bureau, a company that supplied talent for the various auto shows. When the company dissolved, Lorraine became the Executive Director for the AutoLeather Guild of America where she worked for 19 years managing the marketing for three major tanners who supplied leather for the automotive industry. This tenure provided her with the opportunity for extensive traveling to auto shows all over the world including France, Switzerland, and Japan.

In 1995, following the dissolution of the Leather Guild, Lorraine introduced the Women's Automotive Association (WAAI) to the automotive industry. She has received many leadership and humanitarian awards from organizations such as the American Lung Association, the National Association of Women Business Owners, and Women in Communications. She has served as a Board member and volunteer to many companies and organizations such as Society of Automotive Analyst, Women's Economic Club of Detroit, March of Dimes, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Michigan Opera Theatre, Salvation Army, Kendall School of Art and Design, and The Detroit Metropolitan Woman Magazine. Lorraine is presently the Executive Director for the WAAI, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Automotive Hall of Fame and Ferris State University.

Debbie Lee - President Professionals Car Care

Meet Debbie Lee:

Debbie Lee’s career in the automotive industry started in 1981. She was 18 years old and caught in a dilemma on which basketball scholarship to accept. So with a hurt knee and no clear picture in front of her she answered an ad in the newspaper that read “lot boy wanted.”

She took the job and started her introduction into the industry. She has since spent 25 years in automotive. Debbie started out washing vehicles, learning inventory control, detailing vehicles, making deliveries and doing all the so-called “lot boy” jobs they could find. She LOVED it! So, as the wheel turns, Debbie moved through various jobs at that dealership learning all she could.

Three months later she was in management. Two years later, Debbie started her own detailing company, now known as Professionals Car Care, that provides detailing services to automotive and recreational vehicle dealerships throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County. They clean an average of 5,000 vehicles per day in one form or another. Many of those vehicles are from clients they have served since 1983. They also provide cleaning services for many automotive and RV shows and events.

Debbie is very active in her community, environmental organizations and classes, continuing education and the daily hands-on running of her three companies. Along with Professionals Car Care Debbie also owns Compliance 1st Cleaning and Total Satisfaction, a line of private labeled detailing products that will be available summer 2006.

Debbie Lee
President
Professionals Car Care
Compliance 1st Cleaning
www.professionalscarcare.com

Gayle Clark - Owner Motor City Sales & Services

Meet Gayle Clark:

The on-going achievement of any successful businessperson requires excellent strategies, strong focus and a vision for the future, which is in full supply when meeting Gayle Clark. After years of experience as a Medical Office Manager and OSHA Program Coordinator for Manor Medical and Cape Health Plan, Gayle chose to enter the Motor Coach arena in 1997 when alongside her husband, Julius, she became Co-owner and Assistant Director of Marketing and Sales for Motor City Transport. The move was the beginning of an exciting and significant career choice for Gayle, as new windows of opportunity began opening for her in the motor industry.

By 2002, a new arm of Motor City Transport was launched when it became Motor City Sales and Services. This eventually led to Motor City Sales and Services, L.L.C., a multi-faceted Automotive Care Center offering everything from oil changes and brake jobs to tune ups and automotive detailing services. Before long, the company had become an associated tire dealership for Michelin Tires, as well as developing a dealership association with the U-Haul Company.

That was the beginning of Gayle’s exposure to the auto industry, which placed her in the unique position, and gave her the ability to gain insight into the automotive arena. In her desire to break down barriers, while at the same time supporting women with the purchasing of new and used vehicles as well as caring for their own personal means of transportation, Gayle was inspired to launch a “Women’s Hands-On Automotive Basic Maintenance Class.” Today, the unique class serves as a powerful support for women eager to understand and care for their own cars. Since its inception, Gayle has been committed to assisting others, successfully promoting the class as a vital tool in helping women in today’s high tech society.

Adding to her long-range vision and attention to detail, Gayle graduated from the National Institute of Technology. She also earned a number of awards including a ‘Crisis Prevention Certificate’ from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc., as well as ‘The Essentials of OSHA Compliance,’ and the ‘Executive Achievement Award’ from Nutrition for Life International.

Characterized as a woman of integrity, honesty and quality, Gayle attributes her success to her strong Christian faith along with the love and support of her husband and family consisting of five children and a new grandbaby. When not busy with her many responsibilities Gayle takes great pleasure in painting, reading and traveling.

Gayle Clark
Owner Motor City Sales & Services
www.motorcitysales-services.com

Danna "Daytona" Dayton - CEO

Meet "Daytona":

“Daytona” Dayton is CEO/President of Daytona & Friends Global Enterprises, Inc., and Producer/Host of Daytona & Friends National Radio, which discovers great people making a positive difference for others. She will also produce and host the soon-to-launch Daytona & Friends Celebrity LifestylesRadio Network.

Daytona is also a motivational coach and marketing consultant with her specialty focused on strategic positioning utilizing creative marketing tactics to “get results” for her clients.

