AUTOBODYGALS
I often get comments from people about how they've never seen a woman working in this trade before. I KNOW there are a ton of us out there, so I asked as many as I could to answer a series of Q&A's to get to know them and their journeys a little better. I hope you find this as awesome and inspiring as I do!
- Hilary
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
Ashley Brackelsberg, 31, Mankato Minnesota USA, Jerry’s Abra Autobody and Glass in
Mankato
Job description, and how long you’ve been doing it for?
B Level Repair Technician, 6 years
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
I’ve always had a passion for automobiles! I can fix things most people cannot and I absolutely love being able to fix up people’s “babies” and get them back on the road!
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
Getting my coworkers to understand that I want to learn to do things on my own, not have them done for me. Constantly learning the needs of the new cars coming out every year.
What piece of advice would you give a young lady looking to get into this trade?
It’s not always an easy road. It’s definitely not a glamorous career, it is absolutely hard and sometimes strenuous work. Do it because you genuinely have a passion for it. When you jump, go all in and give it your everything! Try every aspect of Autobody and find your niche, then strive to be the best tech in the position!
Future career goals?
To be a A level Lead Technician
Any final thoughts?
Always expect the unexpected in this career! Like panel bond in your hair lol!! It’s worth the scratches, weld burns and dirt underneath your nails to say “I did that!”
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
My name is Sharon Michelle Sol, i am 29 years old. Im from Holland, The netherlands.
Job description, and how long you’ve been doing it for?
I'm a carpainter, and also prepping and buffing. Im doiing it nearly 12 years and I started in june 2016 my OWN company. Im a freelance prepper and painter. I'm hired by different companys when it's busy or people are sick and on vacation. So Every week is different. In The evenings and weekends i do my OWN jobs, little car crashes or motorccycles and scooters.
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
what inspired me... just The feeling when you finished something. Dont know why but iT makes me really happy. When i see my OWN results iT makes me Proud.
And if The customers are happy i am more happy.
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
My biggest challenge was starting for myself. Didnt know if i had enough work. Till now i have too much work :) my biggest struggle i am to sweet and kind. So not want to please everybody is my struggle haha. Think more for myself.
What piece of advice would you give a young lady looking to get into this trade?
just listen to your heart an do what you really want to do. And just keep trying!
Future career goals?
I want my OWN spraybooth, and learn to do rent removal without spraying. More time for special paint, airbrush and Candy and Flake graphics. *Sparkle*
Any final thoughts?
Hope you like iT ! If you have questions you may always ASK!
Lots of love,
Sharon
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
My name is Samantha Rook, I'm 27 years old and I work at A&B auto body and custom painting in Michigan. I am a combo tech, as well as a wet sander and buffer. I've been doing this trade for almost 9 years.
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
My dad used to own a body shop and taught me alot about cars so I've grown up around it. It always intrigued me how he could take something that was smashed up or rusty and falling apart and make it look new again. And he taught me alot about the trade, and to never let a man tell me I can't do it. He is my number 1 fan.
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
My biggest challenge has been trying to make it in a male dominated trade. I've had to prove myself since day 1. I've had to train newbies who didn't like me because I was a woman and would basically tell me there not going to listen to me. I've had customers not want to deal with me because I am a woman, and they would ask for a man...only layer to be told to come talk to me. And of course deal with the occasional person thinking I'm a secretary when I tell them where I work. But I've made it and I'm well respected now.
What piece of advice would you give a young lady looking to get into this trade?
If I could give any of you young girls advice it would be, you can do anything you put your mind to. Don't let the men get you down. Woman are just as good, or sometimes better than men in this trade. Keep pushing girl, you can do it!
Future career goals?
My future career goals are to open a shop here in my small town that is entirely operated by woman. I would also love to teach a class to young girls who are interested in the trade.
Any final thoughts?
Thanks for reading Hillary, and thank you for being such a kickass woman in the industry. You are such an inspiration to me as well as the other girls. Have a wonderful day!
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
Hey there! My name is Amanda and I am 29 yrs old from Toronto, Canada.
