Melissa Jimenez has been working in the car business since April 1999, and has truly worked her way up the ladder from her initial job in an automotive call center to currently being executive assistant to the general manager at McCombs Ford West.
She also serves as the dealership’s acting human resources manager.
After nearly 24 years in the business, Jimenez says she’s nearing retirement. But looking back, she said she has no regrets about her career choice, and has plenty of good experiences to remember.
“I am now less than 30 days from retirement and even though I am very happy to be home all the time for my family, I am sad,” she said in mid-December. “It is going to be hard not being a part of this industry anymore, and especially not seeing the people I work with on a daily basis.
“I just hope that we continue to hire and promote more women,” Jimenez said. “And whoever takes my spot, I wish them all the best.”
Here are her views on what it has been like to have a career in the automotive industry in San Antonio:
Q.: Why did you choose the auto industry?
A.: I had a very good friend at the time, working here when it was Gillespie Ford as a finance assistant. She told me of a new BDC (Business Development Center) call room opening up and she also knew I had an outgoing personality and thought I would be a perfect fit for the job. I applied and got the position
Q.: What jobs have you had in the industry?
A.: I first started in our BDC Call Center, taking inbound calls and making appointments for sales and also making outbound follow-up calls. I did that for a few years, then sold cars for about a year or two. I then went to assist (admin work) the owner at the time, Elizabeth Gillespie and Comptroller Ken Bragg.
When McCombs purchased Gillespie Ford in 2006-2007, I began to do admin work for our new general manager at the time, Kevin Browning and a few months later I became his executive assistant..
Q.: What’s your overall view of working in the auto industry? Is it what you imagined it to be?
A.: I love working in the industry I am in. Car sales has a bad rep (it seems) with people who are not familiar with the business, but it is truly a unique and essential business that I have been blessed to be a part of.
Q.: What other auto industry jobs would you be interested in?
A.: None. I love what I do.
Q.: What is your typical day like at work?
A.: Mornings are pretty busy; I also report all sales and claim all Ford rebates here. Every day I will have a few car deals I have to report and claim, making sure all of the paperwork and documentation is in the deal. There’s also answering emails [and] phone calls. and employees coming in and out throughout the day with various questions or concerns. Dealing with new employees and their hiring process is also everyday work that keeps me busy.
Q.: Have you experienced any particular challenges as a woman working in a generally male-dominated industry?
A.: Many moons ago when I was selling cars, it was a challenge. Of course, I was a lot younger and new to car sales, but most customers did not want to deal with me because I was female.
I was also a single mother at the time, so working the long hours was very difficult for me because of childcare. I do see how the industry has changed, and more and more we are getting female applicants wanting to sell cars.
Our top new-car sales professional has been female a majority of the months these last few years.
Q.: What advice to you have for other women who might be contemplating careers in the auto industry?
A.: Do it! If this is something you want, then you should go for it.
Q.: Would you recommend a position like yours to other women?
A.: I would. I would tell them, however, that it is hard work. Some people on the outside looking in may think I have a simple job with no worries, but that is far from the truth. In my position you wear many hats, but you have to make sure each job or task that you do is done thoroughly and to the best of your ability.
Your GM has to be able to trust you and rely on you.
Q.: Do you have any other comments you wish to add to your story?
A.: I will say that I am pretty blessed to be in the position I am today. Like I said before, I started off in the phone room, and was able to work my way up to the spot I am in today.
I have had plenty of ups and downs in this industry, but more ups. I am proud to say I work in the auto industry. I have helped so many family and friends with their automotive needs throughout the years.
I also have met some pretty amazing people, too — my husband, for one. I met him here in 2007 and we will be celebrating 10 years married. He is also in the car business.
A couple of years ago I also had the pleasure of working with my oldest daughter. When she turned 18 and graduated high school, she started working here in the phone room just like I did back in the day.
She worked here full time and was also going to college. She worked here for seven years until she received her bachelor’s from Incarnate Word, and she is now a graphic designer for a company downtown. I am so proud of her.
This company and especially my general manager, Henry Finley, have helped me grow throughout these years. Some of the people here have become more than just co-workers; they have become a part of my family.