Kirstin Backes

July’s Member Spotlight is dedicated to YEN Chair Member Kirstin Backes from Radians. Check out Amy’s Q&A with SEMA and the SBN below:

The best advice I ever received was…

"Just jump in! If you want to get involved, quit trying to figure out how to BEST to do it, and just do it."

This keeps me in the industry:

I've stayed in the industry because there's a like mindedness here that I appreciate.

On a Saturday, you can find me…

Either drag racing or working on my 1999 LS-powered Mustang.

When going into an important meeting I am always…

A few minutes early, carrying a planner and some caffeine.

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

John Menzler. He was the first industry leader that I met, and he actively encouraged my involvement with the councils and networks. It was such a short interaction at a morning networking event that wound up having a huge impact on my career. Knowing what I do now about the aftermarket, I wish I could pick his brain much further.