Penske Automotive Group is proud to have female leaders at every level of the organization. Every Thursday for the next 6 weeks, we will feature a female leader from the Penske organization who is empowering women in the industry and paving the road for the next generation of female leaders. From their earliest interest in the industry to their proudest moments, you’ll learn how these women got their start, who influenced them the most, and how they are helping change the face of the industry in positive ways.
This week we are pleased to introduce Stephanie Frink!
Meet Stephanie Frink – General Manager of BMW of Gwinnett Place, Penske Automotive Group
“The opportunities are endless, and you can do anything you put your mind to! Don’t be scared to go for it… you only grow when you’re outside your comfort zone!”
Industry experience: 11 years
First automotive job: Intern / Management Trainee at Penske Automotive Group
PAG tenure: 11 years
Current role & responsibilities: I oversee the total operation at BMW of Gwinnett Place. I lead our Sales and Service Teams to achieve our collective goals, enhance processes and procedures to run more efficiently and effectively, and strive to provide a great client and employee experience.
What attracted you to the auto industry: I knew I wanted to go into Business Management but wasn’t sure what exactly I wanted to do until I learned about the Automotive Retail Management program at Northwood University. When I first visited the campus and learned that it was possible to get a degree in Automotive Retail, I knew instantly that it was for me and the rest is history!
Most satisfying part of your job: Leading a stellar team and working with employees to achieve their goals and progress through their career. I love to see an employee work hard and be promoted into the next position in their career path. Also, setting goals for each department, accomplishing them, and raising the bar higher for the next month.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career: My family had a big influence on my career. I grew up watching my mom and dad work very hard and they instilled in me a great work ethic. I still remember at the age of 13 my dad asking me about when I was going to get my first job and I was working at the local dairy farm shortly after.
Best career advice: Years ago, I read an article in an interview with Warren Buffett and he discussed how important it was to associate with people who are better than you. That stuck in my mind as I wanted to work for a company that wasn’t just comfortable with the status quo, but continuously worked towards being a leader and the best in the industry – which Penske is! This has resonated with me throughout my career with Penske as we have such a talented team and I have been fortunate to work alongside some of the best people in the industry to learn from, coach, and grow with.
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time in the North Georgia Mountains and enjoying the pool with my husband and golden retriever!
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years: Continuing to drive my career forward within Penske Automotive Group.
How have you seen the auto industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women: I believe the industry has always been quite engaging for women. More and more women have entered the industry in various roles and work their way up within the dealership. I believe more women are considering the industry and realizing that a job in automotive could be a great career for them. I love having women represented in every department in our dealership!
Check back next Thursday as we add another Penske female leader to the Women in the Driver’s Seat series!
