Jennifer Wiens
Brand manager and safety coordinator | Ted Wiens Tire & Auto Service Centers | Age: 31
What was your first job in the industry?
I came in to Ted Wiens Tier & Auto knowing how to work on cars, but did not know a single thing about tires or explaining service to customers in a way that they would understand.
What attracted you to the industry?
I have always had a passion for cars. I started in the garage with my uncle at age 8. My mom blew up the engine in her van. I wanted to learn and do anything that my Uncle Mike did. He was my idol. I looked up to him my whole life.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
There is so much to learn about automotive. There is no possible way to know everything. I look forward to work and seeing what new things are going to come my way every day. What is my next challenge? What will I face today?
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My Uncle Mike. If he had not let me help him — I'm sure I was more in the way than anything — I would have never learned. I wish he was still here to see me today.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
I started in sales. I have worked tirelessly to be the best at what I do. I have gone from a saleswoman to store manager, and now I do all the advertising for the whole company.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
We hope to be helping our children run the company. Then being able to travel.
What’s the biggest issue facing the industry today?
The industry is rapidly growing, and with that you have to get a lot of training. And training takes time.
What’s the one thing you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
How much fun it is! I love my job, yes I started working on the vehicles and now I am doing the advertising. I wouldn't change it for the world
How do you encourage others to enter the industry?
I emphasize the stability and longevity of the transportation industry. There is always going to be vehicles and in turn those vehicles will need repairs and tires.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married since 2012. I have two wonderful stepdaughters, Brianna and Taylor.
What’s your favorite weekend activity?
Drag racing or playing in our side by sides.
What keeps you up at night?
A lot! I am always thinking did I do everything OK today? What do I have to do tomorrow? Did I miss anything? The list goes on and on.
Tell us something about yourself others might not know.
I am a very shy person. I am absolutely terrified of public speaking. I refuse to go on amusement rides.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Beer.
Name a talent you wish you had.
I am not artistic in the slightest bit. I would love to be able to just paint a simple picture.
What’s your favorite food?
Does all food count? I love cooking and trying new things.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
My late Uncle Mike. He is the one that let me follow my dreams. He taught me to work on vehicles. There is nothing that cannot be done, you just have to take the time to learn it.
If we took your cell phone away and said it would cost you $1,000 to get it back, how long would you survive until you paid the ransom?
I could go forever without it! Make sure you answer all the work calls.
