Sommer B. Smith
Sommer S. is a respected leader in the automotive industry, known for her people-first approach to business development, customer service, and retention. With extensive experience at Dealerlogix and throughout the automotive service sector, Sommer brings a unique blend of operational expertise and emotional intelligence to every role she holds. Her background in psychology and education informs her leadership style, allowing her to understand both individual and organizational needs while driving sustainable results.
Throughout her career, Sommer has demonstrated a deep commitment to creating supportive, high-performing teams. She leads with compassion and empathy, recognizing that success is built on trust, communication, and genuine care for people. Whether mentoring team members, supporting them through challenging days, or proactively sharing resources when they are needed most, Sommer is intentional about fostering an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to grow.
Sommer believes that when organizations invest in their people, success follows naturally. By cultivating a positive workplace culture rooted in respect and collaboration, she helps teams thrive—both personally and professionally. Her leadership philosophy centers on the idea that supported employees become engaged, loyal, and successful contributors, ultimately strengthening the entire organization.
• University of Redlands- Master's
• California State University Fullerton- Bachelors
• Mentorship program
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and the way I’ve chosen to look at challenges. I’ve had moments that were genuinely hard, but instead of staying in a victim mindset, I tried to ask, ‘What can this teach me?’ and ‘How can I grow from this?’ I kept showing up, kept learning, and stayed consistent even when it wasn’t easy. That perspective has shaped who I am—and it’s what’s helped me turn obstacles into confidence, credibility, and progress.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is that you don’t have to choose between being strong and being supportive. In support leadership, the goal isn’t just solving tickets—it’s building trust. I focus on serving my team, setting a high bar, and helping people grow. When you lead that way, performance improves, retention improves, and your impact becomes undeniable.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In automotive tech support, pressure is constant, so my advice is to build competence early and treat every challenge like a chance to sharpen your skill set. Pair that with professional assertiveness—clear communication, steady presence, and ownership. Over time, it’s consistency that builds credibility, and credibility creates influence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating a male-dominated industry, but it has also become an opportunity to lead with confidence, demonstrate my expertise, and create space for more inclusive leadership.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, consistency, and service are the values that matter most to me. Integrity means keeping my word and doing the right thing, even when it’s uncomfortable. Consistency is how I build trust—with my team, with customers, and with the people I love—by showing up the same way over time. And service is about being someone who makes things better: bringing calm, clarity, and supporting others when it matters most.