HEATHER TAUSCH

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) named HEATHER TAUSCH as this week's #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.

Learn about HEATHER TAUSCH in her interview with SEMA below.

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

One year. Mickey Thompson prioritizes having fun as a team while being successful. Its a positive and supportive organization filled with incredibly talented people.

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

The most challenging part of my job is working collaboratively with our parent company while maintaining our independence.

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

I have been in the industry for eight years. I joined Pulstar Spark plugs as the the director of marketing in 2013.

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

I'm highly strategic, personable, and enjoy problem solving. These strengths have allowed me to quickly climb the corporate ladder and hold high profile positions with several prestigious brands.

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

I have been groped and physically harassed at industry events numerous times and told by peers that my success is because of my appearance. I believe my biggest accomplishment has been in being able to hold my own in the board room and prove my place at the table time and time again.

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

James Yim has helped me understand how to communicate my strategic thinking and mold my career. My current President, Dominick Wycoff, has been an amazing mentor in learning to navigate corporate situations in large organizations and small.

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

My father always said pick your job based on enjoying what you will do and what will give you the widest breadth of exposure to new experiences. Not money. This has led me to grow my career aggressively and have fun while doing it.

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

No. When I discovered in the industry in 2013 I fell in love with the community and moved heaven and earth to remain a part of the community. Including moving to three states in three years.

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

My father

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.