Aftermarket Insider Issue 74 - (Page 12)

MEMbER PRoFIlE audra Fordin Female Service Shop Owner of the Year Due to her dedication to consumer education and long term commitment to the aftermarket, Audra Fordin, owner of Great Bear Auto Shop, was named the first-ever Car Care Council Women’s Board Female Service Shop Owner of the Year. Fordin is the fourth generation and first female owner of her family’s shop, and has been involved in the aftermarket since 1983. “Some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth; I was born with a lug wrench in mine,” said Fordin. “Talking shop was the way it was and I knew it no other way. Weekends and school breaks were a treat for me. I got to ‘go to work’ and spend time with my dad and my grandpa at that time. When my alphabetizing skills were mastered and all the filing was done, I went into the stock room and worked with inventory and ordering. In my early teens, I was old enough to handle the power of an air gun, and I got promoted into the shop.” Fordin went on to study marketing and management at Arizona State University, received training at an automotive trade school, and is presently enrolled at Empire State University for continuing education. As owner, Fordin continues to use her extensive experience in the shop. “I was trained in all aspects of the shop. So my duties vary from day to day, and it’s all geared toward customer service,” said Fordin. “I am a service writer, technician, and a diagnostician. If a customer needs a ride home, I am the driver; if the bathroom needs to be cleaned, I am the janitor.” Fordin believes one of the biggest issues facing the service industry is the false perception consumers have. “One of my long-term goals is to transform the tarnished image of the auto repair industry nationwide to one of honesty and safety,” said Fordin. “I am also going to open the door for women to, without hesitation or resistance, be able to work in the aftermarket world, as well as enjoy the experience of caring for their own cars.” Fordin has founded “What Women Auto Know,” which is dedicated to empowering and educating women in car maintenance. The program features an iPhone application with tools and resources that assist in good decision making when servicing their car. “Before becoming a member of AAIA, I often referred to the information on the website and sent people to the site too,” said Fordin. “After I bookmarked the website on my browser, I knew it was time for me to become a member. AAIA is an amazing organization that I am very proud to be a part of.” Fordin enjoys being with her huband and three small children. She also works in her garden and is a saltwater fish hobbyist. Audr A Fordin POsitiOn : Owner 28 Years in the aFtermarKet: WOrds tO liVe bY: The words I live and run my shop by are to “show and tell.” I show how a part functions, what the part looks like when it is in good condition and then bring the car owner to their car to show them the parts. They, then, tell me what condition it’s in. Educating the driver empowers them and eliminates any fear associated with auto repair. PhOne : e-mail : 718-762-6212 audra@greatbearautoshop.com 12 | AFTERMARKET INSIDER | VOLUME 74 http://www.greatbearautoshop.com/

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider Issue 74

Aftermarket Insider Issue 74
President’s Message
A Celebration Campaign
Association News
Inside Technology
Member Profile
Toolbox: Qr Codes
International Focus
AAIA Market Intelligence: Don’t Do Business Without It!
Association News
Segment Spotlight
Government Affairs
Industry News

Aftermarket Insider Issue 74