Cassandra Driscoll
Cassandra Driscoll serves as a Service Manager at The Best Ford in Nashua, New Hampshire, where she is focused on rebuilding trust between customers and the dealership experience. Before entering the automotive industry, Cassandra spent nearly a decade serving on the front lines in Alaska as a full-time firefighter and volunteer responder, performing fire suppression, emergency medical services, medevac support, and search-and-rescue operations. After a serious accident ended that chapter of her career, she relocated with her family and transitioned into the healthcare field, working in a hospital using her EMT experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a chance conversation with a fixed operations director introduced her to the automotive industry. Although initially skeptical due to negative perceptions of dealership culture, Cassandra was drawn to the idea of helping change that reputation through integrity, transparency, and genuine care for customers.
Today, Cassandra brings that people-first philosophy to her leadership role at The Best Ford, where she has served as service manager for more than two years. Recruited by the dealership’s owner to help rebuild a store that had struggled with its reputation for decades, she has helped lead significant operational growth and innovation. Under her leadership, the service department expanded from an 18-bay shop into a larger operation that includes a fully deployed mobile service department with multiple operational vans, a successful pickup-and-delivery program, and the launch of a new Pro Elite building featuring 27 additional service bays and mobile lifts. Cassandra credits the support and trust of the dealership’s leadership for empowering her to think creatively and implement new ideas that improve both the customer experience and business performance.
Beyond operational success, Cassandra is deeply committed to developing the next generation of technicians and giving back to the community. After giving a determined high school student his first opportunity in the shop, she launched a sponsorship-based asset program that now supports two students each year by covering their education, paying them to work in the dealership, and providing them with starter toolsets to begin their careers. She has also introduced community partnership initiatives that allow local businesses to support charitable causes through dealership service programs. For Cassandra, the most meaningful part of her work is creating opportunities for others and demonstrating that the automotive industry can be built on trust, mentorship, and service to the community.
• Firefighter
• EMT
• Kaplan University - Medical/Clinical Assistant
• Ilisagvik College - Firefighter I
• Asset Program sponsoring 2 students per year with paid schooling
• Employment
• And starter toolsets
• Partnership program with local businesses donating percentage of mobile service work to charities
• Women's automotive education clinics teaching oil changes and basic maintenance
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the people who believed in my potential and encouraged me to take opportunities I never expected. A fixed-operations director first introduced me to the dealership world and encouraged me to give the industry a chance, even when I was skeptical. I was also fortunate to work with an owner who was willing to invest in my ideas and support the changes I wanted to implement. Combined with persistence and a strong focus on improving the customer experience, that support allowed me to grow into my role and make a meaningful impact both within the dealership and in the community.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received came from the fixed-operations director who first encouraged me to explore the dealership world. He told me he believed I would do well in fixed operations and pushed me to give it a chance. Later, the owner of my dealership reinforced that guidance by encouraging me to think differently, take calculated risks, and challenge the traditional ways of doing things in order to rebuild customer trust. That mindset has helped shape the way I approach leadership and problem-solving.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be persistent, confident, and willing to stand out. The automotive field has traditionally been male-dominated, but that is changing, and there are many opportunities for women to succeed and lead. I believe it is important to build connections with other women in the industry who can offer support and encouragement. Most importantly, lead by example and show through your work and determination what is possible.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges currently facing the automotive industry is the shortage of skilled technicians, which many dealerships are experiencing. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to reshape how dealerships are perceived by customers. Expanding mobile service options, improving convenience and transparency, and building trust with customers can help change long-standing perceptions about the industry. Additionally, developing student sponsorship and apprenticeship programs can help attract new talent and create sustainable career pathways for the next generation of technicians.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life include genuine care for people, integrity, and a commitment to making a measurable difference. I believe strongly in developing individuals from within and creating opportunities for others to grow in their careers. Giving back to the community is also deeply important to me, particularly supporting charitable causes that help families in difficult situations. My perspective on this was shaped by personal experiences during my child’s lengthy hospital stay, which showed me firsthand how meaningful community support and charitable contributions can be.