Job description, and how long you’ve been doing it for?
I currently work for a Ford dealer collision shop as an Estimator. I've been in the trades for about 8 years now, but I wasn't always an estimator. I started off fresh from school as a Dismantler and washing cars when I had spare time. I took a step forward with my career by asking my boss at the time of I could last to do estimates, in which he was happy to let me in the basis that I Dismantled the cars and write an estimate based on what I found, and he would review them. Soon enough after learning the curb, I left and became an full fledged estimator. But heck, it didn't stop there for me, I also became a shop manager at some point.
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
My inspiration comes from my father who is my biggest idol, he is a professional bodyman for as long as I can remember . Whenever he worked on the family cars at home or whenever mom brought me to pay him a visit at the shop, I was always intrigued by what he does, and he even let me have fun with a few nuts and bolts, and tell me stories of the crazy things his seen or the wicked stuff he created with the occasional pictures. Later on after failing college, I had a heck of a scare. I couldn't find my place in life until I suddenly realize that there WAS something I could do. And that was the only thing I knew well. Fixing cars!! and that's when I decided to go to a automotive trade school which lead me to where I am today.
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
My biggest challenges started as soon as I started the trade school. I never had realized exacly how physical it was and just exactly how much woman where discriminated against by fellow peers and etc. The physical part got easier with time. I found it was the same as going to a gym, if not better. After the first few months, I swear I had some pretty good arms! Lol! But sadly, the discrimination of the sexe is something that you will face your whole life in this trade.
What piece of advice would you give a young lady looking to get into this trade?
Ladies, no matter what carreer you do, their will always be brick walls in your way. The difference in us girls in this trade, is that we all have a strong spirit. We learnt to pick up the heavy hammer, and knock down that big wall and wave a big middle finger to the guy that put it there in the first place. over time you realized that their is a very satisfying feeling of keeping your head high with a big grin whenever you prove yourself to be worth more than what others try to make you think you are. Heck, it's even funny at times. But know this: this trade gives you more opportunities than you can even think of as well as It's an undying trade, their will always be cars that needs fixing. These opportunities can lead to being a bodyman, prepper, painter, estimator, shop manager, shop foreman, parts manager/adviser, insurance appraiser, assembler, just to name few. So if you don't like one thing, use the knowledge to find something else within the trade! You'll also meet alot of amazing people!
Future career goals?
From here in, I guess my future goals would be to open my own shop along with my father and a few family friend in the same trade, but for now, I'll settle for that nice pick up truck I want! A 2018 Chevrolet Colorado red line! And a camping trailer to haul around of course! :D
Any final thoughts?
To all the girls out there in this trade, I'd like to say you all rock! And keep on polishing that hammer!
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
Tammy Jacklin, 47, Shelburne, NS, Canada, CSN - Hubert's Collision Centre, Tusket, NS, Canada
Job description, and how long you’ve been doing it for?
Prepper/Shop Den Mother 2 years
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
When I was 17, I realised that high school was not really working out for me. So on a Friday morning, 2 weeks into Gr.11 I quit. By Friday afternoon I had a job at a local motel as a chambermaid. Luckily I had a principal who genuinely cared and begged me to reconsider. He asked me to take the weekend, think it over and let him know what I had decided on Monday. After much talking with my parents, friends and myself I decided to go to my local community college. Principal was happy I was still getting an education, Mum was happy I was still in school, I was happy to not be changing beds. I took Retail Merchandising and Marketing....and did very well, not to mention I obtained enough credits to complete Gr. 11. WOW! That was easy! I liked it so much I decided to take another course. Motor Vehicle Repair Body. Now this was a little different. Keep in mind, this was 1988. I was the only female on the floor of my school. They didn't even have a bathroom I could use. I persevered and completed 1 year of a 2 year course study.
Flash forward 30 years, 2 ex husbands, a 25 year career as a hairstylist and business owner. I was ready for a change. Something different. I bit the bullet, closed my salon and applied for a job at a body shop just for shits and gigs. And got it. It's only been 2 years there but the amount of information I have gathered, contacts I have made, and higher appreciation of what actually goes into 'that little ding' in the fender is mind blowing. I am happy with the choice I have made to switch careers even though they are 2 totally different worlds.
