By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Daisy Chavik, co-owner of Hot Rod Chavik USA, as its newest spotlight member.
Get to know Chavik in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
Daisy Chavik: My first job in the industry was 18 years ago when I met my husband Stanley Chavik--his life is cars, engineering, coach building and fabrication. I had no idea about cars and since then my life has been one crazy automotive industry journey. So, if you asked me, before I met my husband, I was a hair salon owner and certified hairstylist.
SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
DC: The most challenging part is keeping balance--financially, spiritually, customers versus Hot Rod Chavik USA, project flow--that is a big part of my job. Another is being involved in projects as a design advisor. I'm the only woman in our shop and clients are 90% male, so it is sometimes difficult to be seen and sell ideas. But you know, small dogs bark loudly and over the years, I have been able to find my spot and now I’m part of design/materials and all aesthetic decisions.
SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
DC: I use a lot of my previous business experience, where I learned a lot about client relationships, professionalism, quality of work, character, products, relationships and business versus community support.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
DC: I'm short but strong-minded, which could be difficult for some male representatives in the automotive industry, but times have changed and I see lots of changes.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
DC: I do not have a specific one but industry legends such as Ed Iskenderian and Gene Winfield, or my latest impression was from the Marconi Museum--four generations is very amazing.
Also, people who are involved and support the automotive industry, museums, shows and organizations.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
DC: Be patient, work hard, be constant and trust God. At first, I was too young to understand, then I slowly found the way and am now trying to not slip from that way.
SN: What keeps in the automotive industry?
DC: My husband, my shop and my purpose. Thanks to that I'm able to support the industry.
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
DC: Stanley Chavik, my amazing husband, business partner, friend and supporter (even with my craziest ideas), our awesome son and God.
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.
