Women In The Drivers Seat
PrintAn Automotive Career Forum for Women
In November 2007, more than 125 women attended Women in the Driver's Seat: An Automotive Career Forum for Women at the Center for Automotive Education & Training. The gathering was designed to break down stereotypes and encourage women entering or re-entering the workforce to look at careers in the retail automotive industry.
Sheila Meyer, President of Meyer Chevrolet in Middle Village, Queens, said “I think people have a tendency to think that women aren’t so typical of what a salesperson should be. But it makes sense considering that 70 percent of all women make the final decision on cars.”
According to Mark Schienberg, President of GNYADA, the forum is a chance to share women’s success stories in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Schienberg suggests that although women holding key positions in dealerships are still a small percentage, the industry is ready for them.
Panelist and 25-year auto industry vet Suzanne Cochrane, who is the general manager of Helms Bros in Bayside, NY, a Mercedes-Benz and VW franchise, feels that this kind of event provides a springboard for women and focuses on their potential. She says "There are many departments where we can be flexible with time, certainly in sales. This is an added bonus for mothers.” She also notes that the opportunity for making money is unlimited, adding: “No one in my franchise is earning minimum wage.”
Meyer says that while women might display a softer touch, in this industry they have to develop a hard shell to be successful or move up the ranks: “After being in this business for 10 years, I’ve gone from sappy to strong. I’ve had to get my backbone up.”