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
I am quite short and petite. 5'3" on a good day. I am often hindered by that when I have to mask up a Super Duty and have to drag a ladder around with me. It also poses a problem with some shop equipment as some bumper stands are stored on a rack on the wall...up high. They are also heavy. I have mastered how to remove them by myself but some days......I wish I were a few inches taller. That is a pretty superficial complaint though. Something with a little more clout would be ....being female in a male dominated industry. You are constantly being judged. I will never claim to be the best prepper on the planet but I can certainly hold my own. What is under my clothing should not dictate my ability.
What piece of advice would you give a young lady looking to get into this trade?
WEAR KNEE PADS! Get lots of sleep. Do your work and keep your eyes front. Don't over compensate. It will get you nowhere. Stay true to yourself and never settle for any less than what you are worth. A good wage is earned....so earn it!
Future career goals?
At the ripe age of 47 I am basically floating through life at this point. I still have 20+ years of work left but the body isn't liking crawling around on the concrete floor so much. I recently applied for an estimator job at my shop so am waiting to hear the results of that. I am hopeful but will not be disappointed if I don't get it. I am comfortable with my job as a prepper and enjoy it very much. I just wish I weren't so crippled.
Any final thoughts?
I am a people watcher and observer of human nature and tendancies. I would sit in an airport for hours and just ...watch. I find it fascinating how people interact with each other. Sometimes it's good.....sometimes not. I have always been what you would call a tough nut. I do not offend easily and usually do the offending myself. lol. I work around men all day, 5 days a week. It can get pretty lewd by times. It can also get heated. My words of wisdom? Be friendly and courteous. Help another if they need it. Encourage your co-workers. Do not fall into the drama trap. The backroom whispers and hurtful comments about others. Keep your mouth shut unless it involves you directly, and only speak to the ones that it also involves.
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
Audrey Batson, 27 , from Thunder Bay Ontario, currently working at Car Star Collision Center in Thunder Bay
Job description, and how long you’ve been doing it for?
Currently a Journey Person waiting to write my 310B License been in the trade since i was 22
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
Originally I started out in the mechanical of the trade but was having difficulty getting a job, when i was offered a job in a collision center doing wheel alignments i jumped at it. When alignments would be slow i started getting small bumper jobs and slowly got into fenders and doors, The shop signed me up as an apprentice and I went to school in Toronto Ontario. While in school in Toronto i found a job and stayed. Working there and in school I met Hilary and was given the opportunity working in Torontos first all girl body shop. Now Im finished my schooling and getting ready to write my red seal exam.
I've always been a creative person, building model cars as a kid and wanted to fix my own car. When i grew up i moved to the real thing and i love every minute of it
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
One of the biggest struggles Ive had was stepping out of my comfort zone and taking initiative when trying new things, especially being the only girl in the first shop i worked at.
What piece of advice would you give a young lady looking to get into this trade?
Just do it and show what you are capable. Dont let anyone tell you otherwise.
Future career goals?
Getting my red seal license and hopefully getting into the business end of the shop life and teaching others the trade
Any final thoughts?
Stay true to yourself and don’t let others get you down. With a strong network of women we can do anything!!
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
Ashlee Barker-Galer. Age:25. From: Bellevue, Nebraska. Work place: Great Plains Auto Body
Job description, and how long you’ve been doing it for?
Paint prepper, sand and polish(when the guy is gone) (i also do all the decals, black out tape, and clear guards for the lazy guys who don't want to do them) How long: it will be two years on April 11th 2018. I spent six months in the wash bay and a year in sand and polish. i have been prepping since July 2017.
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
My family. My great grandfather is Al Sharp. (If you do a little research he is one of the men who created the Mooneyham Sharp 554 which now sits in Don Gartlits museum in Florida.) my grandfather who ended up working under my great grandfather is a self taught engineer didnt know how to read until he was about 40 but can make you anything out of metal your little heart desired. I am the only grand daughter in my family. So needless to say i was a tom boy no matter how hard anyone tried to push the girly stuff. Cars have always been a love of mine. From following dad into the garage and handing him tools or going to a small local car show, or seeing old magazines with the 554 or even my grandpa pointing out cars he has worked on or made parts for.
