Her Story
About Kim
Kim Janowski is a highly accomplished automotive operations consultant with more than 40 years of experience supporting dealership performance, customer experience, and operational excellence across leading automotive organizations. After building a distinguished career with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Ford Motor Company, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and Toyota Motor Corporation, Kim transitioned into consulting, forming her own LLC after corporate retirement. She now leverages her extensive industry expertise to help automotive dealerships strengthen their loaner and rental operations through documented processes, employee training, and in-house consulting services designed to improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Throughout her career, Kim developed deep expertise in automotive dealership operations, mobility solutions, customer retention, business development, process improvement, and operational strategy. During her 20 years with Toyota, she was trained in Toyota’s Kaizen continuous improvement systems and applied those principles to help dealerships implement effective processes, enhance workflow, and achieve measurable business improvements. For the final decade of her OEM career, Kim focused on supporting dealership loaner and rental departments, creating structured procedures and training programs that improved operational consistency while elevating the customer experience. She also held leadership roles with organizations such as Gulf States Toyota and TSD Mobility Solutions, partnering with dealerships, manufacturers, and mobility providers to drive success. As a respected leader in the automotive industry, Kim has built a reputation for her ability to identify operational challenges, develop practical solutions, and empower teams through coaching and process-driven strategies. For much of her career, she was one of the only female professionals on field teams of approximately 70 members in a traditionally male-dominated industry, demonstrating exceptional leadership, adaptability, and perseverance. Kim earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Advertising, and Marketing from Michigan State University and remains committed to leadership, volunteerism, mentoring, and continuous improvement. Through her consulting practice, she continues to make an impact by helping dealerships create stronger operations, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and achieve long-term success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kim
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation and encouragement I received from my parents. They instilled in me the confidence to believe in myself, pursue my goals, and embrace every opportunity with determination. My father always reminded me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to and that no path was out of reach, while my mother, an highly efficient business-minded woman and dedicated volunteer, inspired me through her intelligence, devotion, compassion, and commitment to serving others. Their unwavering support, positive mindset, and belief in my potential shaped the values, resilience, and work ethic that have guided me throughout my personal and professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Lean in - believe in yourself and take a seat at the conference table. Do not sit in the perimeter of the room.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the automotive industry to believe in themselves, create a clear plan, and set intentional goals for their personal and professional growth. Staying organized, preparing thoughtfully, and being mindful of communication are essential skills for building credibility and strong relationships. I also encourage women to take time to listen, reflect, and consider their responses before speaking, allowing their ideas to have greater impact. Read and continue learning from leaders who have paved the way, such as Sheryl Sandberg and her book Lean In, and remember that if you have earned your place at the table, you belong there. Bring confidence, share your perspective, and never hesitate to contribute your voice in the room.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges for the Automotive Dealerships is (and always has been) identifying and exceeding the ever-changing expectations of the customer. Understanding the current generation as well as the up and coming generations and their needs, not only as consumers but also as employees, is vital to success.
The need for communication skills training for today's dealership personnel. The digital communication world has left a void in face-to-face communication skills and customer handling.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Establishing expectations, upholding fairness, honesty, and enjoying what you do. At the end of each day, ask yourself, "Did I make a difference in someone's life today, did I make someone smile?"
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