The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Elizabeth Bosley, OEM MP and L Account Analyst at Dee Zee Inc., as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Bosley in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Elizabeth Bosley: I’ve been with Dee Zee for eight years. I love the fact that the company has that “family business” feel to it. Everyone is willing to help everyone, regardless of which department they belong to.
SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
EB: One of the biggest challenges I face on a day-to-day basis would be finding a healthy work/life balance. I am literally on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This makes it difficult to enjoy any time away.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
EB: I actually began in the agriculture sector 20 years ago as a data entry clerk in the brakes and actuators department. Within three years, I worked my way up to the OEM department there and after nine years, I had the opportunity to move into the automotive industry with Dee Zee. I’ve been here ever since!
SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
EB: Three of the most important qualities that got me where I am today would be resilience, patience, and commitment. My resilience helps when things inevitably get difficult and helps me to bounce back, allowing me to face any problems or mistakes and facing them head on to get a resolution.
My patience, I feel, is my most difficult, yet most valued, quality. Only through patience can you overcome problems that occur in work life and home life.
I am truly committed to the company I work with and what it stands for. This is what drives me to do the very best job I can do to ensure Dee Zee is successful in all its endeavors.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
EB: I honestly don’t think I’ve faced any challenges or accomplishments that were due to my gender as a woman. Dee Zee is a company that has a very strong female leadership team, from the president down to floor supervisors and production line-leads. As a whole, Dee Zee is very diversified, cultivating a positive work culture.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
EB: Kelli Gallagher, president of Dee Zee Manufacturing, would be my most valued role model. She leads with a skilled hand and an open door. She has encouraged me on my developmental journey and provided resources enabling me to reach the goals I set for myself.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
EB: Long ago, someone told me to work hard and don’t sweat the small stuff. Because of this, I live my life with intention, making conscious choices that align with my personal values and goals. I don’t beat myself up over mistakes I’ve made--I try to learn and grow from them.
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
EB: While on my career path, I never truly pictured myself in the automotive industry. I mean, I never looked in the mirror when I was 17 years old fresh out of high school, and told my reflection, “You will be in the automotive industry some day!” But now that I’m here, I tell everyone who will listen that I love what I do. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, stress and all. I love the daily challenges and the satisfaction I feel when I’ve accomplished something difficult. I enjoy everyone I’ve met along the way, and the relationships I’ve built, with the accounts I manage as well as the people I work with on a day-to-day basis.
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
EB: The absolute most influential person in my entire life was my grandmother. She raised me (with the help of my grandfather, of course) while working a full-time desk job as a parts specialist and a second full-time job managing our family’s restaurant we had at the time. I credit my work ethic as well as my strong sense of self all to her and her influence.
Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.