I absolutely love my job and the career i have chose because i can be detailed and OCD and be so god damn good at it. My brain moves faster than anyone elses i have met and i get told i pay to much attention which in my mind has never been a bad thing. I love making things look good. Especially cars! The feeling you get from seeing your work progress from start to finish to seeing the job leave the lot and the customer has a heart warming smile, is so rewarding! Makes me warm and fuzzy inside. Knowing you gave someone the best experience from a horrible situation(collision work)is hands down in my mind the best feeling.
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
(which I continually battle daily) i apologize for the rant. Some days are better than others but being in my own head is the hardest thing Ive had to over come. I know that i do a great job because everyone else says so but the painter that i work under is a very quiet man doesnt say much & i dont get a lot of verbal praise from him. so im constantly trying to read him. I know ive done a good job when he puts it in the booth. When i miss something he stands there and stares at it until i find it. And this usually happens on our busiest day when we have no time for error. Not often but i kick myself everytime it happens. But i have to constantly remind myself i chose to work under him because he is as detail oriented as i am (so i thought, way way more particular) i also know that it will make me a better painter in the long run. He tells everyone else that i do a wonderful job. But ive only heard it a few time. But i knew what i was getting into by choosing this guy. The owner of our shop asked me who i wanted to work under and gave suggestions but i didnt like their work eithic or the worl the produced and i could point out mistakes when i was in the wash bay and even more so when i was in the sand and polish position and even then His work was almost alway flawless. Maybe a few pieces of dirt but other than that its show room perfection. Long story short just know that even if you dont hear it everyday youre doing the best you can do. And make small goals for yourself everyday or every week, month. Etc.
What piece of advice would you give a young lady looking to get into this trade?
I'm jealous i wish i had a site/page or and individual who could give me all the details about the life we have chosen. It woukd have made everything a little easier.. 2. You got this! Good things come to those who work their fucking ass off! & if you want it bad enough you will grind everyday until you get to where you want to be. Believe in yourself even if you dont get the praise everyday. You will find small rewards in the process. STAY HUMBLE! Learn to not worry about others! just because the loud mouth cry baby gets what she wants doesnt mean you should get upset about it.( can you tell im bitter, its happened to me) but i kept my mouth shut and watched her fail terribly. I tried to help because no one ever helped me when i didnt do well at first. but you can only lead the horse to water. You force them to drink, they drown. STAY FOCUSED on you! & the last piece of advice i have is for your love life. Dont ever date or be with someone who isnt happy that you love your job! That was the worst mistake in my career. he was jealous i loved my job and made me miserable about it. so i quit the first shop i was ever in. I would have completed all my goals by now. (i know this because im close to the production manager who hired me at the first shop and everytime i see him he reminds me of how much potential i have and how -this could have been you- as he teaches two kids my age how to paint)
Future career goals?
I've worked my way from the wash bay to being a paint prepper under the best painter our company has, in a little under two years. my end goal is to be a painter. & Im almost there.
Any final thoughts?
I want to apologize if this was way to long but i am extremely thankful for the add to the page because i have felt like i have had no one. Not even the women who i do work with. they have no clue what its like to be in the shop and they dont understand the love that goes into our jobs. I wish i had a me or someone like me to talk to when I was younger and on the fence about my career choice. It was either cars or culinary school. And after waiting tables and bartending to pay for college im so grateful i chose the route i did. So again i thank you for the add and in the short time ive been a part of the page i no longer feel alone. You have lifted a weight from my shoulders and i am forever grateful!
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
My name is Allie Freeman. I’m a 20 year old 2nd year autobody apprentice from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada but am currently in between jobs due to a workplace injury.
Job description, and how long you’ve been doing it for?
