Her Story
About Crystal
Crystal Bollinger is a seasoned automotive professional whose passion for the industry runs deep — quite literally rooted in her upbringing. Raised alongside her father, one of the most certified mechanics in the country, Crystal spent her formative years in the garage absorbing not only technical knowledge but also the work ethic and independence that would shape her entire career. After a brief stint in retail, she recognized that automotive was her true calling and officially entered the field around 2010. Over the course of more than thirteen years, she steadily advanced through the ranks — from delivery driver to counter person to parts advisor — before earning her current position as Parts Manager at Crash Champions in Hilliard, Ohio. In this role, she oversees daily inventory organization, parts tagging and posting, vendor relationships, returns and credits processing, paint supply distribution, and direct support to her technician team.
Crystal brings a robust set of credentials to everything she does. She holds certification as a Kia Certified Parts Advisor alongside specialized qualifications in EV battery handling, shipping and handling of EV components, HAZMAT compliance, and forklift operation — a well-rounded portfolio that reflects both her breadth of expertise and her commitment to staying current in a rapidly evolving industry. Her primary areas of mastery lie in inventory management, returns processing, and vendor follow-up, areas in which she has developed a reputation for thoroughness and accountability. In 2026, her contributions and leadership within the field were formally recognized when she was selected as a featured honoree in the Influential Women edition representing Lancaster, Ohio — a distinction that speaks to the professional impact she has made throughout her career.
Beyond her technical accomplishments, Crystal is known for the values she brings to both her professional and personal life: honesty, intentionality, and genuine kindness. She believes strongly in continuous learning and leads by example, encouraging those around her to show up fully and remain open to growth at every stage of their journey. As a woman who has carved out her place in a predominantly male industry, she is a vocal advocate for the next generation of women entering the trades, urging them to remain resilient in the face of adversity and trust that their hard work will pay off. Motivated each day by her daughter and guided by the lessons her father instilled in her, Crystal Bollinger is not only a skilled parts professional — she is a driven, purpose-led leader who continues to raise the bar for those around her.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Crystal
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my father, who introduced me to the automotive world from a very young age and taught me the skills and independence I needed to thrive in this industry. He instilled life lessons in me that built my confidence and work ethic. Equally, my daughter is a constant source of motivation — she drives me to show up and succeed every single day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is simple but powerful: no matter what, show up and do your best work every day. Always remain open to learning, because as long as you're willing to keep learning, you will continue to grow and move forward in your career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to be strong and resilient — do not let other people's words discourage you. This industry will challenge you, and there will be moments that are genuinely difficult, but it is absolutely worth it. Keep learning, get in there, and do the work. Your presence and dedication will speak for itself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the ongoing challenges is that the automotive industry remains male-dominated, which can make it difficult at times to earn your place and be taken seriously. However, there are real opportunities for growth — including advancing to District Parts Manager or Regional Parts Manager, or transitioning into a Service Advisor role with the right experience and commitment.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, intentionality, and kindness are the values I hold closest, both professionally and personally. I believe in giving everything your best effort so that you can take pride in your work. I also carry kindness with me in every interaction, because you never truly know what someone else may be going through.
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