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Heiser Automotive has been in Mary Ann Scaffidi’s family for decades, but when she started her first job there at age 17, she wasn’t interested in running the business. “I just saw it as my dad’s and brothers’ responsibility,” she says. As an adult, she started her own business in Colorado Springs, and then many years later returned to live in Wisconsin near family and became a real estate broker. It was only after her brother died unexpectedly that she realized the traditional family business could become her responsibility. Leaving real estate behind, she started as a sales representative at Heiser and worked her way up, eventually to the position of CEO. “My dad was a very traditional man, so at first it was hard for him to consider having a woman in the family take over,” she says. “As the years went on, he saw that I had the same drive and ambition as he did. He was my mentor and coach.” As the leader of Heiser, Scaffidi has opened the door for many other women to take on important positions in the company. “These women have been monumental to the future and success of Heiser.”

“There are always going to be people who doubt you. Prove them wrong.”

 

– Mary Ann Scaffidi

Q&A

What impresses you most about your team at Heiser Automotive? What qualities do you believe help all of you work well together?

Mary Ann Scaffidi: These women have been monumental to the future and success of Heiser. I am constantly impressed by their loyalty to Heiser, their tenacity in the workplace. These Leaders have brought a different perspective into our automotive industry. Trust and honesty are two of the biggest qualities that help our team work so well together. We know that we have each other’s backs no matter what. I know I can trust my team to be honest with me and vice versa. 

What advice do you have for young women who’d like to reach a leadership position like you have?

Scaffidi: My biggest piece of advice is do not make excuses for yourself. There were many times I wanted to give up or got frustrated by how I was treated. There are always going to be people who doubt you, but prove them wrong. It’s time the automotive industry diversifies and welcome more female leaders. Heiser’s female leaders include but are not limited to corporate directors, service managers, customer vehicle equity managers, finance managers, and marketing and sales representatives. 

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