WOMEN IN AUTO

Jackie Lima sells cars full time as a brand specialist for Audi North Park. And after working in the auto industry for 13 years, she says she can’t imagine ever wanting any other job.

She recommends her job and the auto industry in general to women who have what it takes to succeed, she said.“this job is not for everyone,” Jackie said. “You have to be determined and driven.

“In a way, this is like having your own business. You rely on customers to purchase vehicles, and when you provide excellent customer service and take care of your clients, then the customers will also take care of you,” she said.

Here are her views on what it has been like to have a career in the automotive industry in the San Antonio area:

Q.: Why did you choose the auto industry? A.:

I actually didn’t choose the auto industry. An opportunity came about as an assistant receptionist at an auto dealer here in San Antonio and I decided to apply for the job.

Q.: How did you find your first job in the industry? A.:

I saw an ad on Craigslist and decided to apply for the position as an assistant for sales. I was considered for a sales position after one of the managers saw how I handled customers, and I held that position for four years.

Q.: Is your current job your first in the industry, or have you had other roles? A.:

This is not my first time in this role in the industry. After selling vehicles for four years at my first job in the auto industry, I was then considered for a position in finance and worked in that role for two years. Shortly after that, I was moved to general sales manager, and managed the day-to-day operations and the sales staff.

Q.: What’s your overall view so far of working in the auto industry? Is it what you imagined it to be? A.:

I never imagined an opportunity like this would be out there. I am fortunate to be able to support my family in a way that I never have before. This industry can be very fruitful for someone who puts in the work and has the determination to succeed.

Q.: What other auto industry jobs would you be interested in?

A.: Only sales. After working in other positions,

I know that sales is the best fit for me. I enjoy sales because I like working face to face with customers and helping them finding their dream cars.

Q.: What is your typical day like at work? A.:

Every day is something different. When I come in, I work on any leads that I have and follow up with them. I call my current customers and work on referrals, and I interact with our service customers as well to upgrade them into a new vehicle.

Some days are busier than others, at the end of the day, I’ve worked hard to help my customers find the cars of their dreams.

Q.: Have you experienced any challenges as a woman working in a generally male-dominated industry? A.:

I certainly have; being a Hispanic female can be challenging. Sometimes customers prefer to work with a male sales specialist. I think my personality has allowed me to overcome those obstacles and quickly gain the trust of my customers. At the end of the day, this business is all about customer service and building longstanding relationships.

Q.: What advice do you have for other women who might be contemplating careers in the auto industry? A.:

My advice is to go for it. If you are passionate and have a drive to never give up, you will be very successful in this business. It takes a strong-minded person with determination. Still, this business is a lot of fun and can be very fast-paced.

Q.: Would you recommend a position like yours to other women, or what positions might you suggest? A.:

I certainly would. If a woman loves working with customers and has a great personality, she can really be successful in this business. I am very passionate when I sell vehicles to customers. If you can show that passion with your customer, the customer becomes passionate about the car you are selling to them.

Q.: Do you have any other comments you wish to add to your story? A.:

Referrals and repeat business are a huge part of my success, and I am grateful for my customers, Audi North Park, and the Kahlig Auto Group.

Anything and everything is possible if we can take the extra step and make the effort to make a difference.