DENISE WADDINGHAM

This month's #SheIsSEMA Member Spotlight goes out to Denise Waddingham of Dee Zee Inc. Check out her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN below:

The best advice I ever received was…

Be a mentor. Although it may seem easier to just – "do it yourself" - you are denying another person the opportunity to grow and learn. Involve others, show others how to do something, and then watch them prosper.

This keeps me in the industry:

Comradery and networking. Being a female in the automotive aftermarket industry is gaining momentum. The more I learn from others, the farther I can go within this industry. Being involved in networks and events allows me to broaden my knowledge and gain the respect and admiration of others in the industry.

On a Saturday, you can find me…

Hanging out with my husband, Jamie, and Sarge, our 1-year-old Fox Red Lab. We can be found at the dog park, taking a walk in the open fields by our house, or lounging in front of the fireplace watching a movie or football. Oh, that's of course after grabbing a coffee and puppy latte at our local coffee shop :)

When going into an important meeting I am always…

Prepared with an agenda. While in the meeting, I listen and take notes on important topics. I am never afraid to ask questions and input my ideas into the conversation.

If I could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, it would be…

GiGi Carlton. I had the opportunity to meet her briefly at the 2017 SEMA Installation Gala and at the 2017 SEMA Show. Not only is she an industry icon, but she's got a smart sense of humor. Oh, the stories she could tell. I'd just love to pick her brain and hear all about the beginning of the SEMA show.