At my last job I was a prepper but did minor body work and bumper repairs. I’m always excited to learn new things and I’m yet to find something in this trade I don’t love! Beside blocking... so far I’ve been in the trade for 3 years.
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
I’ve always had a love for cars, specifically old American muscle and I find it so badass for woman to break barriers I didn’t know still haunt us in this 21st century. I love doing and succeeding in what people think I’m incapable of but even though I’ve had more lows so far in the trade then highs, I chose this trade because it’s artistic and I can show my passion through the process of taking something which seems unfixable and watch it roll out of the paint booth shiny and flawless. It makes it all worth it in the end.
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
My biggest challenges so far in my journey is finding a safe employment where woman are respected and treated as equal. My first and only employment in the trade has been dehumanizing with sexual harassment and bullying but I refuse to let this stop me in being successful and the best I can be in this trade. After all by pushing through and not letting my male coworkers discourage me, I’m helping woman set new standards in the trade and proving their worth through the quality of my work.
What piece of advice would you give a young lady looking to get into this trade?
Advice I’d like to give is stand up for yourself. You deserve a safe place physically and mentally to work and although we are unfortunately a minority in this and many other trades, there is nothing more satisfying then proving you can, when others think you can’t.
Future career goals?
My future career goals is to one day open an all female body/mechanic shop so more woman feel they have a chance to make a career in this trade and feel comfortable coming to work each day and love it!
Any final thoughts?
Shoutout to all you amazing woman! We can do this!
“Well behaved woman rarely make history” Eleanor Roosevelt
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
I'm Kelle Blandford Oeste, 42 and from Waterloo IL. I own and operate V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud IL
Job description, and how long you’ve been doing it for?
My daily duties include managing a crew of 16 to restore muscle cars focusing mostly on resto mod performance upgrades. I handle all of the operations management of the business, accounting, customer relations, and parts ordering. I love to disassemble the cars, while doing that, I make the parts and to do lists for the crew. I also love to weld, fabricate, and wrench on cars, but managing the company doesn't give me much time to work on the cars anymore. Additionally, once in a while I am a host on our TV show called V8TV and I get to drive some of the cars we feature in our other show Muscle Car of the Week. My father was a diesel mechanic and a farmer so I've started out at a very young age working on farm equipment, as I got older my brother taught me a lot about auto body work and restoration. We started V8TV and V8 Speed and Resto shop in 2005.
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
I am inspired every day by men and women in our industry who have passion for cars, trucks, bikes, anything with wheels that goes fast. I want all the old cars back on the road and running and driving the best they can be. I love to work on the cars and see the happiness in our customers when they drive the cars. It's so great to see my crew work so hard and do such a great job to create beautiful pieces of art that function.
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
My biggest challenge as a business owner has been to find the right staff to work well with our great crew and have talent, and passion like we do. As a female in the industry, most people are kind and willing to give me the chance to help them but once in a while I'm treated as the dumb girl, I work hard to prove myself as knowledgeable, helpful and most of all capable, and sometimes more capable than the guys.
What piece of advice would you give a young lady looking to get into this trade?
My advice to young ladies looking to get into the trade is to have confidence in yourself, trust your instincts, ask for what you think you deserve. Take notes, ask good questions, and respect yourself and others. Treat others with respect if you expect to be respected.
Future career goals?
My future career goals are to continue to grow our company, to learn more every day, to be more efficient, profitable and continue to build cars everyone appreciates and enjoys.
Any final thoughts?
Final Thoughts: Failure is not an option.
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
Brandi Scott, 26, North Carolina, Scott Motorworks (business with my husband ♡) and deciding between positions at different companies at the moment.
Job description, and how long you’ve been doing it for?
I've worked at two shops being a body tech and paint prepper while I was going to school to get my collision degree. I graduated with all A's, 70 i-CAR, PPG, All data, Car-O-Liner, Chief steel and aluminum welding certificates. Exiting the program, I have been so lucky to have been offered many opportunities such as being a painter for high-end vehicle companies and even as a representative for Nitroheat! At the moment, I am settling into Utah before I get into anything. With all of these amazing journeys, I've only been a part of the industry for three years.