Daytona has worked thirty years in the entertainment industry of music, motorsports and has sung and performed internationally. She was the first female licensed mechanic for NASCAR in 1984, and a former race car driver. Ms. Dayton has hosted radio talk shows for numerous years in a variety of markets, with topics primarily around music and motorsports among others.

Daytona is a motivational speaker, national columnist, an advocate of creating fundraisers to help various children’s charities and founded TEAM CHAMPIONS OF AMERICA to help children’s self esteem. Daytona was instrumental in contacting Senators to pass a proclamation for National Children's Day Resolution in Legislation in 1999, and has since then coordinated several National Children's Day events.

Daytona is a mother of four children, grandmother of two and loves to snowboard with her children. Currently she resides in Eagle, Idaho.

Danna "Daytona" Dayton
CEO/President
Daytona & Friends Global Enterprises, Inc.
Producer/Host
Daytona & Friends National Radio
Daytona & Friends Celebrity LifestylesRadio Network
www.daytona-n-friends.com

Maura Schreier-Fleming - Owner Best@Selling

Meet Maura Schreier-Fleming:

Maura Schreier-Fleming discovered her fascination with auto mechanics while studying textile engineering in graduate school at Georgia Tech. She needed a car in Atlanta and purchased her first car (a fabulous, used Toyota Corolla). That’s when she realized that she couldn’t be a helpless female with a vehicle. Her solution? She enrolled in Dekalb Tech at night and took courses in engine tune-up and hydraulic brakes. She loved it! She chose to enter the oil business because working with mechanical components would be part of her job.

Her first job at Mobil Oil was sales engineer. She sold industrial lubricants, passenger car motor oils and heavy duty motor oils to a variety of industries. Next she became Mobil Oil’s first female lubrication engineer in the United States. Working in the oil industry allowed Maura to combine her love of mechanical equipment and sales.

She left the oil industry, after working in it over 20 years, so she could work for herself. She established Best@Selling in 1997. Best@Selling is a sales training and consulting company. She now writes several columns on selling and works with technical and business professionals on their skills and strategies to sell more and close business faster.

Her background in technical sales helps her to understand the products of the clients she works with. She wants to work with other women so they can get the confidence to work in technical areas like the automotive industry. The automotive industry offers many opportunities for women to be successful. Maura is based in Dallas, Texas and is an active member of IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.)

Maura Schreier-Fleming
Owner
www.BestatSelling.com
Author - Real-World Selling for Out-of-this-World Results

Bernice Sanders - Aftermarket Sales Director Primedia Consumer Automotive Group

Meet Bernice Sanders:

Bernice Sanders first came to the automotive industry working at the National Hot Rod Association in their Circulation Department and worked her way up through the organization to become the advertising coordinator for NHRA’s weekly publication National DRAGSTER. After three years at NHRA, she was hired by SCORE International, the leading off road racing sanctioning body.

After being approached by Petersen Publishing, Bernice’s career took on a new direction – advertising sales. This has been her career pattern ever since working on magazines such as Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off-Road, Hot Rod, SEMA News, and now in her current position as Aftermarket Sales Director for Primedia’s Consumer Automotive Group her hours are spent working on Motor Trend, Automobile, Truck Trend, and Motor Trend Classic Magazines.

Bernice is currently on the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network as a select committee member and also serves on SEMA’s Scholarship Committee.

Bernice Sanders
Aftermarket Sales Director
Primedia Consumer Automotive Group
Motor Trend
Truck Trend
Automobile
Motor Trend Classic
www.primediaautomotive.com

Karen Payton - Vice President On Wheels, Inc.

Meet Karen Payton:

Karen Payton is Vice President of www.onwheelsinc.com, on Wheels Incorporated is a multicultural multimedia company that publishes African Americans On Wheels, Asians On Wheels and Latinos On Wheels magazines.

Karen also produces The Urban Wheel Awards, The Urban Wheel Dealer Awards and maintains onwheelsinc.com. On Wheels, Incorporated is also the parent organization of the Edward Davis Education Foundation.

Karen Payton
Vice President
On Wheels, Inc.
African Americans On Wheels Magazine
Asians On Wheels Magazine
Latinos On Wheels Magazine
www.onwheelsinc.com

Lori Johnson - Owner Ladies Start Your Engines

Meet Lori Johnson:

Lori Johnson is an instructional aid and adjunct faculty member in the Automotive Technology program at the Community College of Philadelphia. She has 7 years experience as an automotive technician and a new car service manager for a Honda dealership. She has been an automotive information specialist and automotive editor for Chilton Publications/SPX Information Services. She has also prepared test preparation guides for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Ms. Johnson holds professional licenses and certifications in a number of areas including Air Conditioning Refrigerant, Pennsylvania Emissions Inspection and Pennsylvania Safety Inspection and is ASE certified. She is a qualified Motorcycle Safety Instructor and is a Pennsylvania State Inspection instructor. Ms. Johnson has a strong record of service to the College and the community. Among other activities, she has served on two Hiring Committees at the college and currently serves on the Teaching Center and the Scholarship Advisory Boards.

