Her Story
About Candi
I entered the transportation industry in 2009, starting in operational and inventory roles. I wanted to learn as much as I could in the industry and I wanted better pay, unfortunately, the better-paying jobs are male-oriented backbreaking ones. So, that is what I started looking for. In 2014, I started in the parts department where I spent nearly a decade providing parts to mechanics and learning the industry procedures and expectations. This is my second year as a shop manager, and I'm in charge of everyday decisions that go on in the shop. I learned slowly through training at work and from the people around me. When I started this position I was the only female shop manager for this company. My most notable professional achievement is becoming a shop manager. I'm known for being cheerful and helping everyone, whether it is my department or a different department. I like to help out a lot and go that extra step, even if it doesn't pertain to my department. I will go help drivers, operations, or the maintenance man if needed. Could be why I got offered this position - because they know I will go out of my way to help people and make sure they're comfortable, happy, and satisfied with everything that is our company.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Candi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my children. I am trying to show them that you don't give up ever, you keep pushing with whatever you have available, and you get to where you want to be with a lot of hard work and dedication. They are my motivation to keep going and to demonstrate that with determination and effort, you can achieve your goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that there is no such thing as a stupid question. It is stupid to not ask when you are unsure and create an error that can cost money and might not be able to get fixed. It is better to question and make sure you do things correctly the first time.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to believe in yourself and do what you need to do to get yourself ahead. Work hard, Breathe deeply, rest when possible, and continue. Honestly, it's just about motivating yourself, because there's been times where I would like to say I am done, but the satisfaction one feels when you actually get things done is surreal. It's not always going to be uphill. Sometimes it goes downhill, but that is a normal thing. You have to sometimes reach bottom in order to climb all the way back up. So continue and do not give up. It doesn't matter what people say. If you think and know that you can do it, you will do it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are working in a male-dominant position and still having to raise kids and take care of the home. It's hard to separate the work mindset from being a mom at home. It's a little bit hard, but it gets done, and it's very satisfying when you actually see, like, I did it. You know, like, I was able to do it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are respect, honesty, empathy and safety. We are at work more than we are at home sometimes. The people we work with are our family as well, and these are the values I cherish at home. I cherish them at work as well. We take care of each other
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