Her Story
About Dawn
Dawn Bradshaw serves as a regional coordinator for a truck dealership in DeForest, Wisconsin. She has been in the truck dealership industry for almost four years, having begun her tenure there as an administrative assistant before her role expanded to include managing new and used inventory, coordinating transfer drivers, handling customer interactions, billing, and accounting tasks. Her professional background is diverse, encompassing over ten years as a correctional officer, work with an eye doctor, a position as food bank director for a nonprofit that supported pantries across three counties, and earlier experience in fast food. She emphasizes building relationships with customers and colleagues, a skill honed across her varied roles. Dawn attended some college but did not complete her degree. She recently earned a certification in grief counseling. Outside of her primary role, she volunteers regularly with a large food pantry in Madison and served for two years on the JX Gives Back committee at her organization, which selects community organizations for funding. She values honesty, trust, respect, and teamwork in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dawn
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't back down. If you have a good idea, voice it. Chances are, somewhere, someone will listen. You just need to find the right audience. Don't be afraid to voice changes. Be true to yourself and don't hide from anyone. Don't make yourself small. Your information and everything that you have is valuable.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If this is the industry you want to get into, make sure that you're asking the questions and learning all the stuff. Don't get brainwashed into thinking that you can only be behind a desk. Stand out, do the things, learn as much as you can. Ask the questions. If you're respectful of their time, and when you ask the question, you actually listen and make notes, perhaps you won't ask the question again. That goes a long way.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There are so many opportunities because the industry is so varied with sales, parts, service, warehouse, regional coordinator roles. There has been a huge increase in the number of female truck drivers, which is amazing to see, including young females getting into the industry.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Definitely honesty, trust, respect. Respect goes a long way and it's earned. Being a team player is important. The easiest way to do that is to help them when they need help, because then they're more likely to help you when you ask.
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