Diversity in New Jersey’s Auto Retail Industry In honor of Women’s History Month, NJ CAR highlighted some of the diversity that can be found in New Jersey’s franchised auto retailing industry. Below are Q&As and videos highlighting several women in our industry. MINDY HOLMAN HOLMAN AUTO GROUP How long has your dealership been in business? This year, Holman is celebrating its centennial anniversary. My grandfather, Steward Holman, opened his first dealership 100 years ago — Rice and Holman Ford in Merchantville, New Jersey. How many employees currently work at your dealerships? Holman currently employs nearly 9,500 individuals around the globe, including 800 across its family of dealerships in New Jersey. How did you first become involved in the industry? I joined the organization in 1986 as a management trainee and then served in various capacities in our dealerships, including General Manager, before becoming Vice President of Holman in 1994. I later served as President and then Chief Executive Officer of Holman before becoming the Board Chair in 2015. Is there an event when your presence as a female entrepreneur in the auto retail industry influenced younger generations to shop at your dealership or join the industry? Our entire organization is proud to be a WBE-certified business by WBENC. Being certified as a woman-owned business is a reflection of the significant role women throughout our organization have played — and continue to play — in Holman’s sustained growth and success. What is your pioneering vision for the future of your dealership? Our purpose as an organization is simple yet very important: provide a rewarding career for all; a better life for our employees and their families; and a great experience for our customers. Our commitment to this purpose shapes our culture and guides our business as we embark on our second century in business. What would you say to other women who haven’t considered a career in automotive retailing? The integral role women play across the automotive industry has certainly come to the forefront during the last several years. Today, many organizations (including Holman) have created robust programs that focus on empowering and inspiring women. As the industry continues to thrive and evolve, it is creating new opportunities for women, and I’m proud to see a growing number of women joining our traditionally male-dominated industry. My sincere hope is that business leaders across the automotive sector build upon this momentum and continue to create opportunities for women to flourish and make meaningful contributions to the future of our remarkable industry. JUDITH SCHUMACHER-TILTON SCHUMACHER AUTOMOTIVE GROUP Scan the QR code to learn more about Judy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad7lXc7DAnk 12 NEW JERSEY auto retailer
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