his business around that time . As it grew , he needed help running it , so I came to work for him as a parts counter person . Now , I ’ m a partner and do the bookkeeping for the business .
Olah : In 1991 , a company had come to my hometown of Muenster , Texas and started to make products for the trailer industry . Since I had worked with their products before , I knew I could help with marketing and customer service . It took a while to get hired ; I would come by every day to see if they had an opening . It was a startup , so I had the privilege of learning the business from the ground up . As the company grew , I grew with it . In 2018 , Ronnie and Lori Shelby ask if I would like to come to work for them at their company , Shelby Trailer Service . I accepted the position as General Manager of Sales and Service .
What are some struggles you encountered first entering the industry as a woman in a male-dominated field ?
Wharton : In the beginning , men would refuse to talk to me . They would call and ask for a guy instead of speaking to me . Today , most of our customers know that I have learned a lot since my start in the industry and trust my knowledge . All women are pioneers for the next generation in this industry , and I hope to pave a smoother path .
Olah : It was hard in the beginning ; I was a young woman . It was hard for potential customers to take me seriously . However , when I would start talking and they knew I understood their issues with trailers , I gained their respect . Today , knowledge is what is needed to succeed in the trailer industry . It is good to know your business inside and out . Even if you do not own the business , treat it as you do . You will take more pride in your job if you feel you are a part of something big .
What strategies do you recommend to help women achieve more prominent roles in the trailer industry ?
Wharton : Watch all the training videos offered , study the material and work alongside the mechanics . Every day you can learn something new , and you must be open to learning .
Olah : Give 110 % and never ask anyone to do something you would not do yourself . Sometimes the best way to show people that you know what you are doing is just to do it . People respect people that know what they are doing . It does not matter if you are a man or a woman . If you want to achieve a more prominent role , know your job and train your people to push you up the ladder . Always hire to replace yourself , so you can move up .
What advice do you have for other women in the trailer industry ?
Wharton : Learn as much as you can , as quickly as you can . If possible , work alongside your technicians and learn how repairs are done .
Olah : Never give up . Keep your morals and always do what is right , even if it goes against the grain . If at any point in your career you feel that your integrity is in jeopardy , it may be time to find a new position where you can feel good about the job you are doing .
To nominate a woman in the industry for a future issue of NATDA Magazine , please contact Corey Langley at coreyl @ natda . org .
56 NATDA Magazine www . natda . org