Building a career in a diverse industry: Spotlight on Norman Cheng
A career in the automotive aftermarket wasn’t on Norman’s radar when he was at school. But he quickly found out that aftermarket wasn’t just about rotating tires and oil changes. And thanks to the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) Committee, he’s found a community of professionals as eager as he is to explore the possibilities of the industry.
Norman Cheng
Senior Client Services Manager, Mitchell International, inc.
Years in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry: 7
Where did you attend school?
Simon Fraser University – Bachelors of Arts, Economics.
Did you know you wanted to work in the automotive aftermarket?
No, automotive wasn’t where I imagined I would end up. I always wanted to work in the tech and software industry, and Mitchell just happens to be a SaaS solution in the automotive repair space. My educational background is in business and economics, and my job history has historically been in consumer electronics, so I kind of fell into it.
What does your participation in the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) Committee mean to you?
The YPA Committee gives me an opportunity to meet like-minded people, who are also looking to grow, learn and improve. I work remotely (my closest colleague is a 3 hour flight away), so being a part of the YPA Committee has opened my eyes to what is out there in the larger automotive market. Though I am physically far away, the YPA Committee helps give me semblance of having a group of professional peers that I can network and connect with.
What advice would you give someone either starting in the industry or looking to transition into the industry?
There are a ton of supporting companies in the space that are overlooked – suppliers, software providers, manufacturers, raw materials, etc. in the industry that most people don’t consider when looking into the automotive industry. Keep an open mind to opportunities that may not sound sexy but can be just as, or even more lucrative.
Get to know Norman better
Make and model of your first car?
Honda Accord
What are you terrible at, but love to do anyway?
MMA and Lego!
What is the best professional development book you’ve ever read?
Getting Things Done
About Mitchell International, Inc.
Mitchell International, Inc. delivers smart technology solutions and services to the auto insurance, collision repair and workers’ compensation markets. Through deep industry expertise, connections throughout the insurance ecosystem and advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, extended reality and cloud-based solutions, Mitchell enables its customers and clients to succeed in today’s ever-changing environment. Each month, Mitchell processes tens of millions of transactions for more than 300 insurance providers, 20,000 collision repair facilities and 70,000 pharmacies. Its comprehensive solution and service portfolio empowers clients to restore lives after a challenging event. Together with Coventry and Genex Services, Mitchell is part of the Enlyte family of businesses.
Find out more about careers at Mitchell International, Inc.
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About the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket
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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