Ms. Johnson earned a certification in Automotive Technology from Pennco Tech and in Client Server Technology from Penn State University. She has an A.A.S. degree in Automotive Technology and is currently pursuing a B.A. in Women's Studies at Temple University.

Lori’s business, Ladies, Start Your Engines! is a light maintenance class for women. Lori teaches her class using venues such as automotive dealerships, colleges, local adult education centers and women’s organizations. She enjoys empowering women with automotive knowledge so that they can feel confident when servicing or purchasing parts for their vehicles and she helps them become a more informed consumer. When she’s not teaching you can find her riding her Harley Davidson Heritage Softail.

Lori Johnson
Owner and Instructor
Ladies Start Your Engines
www.ladiesstartyourengines.net

Jenny Trostel - President and Owner Saab of Baltimore

Meet Jenny Trostel:

Jenny Trostel grew up in Delaware. She graduated from Claymont High School and Goldey Beacom College with a B.A. in Accounting. When she was learning to drive, her father said “if you are going to drive them, you need to know how to fix them.” Jenny spent a summer working on cars and working in the family business. After college, Jenny worked in banking for many years.

In May, 1999, Jenny opened Hunt Valley Saab with 2 business partners. In October, 2004, Jenny purchased the ownership from her 2 partners with the help of General Motors’ Women’s Retail Initiative and Motors Holding. In March 2006, the business changed its name to Saab of Baltimore. Jenny is the Principal Owner of Saab of Baltimore.

Jenny Trostel is married and has two sons.

Diane Anderson - Marketing Manager Family Buick Mitsubishi

Meet Diane Anderson:

Diane spent 20 years pursuing a career in the design industry. In 1991 she felt a need to change directions and looked for something new to stimulate her drive to succeed. A friend suggested the auto industry and, as the saying goes, "everything else is history." For the first 4 years, she was in the sales end of the business and then moved to the service side and became a Service Consultant. The General Manager of the dealership she was at moved to a different facility and recruited Diane to work for him as a Finance Manager, which she did for the next couple of years. In 1999, Diane landed a position as the Customer Relations Manager for a local dealership and handled client relation concerns for both the sales and service department. In 2002 the dealership decided to create a Business Development Center to handle client concerns, make outbound calls to the existing customer base, handle incoming phone calls, and manage the internet side of the business; Diane was asked to manage this new endeavor.

Recognizing the need to establish a department to better serve their clients, Family Buick Mitsubishi recruited Diane to fill the Management position for the newly created department. Ever up to the challenge, Diane joined our store and is using her past experiences to change the way we do business. Diane's focus has centered on improving guest relations and this led her to recommend the store to seek certification by Ask Patty. We are honored and excited to join the few dealerships that are ahead of the curve to serve the female demographic. Given Diane's past experience in the design field, and her personal and professional experience in the automotive industry, this is a win-win for both organizations.

Diane Anderson
Marketing Manager
Family Buick Mitsubishi
www.familyauto.com

Glenda Gill - Executive Director Rainbow/Push Los Angeles Bureau

Meet Glenda Gill:

Glenda Gill is the Executive Director of the Rainbow/PUSH Los Angeles, and formerly the Director of the Rainbow/PUSH Detroit Bureau. Ms. Gill’s current responsibility has been the day-to-day bureau operations, management, and leading the effort to promote diversity of minorities and women among the global automotive community.

The bureau has focused on building strategic partnerships within the industry in an effort to promote, increase, and sustain diversity participation at every level. The work has provided invaluable to the transformation of the automotive manufacturing industry – leading to increased minority participation from the boardroom to the assembly line.

In her new capacity, Ms. Gill added to her plate the entertainment industry. The effort will be to forge new relationships in the entertainment industry and have goals that are similar to automotive. Advocacy, education, building strong relationships, strategic partnerships and expanding minority opportunities behind the scenes as well as in front of the screen will be the chief focus in entertainment.

Glenda Gill has vast experience in several areas of work including public affairs, public relations, community relations, public involvement, marketing, public events and management of special projects. She also served as a partner in a firm as a public involvement and public awareness consultant for the Detroit Water and Sewage Department Projects - CSO Basin and Water Works Park.
She began her work career at Xerox Corporation and spent over fourteen years in retail management, with Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord and Taylor and others.

Ms. Gill left the retail industry to become immersed in national politics by joining Rev. Jesse L. Jackson’s 1988 Presidential campaign as assistant director of fundraising. After the campaign, Ms. Gill worked in various capacities for other presidential and senatorial candidates national and a stint as a union organizer for AFL-CIO. These positions fueled her ascent to fund development director of the Southern Regional Council in Atlanta.

In 1993, Ms. Gill returned to Detroit to work as a coordinating producer for a national cable and public television program. Additionally she began to hone her talents as a special event publicist, manager and promotion consultant working with National television, radio and literary talent.

Ms. Gill sees herself as a change agent along with having a drive and passion to the commitment of economic empowerment for people of color. Currently living in Los Angeles, Ms. Gill has one son, Brandon a graduate of Stanford University.

Glenda Gill
Executive Director
Rainbow/Push Los Angeles Bureau
www.rainbowpush.org