LORI JOHNSON

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

I started my business in 2006 and I love empowering women by teaching them more about their vehicle.

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

Doing everything myself. It's still part-time for me, so I can't afford to hire anyone.

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

I've been in the industry over 30 years...wow, that went fast! My first job was as a technician for a Honda Dealership.

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

Tenacity, Love of teaching, Outgoing When I started my training I was the only woman in my class. They learned pretty quickly that I wasn't going anywhere and my personality and eagerness to learn soon won them over. I'm not afraid to ask questions and love to share my knowledge.

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

In the beginning it was just getting the guys in my class to take me seriously and accept that I just wanted to learn. Now I have a reputation after all the years in the industry and there is much more acceptance.

I remember when I worked at the dealership an older male customer brought in a car with a perceived problem. After looking it over and finding nothing wrong, I explained to him why there was nothing wrong and the part was working properly. He then asked to talk to a male tech. I got him a fellow technician and went back to work. About a half hour later he found me to apologize. He said the male tech told him the same thing I did and told him that I was a good tech and knew my stuff. It was nice that he came and told me that and hopefully he never judged a worker by their gender again.

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

Unfortunately when I started there weren't many women in the industry doing what I was doing, but there were men who defiantly encouraged and supported me. Two of them, Rich Saxton and Dan Reed, at the Community College of Philadelphia helped make me a confident teacher and supported and reminded me constantly that I could do anything I set my mind to.

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

"You know more than your students, don't forget that" And

"Never lie if you're not sure about something, tell them you'll find out and get back to them"

I realized that no one knows everything and you'll get more respect if you ask for help. I also encourage the women in my class to always ask questions...it's how we learn.

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

I originally started because I didn't want a desk job and I liked to work with my hands. Now I love that I have the knowledge to help other women learn and feel more confident about understanding more about their vehicles.

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

Early in my career I met Bogi and we talked about all the things we wanted to do in the industry. Over the years I have watched her rise to every challenge and continue to help women while being a great role model. She inspires me to keep doing what I do and that while the road was not always easy, we made it and we're still doing it!