JENNIFER CHAPIN

How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?

3 Years. I love every aspect of my business and my favorite time is teaching off-road driving especially to the ladies. When I see a smile on their face because they were able to do what I was teaching them, and they realize how great it just was.

What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

Keeping up with Media

How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?

About 7 years, I started out working with 4Wheel Parts and doing events with them to engage customers and specifically attract women to learn about there 4x4's and Jeeps

What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?

Drive: This gives me a sense of purpose and helps me accomplish many things.
Confidence: I always believe that I can do anything even when most say that I can't.
Desire: I have this inner desire to be the best that I can be at whatever I take on, there may be others that are more skilled than I am but i just see that as an opportunity for me to continue to learn and grow.

Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?

When I worked at an Off-Road Shop, guys would sometimes come in and just go see one of the guys about their Jeeps and then guys would refer them to me since that was more my specialty. I took a young lady that had only driven a Jeep a few miles on a trail. Got her in my Jeep and out on the Rubicon trail to learn to drive the trail and be a trail guide. It was a challenge for me but she did great with learning and guiding. I don't recommend this for the faint of heart. I sure did enjoy it too.

Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

Jessi Combs, of course a friend and mentor to me to take on everything like she did.
A couple great guys Fred and Sean, who always let me get my hands dirty and but up any rig they are working on.

What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?

Be yourself and do what you love. I think about this with every business, project or volunteer opportunity that I get involved in. It helps me focus on what is important to others and not what is easy for me.

Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?

For most of my life but got sidetracked with other careers. What keeps me in the automotive industry is my love of everything automotive!

Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?

Dannille a senior manager I worked with who always had a new challenge for me.