Last year I had someone approach me to see if I would be interested in attending a leadership conference in Indianapolis for the Women in Auto Care. I had heard of this group over the years, but I hadn’t pursued learning more about them. The group’s focus is on industry insights, networking, and professional development. I have since attended that conference, as well as their winter leadership conference this past month. Many of the conferences and trainings Jeff and I attend are geared towards shop owners. The Women in Auto Care conference is geared towards women working in the automotive industry aftermarket. The speakers were amazing and I walked away feeling like I had learned about what is happening in the automotive industry, with a renewed opportunity to improve my skills as a business owner. Women share their experiences and expertise in their positions working in development, sales, logistics, engineering, technicians, etc. The Women in Auto Care also focus on mentoring and providing scholarships. Their goal is to bring new people into the automotive aftermarket while providing opportunities to women already working in the auto care industry. It’s gratifying to hear the difference that the scholarships are making in the lives of women. After 17 years in the automotive industry, it’s exciting to see so many women looking at the automotive aftermarket as a career choice. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many women who love this industry and are excited to promote it. I’m proof that you don’t have to have an interest in motor vehicles to pursue a career in the auto care aftermarket industry. I’m sharing this because there are women out there that would benefit from learning more about the auto care world. I didn’t deliberately move into this field. I married a car guy who eventually bought his family’s business. I can talk the talk but not turn a wrench. But that hasn’t stopped me from growing and learning as well as appreciating this industry for the ever changing opportunities it offers.