Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Cortney Ewald-Ihde on July 29, 2010 at 10:15am

I definitely think being female in the car business presents challenges and its how we, as females, handle them that sets us apart. I am a member of a family owned and operated dealer group and my 8 male counterparts and I do not always see eye-to-eye. However, I like to think I have the advantage - women are on the rise and if we can do to the auto business what women have done to banking, health care and other industries, I think we will be one step ahead.

Permalink Reply by Katie Colihan on November 1, 2010 at 1:07pm

While I'm a little late replying, I share your views. It's hard to tell people to this day that "I'm in the automotive business". Although I have the Marketing crutch to lean on.

Permalink Reply by Sherry Phillips on November 15, 2010 at 11:34am

It took me a couple of years to gain the sales guys respect, so in that aspect yes, I just had to prove I knew what I was doing and gain thier trust, but I found if you can get on the "alpha males" side the rest will follow. As far as customers go it's touch and go. Some old fashioned men still think women know nothing and on the phone will refer to me as "the secretary" and others find me more trusting.

Permalink Reply by Missy Maylott on November 10, 2011 at 3:23pm

I believe it's harder initially but after our customers/vendors/partners know us and what we do, it becomes easier...