Audra Fordin

Honestly, I think my success comes from caring too much — and I mean that in the best way possible. I genuinely care about people, their safety, their confidence, and how they feel when they walk into an auto shop. I saw a huge disconnect in this industry between what drivers needed emotionally and what they were actually getting. Most people don’t walk into a repair shop excited. They walk in nervous, confused, and already bracing themselves for bad news and a large bill.

Instead of accepting that as “just the way it is,” I decided to change the conversation.

I’ve also learned that consistency matters more than perfection. You keep showing up. You keep learning. You keep evolving. And sometimes you have to build the thing you wish existed. That’s exactly how Women Auto Know and Drivers Auto Know were born.

Oh… and coffee. Definitely coffee.

“Don’t wait for permission.”

That one stuck with me.

There were plenty of moments where I could have second-guessed myself walking into a male-dominated industry, speaking on camera, teaching workshops, or building platforms that didn’t exist yet. But I learned that confidence doesn’t magically appear first. Usually, you build confidence by doing the thing scared anyway.

I also learned that technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. Communication matters. Empathy matters. People remember how you made them feel long after they forget the repair invoice. If you can explain something in a way that makes people feel smart instead of small, that’s powerful.

Don’t shrink yourself to fit into the room. Take up space. Ask questions. Get your hands dirty. Learn everything you can.

This industry needs more women — not just because women belong here, but because the industry itself benefits from better communication, empathy, leadership, and fresh perspectives. Some of the qualities women naturally bring to the table are exactly what this industry has been missing.

Also, don’t let not knowing something intimidate you. Nobody is born knowing how an engine works. At some point, all of us Googled something ridiculous or stood there pretending we totally knew what that noise was. Growth comes from curiosity, not pretending.

And remember: confidence is built, not gifted.

The biggest challenge is still trust. There’s a massive communication gap between drivers and the automotive industry. People delay repairs because they’re scared, overwhelmed, embarrassed, or worried they’re being taken advantage of. That fear creates bigger problems later — financially and sometimes even safety-wise.

But honestly, that challenge is also the opportunity.

The future belongs to the shops and businesses willing to educate, communicate, and build relationships instead of just transactions. Drivers today want transparency. They want to understand what’s happening with their vehicle instead of feeling like they need a translator for their mechanic.

That’s exactly why I created Drivers Auto Know — to help bridge that gap and create a better experience for both drivers and auto shops.

And let’s be honest… if people can learn TikTok dances, they can absolutely learn what a coolant light means.

Integrity, communication, empathy, accountability, and education.

I believe people deserve honesty — especially when it comes to their safety, finances, and decisions. I also believe education is empowering. When people understand something, fear starts to disappear. That applies to cars, business, leadership, and honestly life in general.

I try to lead with heart while still holding high standards. You can be compassionate and accountable at the same time. I value real conversations, human connection, and creating things that genuinely make people’s lives better.

At the end of the day, I want people to leave feeling more confident than when they arrived. Whether that’s leaving my shop, one of my workshops, or even just a conversation online — that matters to me.