Women in the Industry Pt. 2
Last month, we introduced you to two women in the industry and now we continue our conversation. In Women in the Industry Pt. 2, we will meet Jenny Anderson, Director of the Collision Segment for Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Regional Vice President of Operations for Maaco, Melissa Miller.
Jenny Anderson
Director of the Collision Segment—Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Professionalism, passion, and customer-focus is what drew Jenny Anderson to the industry. As Director of the Collision Segment at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, she works with collision repair center networks to implement ARMS® Automotive tools, improve length-of-rental performance, and leverage technology to streamline processes and promote efficiency.
Jenny loves helping her customers solve problems and they keep her motivated to learn more and be better.
“Every day brings new opportunities and challenges, and that’s honestly the thing I love best about my role,” said Jenny.
As an active member of WIN, Jenny enjoys connecting with new women through conferences, regional events, and webinars, making it a point to learn about who they are and what they do. She is encouraged by the number of females in all capacities and roles that are part of and have joined the automotive and collision industry.
“We are much more than cars and auto repair. There is an incredible amount of opportunities for men and women in our industry.”
As the industry evolves, Jenny puts emphasis on continuing to educate herself and learn everything she can. “We should all be forever students and take every opportunity to immerse ourselves with new information.”
Melissa Miller
Regional Vice President of Operations—Maaco
Growing up in a 4th generation shop about an hour north of Pittsburgh, Melissa has been a part of the industry for as long as she can remember. Starting when she was a teenager, Melissa worked in several different positions in her family’s shop. She witnessed first-hand how important efficient operating procedures combined with sound business practices were to a successful shop.
“As soon as I got into it, I got hooked. It’s in my blood and I haven’t left the industry since,” explained Melissa.
Now the RVP of Operations for Maaco, Melissa enjoys working with shop owners to help them understand how to make their business more efficient and profitable. Working together, Melissa and the owner identify key goals for the location and build an action plan that will track progress. She believes by working together to develop the plan both she and the owner put in place the accountability to succeed.
Melissa started networking in WIN 8 years ago and continues to serve as an active member of the organization. WIN for her is a place she can always go for mentorship, education, and help through stumbling blocks from ladies who have been there and done that.
“The reason I was able to enter the industry, grow within it, and move up in position is because of the women before us and how they blazed a path and set the example.”
Down the road, Melissa would like to see every segment of the industry working cohesively in the repair of the vehicle. She hopes we can identify ways to engage, motivate, and retain students and continue to build the next generation of our workforce.