By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Shawn Vaughn, purchasing, administrative, at Level 7 Motorsports, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Vaughn 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?
Shawn Vaughn: I have been working at Level 7 Motorsports for 10 years. I love being able to work with my husband, being a part of the industry and the flexibility to have our kids grow up in our shop and take interest in what we do.
SEMA: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
SV: The most challenging part has been learning the industry and work-/home-life balance.
SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
SV: Three qualities that have helped me would be perseverance, hard work and learning to listen to everyone.
SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
SV: I would say the biggest challenge was getting to a point where people would take me seriously.
SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
SV: One of the biggest mentors is my husband, Jesse Vaughn [owner of Level 7 Motorsports].
SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received?
SV: I learned early on after college that there is more than one way to do something most of the time. Listen and take in what people are saying even if you do not initially agree.
SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
SV: I graduated college with a degree in blacksmithing and photography. I was always interested in metal finishing and working with my hands. When I met my husband, he had just opened his shop. So, I got to use my background in photography and metalsmithing to help our family business. I love what we do and what we get to experience in life.
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.