From healthcare to mechanics: An inspiring career
Linda Tremblay, manager at CARQUEST Auto Parts in Sainte-Foy, has taken an unconventional path to enter the automotive industry. A former nurse, she leveraged her customer service skills to build a solid career in a still predominantly male industry. With 17 years of experience as a co-owner of a mechanical workshop, Linda shares her journey, daily challenges, and advice for newcomers to the automotive maintenance and repair industry.
Linda Tremblay, CARQUEST
What does your role entail?
The role of the manager is to oversee all the store’s activities, which involves a comprehensive and versatile management approach. She must ensure that all departments in the store operate harmoniously, handling aspects as diverse as accounting, inventory, and customer service. This position requires great adaptability, as it covers a wide range of responsibilities, making the job extremely varied. The manager is therefore a central figure, ensuring both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
What are some day-to-day challenges you face?
In the auto parts industry, I face several daily challenges. One of the main challenges is related to the labor shortage. Recruiting and retaining qualified employees is a constant issue, especially in a job market where specialized skills are highly sought after. Additionally, I must also manage industry-specific challenges, such as fluctuations in demand and technological advancements, while ensuring smooth and efficient operations in our store. Managing these challenges requires a great deal of flexibility and the ability to anticipate needs to guarantee performance and customer satisfaction.
How do you overcome these challenges?
To overcome the challenges related to labor shortages and the specifics of our industry, we strive to broaden our horizons by offering training opportunities and promoting diversity. The industry is increasingly open to new practices and diverse talents, which allows us to attract different profiles and integrate them effectively. At the same time, I ensure that our work environment is welcoming and conducive to personal development. Offering a setting where employees feel valued and can grow helps create a motivated and engaged team.
How did you become interested in the industry?
When I first started in this field, I had no prior knowledge of the industry, but I quickly discovered a fascinating and rewarding profession. I was drawn to the dynamic aspect of customer service and the opportunity to help clients find what they needed. Before joining this industry more than 20 years ago, I was a nurse. What prompted this career shift was the desire to continue working in a field where customer service and helping people were central to my daily life. I particularly enjoy interacting with customers, whether as a shop owner or now as a store manager. As a woman in an industry still largely dominated by men, I also feel motivated to inspire confidence and simplify technical aspects to make them more accessible.
What is one piece of advice you would give to people just joining the auto care industry?
I would advise them to see this industry as a real opportunity because it is both accessible and full of potential. Any young person with an interest in automobiles can find their place here, thanks to the diversity of available positions and the many advancement opportunities. It is essential to value this profession and seize the opportunities it offers, especially for those who enjoy learning and becoming familiar with new technologies. The industry is constantly evolving, with increasingly complex roles involving the use of modern tools like scanners and computers. There are many opportunities for growth and development in this field.
What does the Automotive Industries Association of Canada represent for you, and what would you like to see the Association achieve in the future?
For me, the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) is essential in the fight for access to information and the defense of rights within our industry. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone has fair access to the information needed for vehicle repair and maintenance.
In the future, I would like to see the AIA Canada intensify its efforts to promote automotive careers to young people. It is essential to attract new talent and introduce them to the many opportunities our sector offers. By focusing on the promotion of these careers and offering training and awareness opportunities, we can inspire the next generation of professionals and ensure the sustainability of our industry.
About the campaign I am AIA
I am AIA aims to raise the profile of auto care industry professionals in Canada with the goal of humanizing our industry and showcasing members of AIA Canada. If you are interested in participating in sharing your story through this campaign, we encourage you to apply.