12/23/2019 by I-CAR

As 2019 comes to a close, we’d like to share some words of wisdom and encouragement from a few influential women in the collision repair industry.
 
“This industry gives merit where merit is due, man or woman. If you do a good job caring about your client or customer, and lead with integrity and enthusiasm, the boundaries of success are nowhere to be found. The level of community in our industry is absolutely unmatched.”
 
—Jordan Hendler,Owner, Admin Concepts, and Executive Director, Washington Metropolitan, Auto Body Association
 
 
 
“There is so much opportunity for women in this industry whether they be chemists for a paint company, technicians, accounting, IT, repair diagnostics, or customer care for insurance companies or repairers. These are only a few things and the list is vast. There is much encouragement from the industry and scholarships through such entities as the Collision Industry Foundation, WIN and other grantors who encourage women to excel in a previously male-dominated industry. The appreciation for the skill sets that women bring to the table has grown tremendously.”
 
—Kathy Mello, CFO, Business Development, TGIF Body Shop Inc. and Founding Board Member, Women’s Industry Network (WIN.)
 
 
 “My advice to other women coming into the industry is look for companies with leaders who believe in letting you reach your full potential. If they don’t, move on. Learn as much as you can and go in the direction the industry leads you. I have mentored young women who have gone to great careers with repairers as estimators, production leaders or as insurance adjusters.”
 
—Jeanne Silver, Co-owner CARSTAR Mundelein