Bradley Schefferstein
Store manager | Chabill’s Tire & Auto Service | Thibodaux, La. | Age: 30
What was your first job in the industry?
I started in our warehouse when I was 16. There I would load/unload trucks and pick up stock tires. I did this after school part time and worked full time during the summer months.
What attracted you to the industry?
For me it’s sort of a family business. I started when I was 16 and in need of a job and our warehouse was in need of an employee so Mrs. Beth (Barron), our current CEO, said you can work in the warehouse. So it was not really an attraction just a person to fill in to start. The attraction didn’t start until I started to learn more about the industry.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
As I progressed in my career the stigma of being young and dumb really held true for me. I became a store manager when I was a few months away from 20 years old at our smallest location. I really had no idea how to manage anything but had a burning desire to become the very best manager in the company. It was difficult for me to hire good employees, manage workflow, stay on top of inventory and all the other responsibilities that come with management. Luckily, Chabill’s is filled with great leaders that guided me along the way to help me flourish into the person and employee I am today.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
This is tough for me because there have been so many great people I have had the privilege to work with. I would say my biggest influence would have to be our current CEO, Beth Barron. She has always given me the encouragement and lessons needed to have a great career and also how to be a good person. (I’m still working on the good person part.)
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
Every year we have an awards ceremony at our Christmas party. It was one of my goals to become the youngest to win our outstanding manager award. I accomplished this in the year 2019 at the age of 25 I also still hold the title to this day.
