Keep reading to learn how other women in the automotive field handle any backlash they may receive.

 

During our lives, we will all face adversaries, whether that’s being passed over for a promotion at work or your car breaking down. As a woman, when you work in a male-dominated field you end up dealing with specific negative stereotypes and experiences. Simply because of your gender. There are many ways customers, vendors, and even fellow shop owners can discount you. Amber Stout-Nebozuk & Kayla Burris, soon-to-be owners of Fuerst Automotive, know how it feels to be underestimated in the industry. They have some sure-fire ways to help combat these scenarios, keep reading to find out!

 

1. Build A Rapport

It’s important that all relationships are built on a strong foundation — one of trust. This goes for everyone you interact with: customers, employees, and vendors. Make sure when you are first introduced with someone that you show them respect, even if you suspect they aren’t doing the same with you.

In Amber and Kayla’s case, they are taking over Fuerst Automotive from their parents. So, they’ve had established relationships already in place. Amber says, “The team knew us already, so we had the advantage of not walking in as strangers.” If you don’t personally know the previous owner, make sure you visit the shop before purchasing the business. Introduce yourself to the current team and see what the shop culture looks like. Are the employees welcoming and open-minded? If so, you know they will see you as the boss and treat other women respectfully as well.

 

2. Endorsements From Other Professionals

If being respectful to someone isn’t enough to make them see you as an equal or superior, try having another industry professional endorse you. Whether this be the previous owner, a fellow shop owner, or another industry professional (perhaps a teacher at a technical college). When someone sees a person they already respect grant the same respect to you, they can see your position more clearly. Think of it like a concert, the other professional is the headliner and you’re the opening band. At a performance, you assume you’re going to like the warm-up act because they have been vetted by the headliner for you. The same goes here.

For Amber and Kayla, this endorsement comes from their parents. They are currently trying out new policies and procedures in their shop. Where one may expect pushback or employee upsets over these changes, they instead are given openness. Why? Well, as Kayla says, “Our parents have trusted us to try things our way in the shop and even help execute some of our ideas. The team sees how much they trust us, which lets them know they can too.”

 

3. Know Your Stuff

This one may sound simple, but it’s still important! When you are ready and prepared to answer any questions someone asks you, you are seen as competent and able. It may not feel fun to have to “prove yourself”, but it will help your credibility in the long run. As a shop owner, you’re expected to have the answer to everything and by being able to back that up people will see you as the leader you are.

As Amber says, “I think knowledge truly is power. When we know our stuff, it’s hard for anyone to question our abilities or aptitude.” This also allows you to open up a conversation with the person that’s doubting you. In Kayla’s experience, “Change can be difficult for anyone – different generations have different ideals of the workplace and gender roles so seeing a woman in an auto repair shop challenges that mentality. People want to cling to what’s comfortable.”

Along with this, it’s vital that you know your decision is the final one. Once you determine an action for the shop make sure to hold your ground. People may try to intimidate you into changing your mind, but it’s important to assert yourself as the boss. Ultimately, if you know you’re making the best choice for your shop – that’s what matters. Don’t let someone make you feel less than because you’re a woman.

 

4. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Being able to answer questions correctly isn’t where your knowledge ends. Sometimes you may be expected to complete tasks to prove you can “handle” the automotive industry. So, be prepared to complete an oil change or run a diagnostic test every now and again. This way, not only your team knows you can and are willing to do the “dirty work”, but your customers can see your expertise in real time. Now, this doesn’t mean take on the responsibilities of a technician and an owner. Your tasks as an owner take precedence.

Amber and Kayla share their experience working in a parts warehouse. They say, “The warehouse was dusty, freezing in the winter, hot and humid in the summer, and some of the parts (brake drums, control arms, etc.) were very heavy and had to be lifted overhead. Initially there was a mentality that it wasn’t the kind of environment for women. However, we proved otherwise by showing up and excelling in our positions. We earned a certain level of respect and just became another member of the team!”

 

5. Open Doors for Other Women

When there are more women in the automotive industry, there will be less stereotypes to overcome. Once it is seen as normal for there to be more female technicians and female owners, there will be less doubt, judgement, or ignorance overall. Ultimately, access is empowerment.

In Amber and Kayla’s case, they are working toward this future right now. They share more here, “We just hired our first female tech and we cannot wait for her to start; this makes our team equal parts men and women! Being part of the change the industry is experiencing is so exciting!“

During this year’s DRIVE EXPO, Amber and Kayla received their Master Shop Owner award. One speech in particular spoke to them. Fellow shop owner, Travis Sallee owner of Loren’s Auto Repair, mentioned that he never imagined that his daughters could be the ones to run his shop one day, but seeing other women doing it made him realize that it’s a possibility. Kayla says, “I think if we can inspire just one other woman to get into the automotive field, then we’ve made an impact.”

 

In Amber and Kayla’s experience, they most often get reactions of shock or surprise when people learn they are women who own an automotive repair shop. It might still be uncommon, but they’re working together every day to combat stereotypes and help build the industry into what they want it to be. As Amber says, “While you hear about so many women making really empowering moves in their careers, I don’t think the auto industry has been permeated by that quite yet. But I do think we’re on the cusp of big changes happening!” So, keep these tips in your back pocket and be the change you want to see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ShopOwner Magazine link HERE

By Chase Clough