Yemm Automotive Thriving Amidst Challenges DEALER SPOTLIGHT Sara Yemm Witherell, a thirdgeneration family member of Yemm Automotive in Galesburg, IL, is no stranger to being different. And embracing those differences is what drives her. According to various sources, women today make up just 25-30% of dealer principals in the United States. At Yemm Automotive, Sara is the first female family member in management and hopes to be one of a handful of female auto dealership owners in Illinois. Starting as a part-time receptionist at age 15, Sara has worked at Yemm Automotive for over 16 years. After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2014, she moved back to Galesburg to begin a full-time position in the family business. Her dad, Rick, challenged her to create Service and Sales Business Development departments, which were quickly formed. Sara then began managing the company’s websites, marketing and advertising while working alongside dealership managers, finding ways to improve and grow the business. In 2021, she graduated from the NADA Academy. Today, Sara oversees operations at the Chevrolet Buick GMC and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealerships. She is an example of the bright future for women pursuing a career in automotive retail. 10 Illinois Automobile Dealer News
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