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
My husband is who got me into the industry! We both met in the Army while he was a mechanic for all military vehicles and I packed parachutes and jumped out of planes with them. He is a very mechanically inclined person and he knew I love cars in addition to drawing and painting. He told me that auto body is a blend of cars and art and believed I would be good at it... lo and behold, when I left the Army, I went to school and bam, it all clicked for me. I love it because my nit-picking is good for the job and I love bringing things to life especially when it involves art.
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
The challenges I've faced are those revolving around being a female in a male-dominated industry. Although they have never deterred me from pursuing my goals, it is just something I'll always encounter along this path and life in general. I was used to such stigma in the military but what I've learned is all you need to do is YOUR best and BE the best.
Future career goals?
With all this, my future goal is to revolutionize the industry no matter at what level. My husband wants to create custom engines and cars while I bring the visual to life. I think I'm going to go back to school to get another collision degree emphasizing in hot rods to only further my experience.
Any final thoughts?
Hilary is a hot French fry.
Your name, age, where you’re from, where you work?
Paige Milem, 22. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Job description, and how long you’ve been doing it for?
Full time student at McPherson College, Automotive Restoration Technology major.
What inspired you to pursue this trade, and why you love what you do?
I've always been interested in cars but was never sure how to get my foot in the door. For many years my parents always brought me to car shows where I would see all of these beautifully restored or custom cars and I just fell in love. I realized I would be happy doing something like this for a career. I just had to figure out how.
My uncle remembered Wayne Carini talking about a school that taught restoration (he's on the McPherson College school board and is actually a really cool guy) and that summer I applied and was one of 55 students chosen. I'm now one of only 8 girls in the program, with about 250 guys. I really love upholstery and body and paint work, and I've decided that's what I would really like to specialize in. It's just like therapy, honestly. Although sometimes its definitely frustrating, I've learned so much and just get really zen when I'm sewing up seats or sanding on something. Just throw in my headphones and get really into it. It's just peaceful.
What have been your biggest challenges/struggles?
The biggest challenge that I've really come across personally is the fact that I either have Fibromyalgia or Multiple Sclerosis (I'm still having tests done to rule one or the other out). There are many days in which I definitely do not feel like getting up, either due to the depression or my body just hurting immensely. Yet I push myself every day to do it— and when I get really into working on something, I don't think about it anymore. It's tough, but I love what I do so much that I just forget about it and immerse myself in whatever I'm working on. If I stay busy I don't even notice it. The other thing I'm starting to notice is while there are more and more women joining the industry, there is still a lot of sexism. I love working with my professors and my fellow students, and I've never experienced anything close to sexual harassment from any of them, but as I was applying for an internship over the summer, I was told by a friend of mine that the owner of the shop at which I applied doesn't think he wants to hire women anymore, because the last girl who worked there didn't work out. It's incredibly frustrating and sometimes crushes my self confidence, but I realized I just have to take a deep breath, pick myself up, and keep trying. If I have to prove myself, then that's just what I'll do. I expected it to begin with, and my mentor had warned me about it to start, I just didn't realize how tough it really might be.
What piece of advice would you give a young lady looking to get into this trade?
Any advice I can give to a young woman, being a young woman just starting out myself, is it's never too late to get into the industry. Find a good support system, and don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. If you have to wake up every day and tell yourself you can do it, then do it. Prove everyone wrong. Don't let anyone get in your way, and just keep working at it. Don't listen to the naysayers. Don't be afraid to ask for help or constructive criticism, we're all learning. No matter if someone just started or has been doing it for 50 years, there is always something new to learn.
Future career goals?
When I graduate I plan to work on auto upholstery and a body paint tech. I know it's going to take a lot of work to get there, but I know I will.
Any final thoughts?
We all started somewhere. If you're a beginner and just learning your trade, remember that everyone in this industry started just where you are. The beauty of this industry is there is no knowledge cap, there is always something more to learn. Learn from your professors, your colleagues, your friends and acquaintances and co-workers. Just keep your head up, keep yourself humble, and work hard.
