Celebrating Women’s History Month with the CARSTAR Canada team
Driven Brands is honored to share the thoughts and experiences of women who work across our portfolio of brands.
With 700 locations across North America, CARSTAR is a leader in the repair industry, providing quality collision and auto glass services with the latest systems and technologies - and team members who believe in service excellence. Though it might not be what you expect, many of the CARSTAR Canada team members are women, and we’re proud to share their thoughts and experiences as we recognize their commitment to the brand and to their customers.
How did you get started in the automotive repair industry?
“I have always been in the car world. Growing up, I worked side-by side-with my dad, learning everything I could from him about the automotive industry. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career in the industry and I quickly knew I wanted to work for a collision repair facility and work as a technician. After high school, I was welding for a couple years, and then I was in automotive parts for three years.” - Betty Rath, CARSTAR Medicine Hat
“I started working at a Honda service department, which began my love of cars. After this, I joined the CARSTAR team, where I have grown in the front end from a CSR, to an appraiser to most recently becoming a manager. I love where I am and how far I have come!” - Sam Franchuk, CARSTAR Calgary Sunridge
“After my kids reached the age to begin attending school, I needed to find something that made me feel like ME again. I was craving conversation, had a passion to learn new things and the drive to prove to myself (and everyone else) that I could do ANYTHING if I put my mind to it.
One of my friends was a previous employee of a body shop close to home. She knew that the shop was looking for a customer service representative (CSR) and told me that she thought I’d be a great candidate. I didn’t know a single thing about cars – or the automotive industry – but I knew I could handle receptionist duties thanks to my previous experiences. Little did I know when they hired me as a CSR, a new love was born inside me with the hunger to learn and grow. I quickly caught on to the tasks in the front office and I started catching on to the lingo. I often found myself asking the technicians questions, watching repairs, and reading through the estimates and work orders when customers dropped their vehicles off. I knew I wanted to learn more in the back of the shop. An appraiser seemed like the perfect position. A mixture of learning the back-end of the shop - but still having the communication with the customers. This became my next goal.
Recently I became a junior appraiser at CARSTAR. Each day is a new adventure filled with tons of information, questions, and answers. I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity. My kids also think it’s pretty cool what I have been able to accomplish in my short tenure in a brand-new industry. I love showing them that hard work pays off and that you can do and learn anything you put your mind to.” - Jacey D’Antonio, CARSTAR Calgary Sunridge
What is it like being a woman in the automotive industry?
“Things have been moving in leaps and bounds for females in this industry. When I started in this trade, there were not many women working in body shops and in the trade. Things have changed immensely. Women are now more accepted and appreciated for the skills and knowledge they bring to the collision repair industry.” - Betty Rath, CARSTAR Collision Medicine Hat
“Empowering. It’s the feeling of knowing that once upon a time, you wouldn’t find many women in a male-dominated industry, and now the industry is a mixture of amazing individuals. It’s knowing that we are all equally valued regardless of our gender. This allows fair chances to chase our dreams and crush goals!” - Jacey D’Antonio, CARSTAR Sunridge
“It can be challenging at times, although it has gotten better in the past few years with more women entering the industry. I am always faced with people (whether it be customers or insurance companies, or sometimes even co-workers) that assume that I don't know anything, based on the fact that I am woman. This can be hard at times, but it's satisfying to see the look on their face and hearing the ‘you're right’ when they figure out that I know what I am talking about!” - Sam Franchuk, CARSTAR Calgary Sunridge
What are the benefits of having more women in the automotive industry?
“I think the benefit is equal opportunity. Plus, it’s really nice to see women cheering each other on, and wanting to see each other succeed!- Jacey D’Antonio, CARSTAR Sunridge
“Diversity. Breaking the stereotype that men know more about cars. We need to continue empowering all women that are in a male-dominated (although, not for long) industry. We ARE doing an AMAZING job!” - Sam Franchuk, CARSTAR Calgary Sunridge
“Women are very meticulous, caring, innovative and experts at time management. Accidents don't discriminate against gender, when our customers get into accidents and are confused and looking for help, I'm readily available to do my part.” - Sherry Parsons, CARSTAR Collingwood
What is your favorite part of working in your respective facility?
“My favorite part of my job is helping customers get through the repair process. For most customers, it is their first time dealing with an accident. Helping from the booking of estimate to navigating the insurance process, to getting approvals, finalizing repairs, dealing with rentals, and much more, are just some of the things I get to do to help a customer out. The customers are the most important part of this job for me and I ensure I go the extra mile to get each and every customer through this stressful time. I love to see how happy they are when they see their vehicle looking NEW again.” - Cheryl Crow, CARSTAR Edmonton South
“I love that you know who you’re working for and get to be a part of the family.” - Natasha Fowler, CARSTAR Olds
“It’s the job itself - working on cars, learning every day and feeling the support I get from the people I work with.” - Zoey Wist, CARSTAR Medicine Hat
To learn more about CARSTAR Canada, please visit CARSTAR.ca.