Angel Koon
Human resources generalist | Chapel Hill Tire | Chapel Hill, N.C. | Age: 25
What was your first job in the industry?
Working with Chapel Hill Tire was my first job in the automotive industry. I started recruiting part-time straight out of graduate school. I am now the human resources generalist and recruiter for Chapel Hill Tire. It has been a really awesome experience so far and is super rewarding.
What attracted you to the industry?
With my background in industrial-organizational psychology and experience in HR, I've always gravitated towards industries that offer complex challenges and possibilities for optimizing human potential within organizations. The automotive industry, known for its history of innovation and technological advancements, provides a distinct platform for applying psychological principles to improve workplace dynamics and enhance employee well-being. This dynamic setting presents exciting prospects for HR professionals like myself to guide employees through periods of change, promote continuous learning and adaptability, and ensure sustained engagement and motivation among the workforce. I love having a hand in the future of the revitalization of trade skills as generations shift closer to retirement. I am excited for the future of the automotive industry.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
Navigating the promotion of diversity as a female professional within the automotive sector involves confronting deep-seated gender biases and stereotypes. Despite strides forward, the industry's long-standing male predominance poses significant obstacles to overcome. Women may encounter obstacles such as limited access to leadership positions, unequal pay, and a lack of representation in decision-making roles.
In such demanding situations, utilizing the expertise gained from my degree becomes essential. Industrial-organizational psychology has armed me with techniques and tools to tackle challenges such as gender biases, organizational culture, and resistance to change. It offers blueprints for establishing successful diversity and inclusion initiatives, cultivating empathy among coworkers, and cultivating environments that promote equal opportunities and career progression for everyone. By integrating these principles, female professionals in the automotive industry can adeptly navigate these barriers, effecting meaningful change in a field where their representation is lacking. I am blessed that Chapel Hill Tire is so supportive and receptive of this passion of mine.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Throughout my career journey, I've been fortunate to encounter numerous outstanding managers and mentors who have empowered me with autonomy and encouragement to take on additional responsibilities, thus facilitating my personal and professional growth. Moreover, I've been privileged to receive diverse opportunities for development and education.
Being a part of the automotive industry is deeply gratifying, echoing the enthusiasm my father instilled in me as we tinkered with our vehicles together (when I was) growing up. He always inspired me to challenge gender and social norms, allowing me to pursue my ambitions unreservedly, as well as encourage my passion for problem solving.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
I have been successful leading the completion of several internal projects within Chapel Hill Tire. I have been working towards increasing standardization across the organization in regard to the full employee life cycle. I have the privilege of collaborating with our amazing team to help strengthen the foundation as we expand into new locations and grow our team. Additionally, I have been heavily engaged in collaborating with local and state apprenticeship programs to inspire and educate the next generation of students, providing them with tools to jump start their future. I feel like the impact of these increased efforts will definitely have a lasting impact on the future of not only our company, but also the communities that we serve.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
As the HR generalist at Chapel Hill Tire, I manage a broad spectrum of HR functions that contribute to the company’s growth. This includes but is not limited to refining internal processes, preparing our team for expansion, and overseeing recruitment for new hires and supporting our current team. I also handle onboarding, employee development and FMLA administration.
My favorite part is being able to oversee and expand our apprenticeship opportunities through SCA and NCTAP. Helping young men and women get into a fulfilling career is super rewarding! With a small HR team, I wear many hats, from full-cycle recruitment and benefits administration to organizing company events and team-building activities. My goal is to foster a positive work environment while aligning our HR strategies with the company’s growth objectives. Each day involves a mix of strategic planning and hands-on employee support, making my role both dynamic and rewarding. Every workday is different for me!
What's been the biggest surprise of your current job?
I’ve been surprised by how close-knit our team is and how much the HR department can shape workplace culture. Building personal connections with employees while supporting them has had a bigger impact than I initially realized and it is super rewarding to help our team. Some days you may be supporting a team member in a life crisis and some days the team just needs a box of popsicles to cool off. We play a role in their wellbeing whether that's big or small.
Tell us about your family.
At home, it’s just my husband James and me, but we both come from large families, which keeps things lively! We also have a wonderful circle of friends who we consider part of our "bonus family." They play an important role in our lives, whether it’s sharing meals, celebrating special occasions, or just hanging out. Family, both biological and chosen, is really important to us.
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would you choose?
I would choose fluency in another language. In today’s increasingly diverse workplace, this would allow me to connect with a wider range of team members and provide better support for their needs.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Resourceful.
If you could switch careers tomorrow, what would you want to do, and why?
While I truly enjoy my current role, if I could switch careers tomorrow, I would love to become a program coordinator in the trade skills industry, particularly in apprenticeship and mentoring initiatives. Working closely with young people to help them explore their interests and develop their skills would be immensely rewarding. I've seen firsthand the difference that mentorship can make, and I would want to expand that impact on a larger scale. I’m grateful to oversee the apprenticeship programs in my current position, but that would be my ideal career choice!
What's the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
While there are certainly larger issues facing the tire industry, I would say that turnover and the lack of skilled tradespeople are significant challenges I see many HR professionals facing in the tire industry. Finding qualified workers has become increasingly difficult due to several factors, including an aging workforce, competition from other industries and a waning interest in manufacturing careers among younger generations. However, I am grateful that youth apprenticeships are gaining momentum, and I take pride in being involved in initiatives that support these programs. By encouraging young people to explore skilled trades, we can help cultivate a stronger workforce for the future.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I never had my mind set on one career to be honest. However, I was often drawn to fields that involved science, problem-solving and helping others. I always had a creative streak and even considered being an artist for a bit. Ultimately, I was fascinated by the idea of using creativity to develop innovative solutions to challenges and make complex concepts more relatable and engaging. This passion for merging creativity with analytical thinking continues to influence how I tackle challenges in my current role.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
After a stressful day, I love to unwind by spending time with my husband. We often play video games together, which is a fun way to relax and bond. I also enjoy cooking, trying out new recipes and sharing with my friends and family. Additionally, we love going to concerts, as live music is a great way to recharge. These activities help me wind down for sure!
What goal did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track to reach it?
This year, I set a goal to learn more about each team and their unique strengths at our various stores. I believe that understanding these dynamics will help me tailor our recruitment strategies and foster a more personable environment. I’ve been making a concerted effort to connect with employees across all 12 teams, which has been incredibly insightful. I’m on track with this goal, and I’m excited about the relationships I’m building and the positive impact it has already had on our teams in many different ways.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Twenty years from now, I envision myself in a leadership role, possibly overseeing a larger HR function or even contributing to workforce development initiatives on a broader scale. I hope to be involved in mentoring the next generation of professionals, just as I’ve enjoyed doing in my current role. Ultimately, I hope to leave a positive impact on both my workplace and my community.
