In an industry predominately filled with men, two women have
risen through the ranks to prove themselves at their respective
trailer businesses. Theresa Kent, Co-Owner of Brake Away
Trailers & Auto Care LLC, and Jan Ford, Marketing Manager and
Parts Specialist at Wheel-A-Way Trailer Sales, decided to shed
some light on their views of the industry and how slight changes
can lead to positive changes for the industry’s overall growth.
How did you start working in the trailer industry?
Ford: The Wheeler family that owns Wheel-A-Way Trailer Sales
also races stock cars locally. I was lettering one of their modified
race cars and they asked me if I’d be interested in a part-time job
at their trailer shop. I didn’t know anything about trailers, but
they told me they’d teach me.
Kent: I owned many trailers when I owned a business focusing
on property preservation of foreclosed homes. At some point, I
needed to purchase a dump trailer. I called Big Tex, talked to the
Dealer Manager and ended up owning a franchise.
Do you notice a lack of women in the trailer industry?
If so, why do you think that to be the case? What
can dealerships do to encourage more women to
work in the industry?
Ford: Many of the people I deal with are women. Women
are inherently attentive, compassionate problem solvers, which
are valuable qualities for employees. More often, women are
exercising their towing independence, whether it’s a travel trailer,
watercraft trailer or a utility trailer for their personal business.
Kent: Not many women have entered the trailer industry. It’s
still predominately employed by men, but more women are
entering as more training becomes available.
What advice would you give to women considering
a career in the trailer industry? What do you wish
you had known?
Ford: Get over the idea that it’s a “man’s” job. It’s a challenging,
rewarding career that, at the end of the day, leaves you feeling
empowered.
Kent: Learn as much as you can and attend as much training as
possible.
What can be done, from an industry perspective, to
affect positive change for female representation in
the trailer industry moving forward?
Ford: Don’t focus on gender. Promote personal growth and
teamwork.
Kent: Dealerships need to offer more industry and brand
training. Look within your organization for women who could
excel.
To nominate a female in the industry for a future issue
of NATDA Magazine, please contact Corey Langley at
[email protected]
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