An aftermarket homecoming: Spotlight on Jennifer Fox
Jennifer Fox grew up watching her father and grandfather working in the automotive aftermarket. Despite that, she wasn’t necessarily all that interested in working in the industry. But with a diversity of career opportunities to fit just about anyone, no matter what their background or interests, Jennifer found her way back to aftermarket.
Jennifer Fox
Corporate Development & Marketing Manager
Auto Electric Service Ltd.
Years in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry: 7.5
Did you know you wanted to work in the automotive aftermarket?
Can I say yes and no? I grew up with a lot of exposure to the automotive aftermarket as my father and grandfather were both major shareholders and eventually president of Auto Electric Service Ltd. Growing up, we were always told just because they worked there and had the roles they did, did not mean that my brother or I would. So it was never really a consideration to begin with. However, things have come full circle and now as a shareholder myself there is nowhere I would rather be. It is such a dynamic and intricate industry with so much change, challenge and potential. There is never a dull moment.
Have you had an industry mentor? if so, who and why?
I think I have been fortunate to have many industry mentors at many different levels. I was able to grow up watching my grandfather and my father in the business and industry and see the paths they took and what worked for them and what maybe didn’t work so well. I also currently have an amazing group of people who I work very closely with who have spent their entire careers in the aftermarket and so willingly share their knowledge and leadership with me.
Further away, I kind of secretly online stalk Mary Barra who was the first female CEO of an auto manufacturer when she became Chair and CEO of General Motors.
What does your participation in the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket Committee mean to you? What would you like to see us, as a committee, achieve in the years to come?
The YPA Committee has been a fantastic opportunity for me to not only build relationships and increase my knowledge in our industry but also help shape the future of the industry through things like the Student Aftermarket Day and other educational development initiatives.
How long have you been a part of the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket Committee?
This is my first year on the committee and it has been a fantastic experience.
What advice you would give someone either starting in the industry or looking to transition into the industry?
I would say just go for it. The industry is so diverse and has so many different opportunities no matter who you are, what you are good at and what you want to do, there is more opportunity in the automotive industry then you can even imagine.
About Auto Electric Service Ltd.
Auto Electric Service Ltd. and Mainline Fleet Service is Southern Saskatchewan’s largest locally owned and operated automotive parts warehouse. We began doing business in Regina in 1943 and have remained a local owner operated business. The experience we have gained in each of our almost 80 years of business assists us as we continue to provide our customers with the very best customer service in the province. We service the automotive retail and wholesale markets, as well as the autobody, agriculture and industrial markets with stores in five Saskatchewan locations. We are a shareholder member of Auto Value, as a group we believe that “Service is the Difference”, and we carry that through everything that we do, from service repairs to parts delivery.
Find out more about careers at Auto Electric Service Ltd.
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About the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket Committee
Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) is an Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) committee comprising of young executives, of 45 years or younger, in the Canadian auto care sector. The Committee’s mandate is to ensure the future growth and prosperity of the aftermarket industry.
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