By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Wendy Elkington Stabler, vice president of business development and marketing at Elkington Motors, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Elkington 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?
Wendy Elkington Stabler: I have been with Elkington Motors for three years. We have a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the industry. I also enjoy the company's commitment to growth and development, which aligns with my passion for continuous learning and contributing to a dynamic team.
SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
WES: A challenge in the electric vehicle (EV) startup market is the rapidly evolving technology while balancing innovation with practical implementation. Additionally, differentiating ourselves and educating the market about our unique value in a competitive industry can be difficult.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
WES: I have been in the automotive industry in an official capacity for five years. However, around the age of 12, I started working on vehicles and learning processes with my dad. If you add all the time in the industry, it would be closer to 14 years.
SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
WES: One: passion for innovation and startups. Two: determination and adaptability. Three: collaborative leadership and relationships.
Navigating rapidly changing industries and landscapes has allowed me to pivot and seize new opportunities. These qualities have empowered me to effectively lead, innovate and adapt, ultimately contributing to success in my career and allowing me to make meaningful contributions in the markets I have worked in. This has enabled me to lead initiatives that push boundaries and create impactful solutions.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
WES: One industry accomplishment I'm particularly proud of is leading a key project in the EV sector, where I was able to demonstrate my leadership and innovative thinking. A specific situation that stands out was when the product faced initial skepticism, but I persisted, ultimately earning trust and achieving success. That experience taught me the value of perseverance and staying true to my and the company's vision. It continues to motivate me to support others in the industry.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
WES: My role models and mentors in the industry are individuals who embody innovation, resilience and a strong commitment to sustainability. They have inspired me to challenge the status quo, stay curious and pursue continuous growth both personally and professionally. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me navigate industry challenges, make strategic decisions and adapt to the rapid changes in technology and market demands.
Through their mentorship, I've gained deeper insights into effective leadership, problem-solving and the importance of staying forward-thinking. Their support has encouraged me to take risks, embrace new opportunities and push boundaries in the automotive and EV sectors. Overall, their influence has shaped my approach to fostering innovation, leading teams and driving positive change within the industry.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
WES: The best career advice I've received is to always stay curious and open to learning, no matter how experienced I become. This mindset has helped me continuously grow both professionally and personally, allowing me to adapt to new challenges, embrace innovation and build stronger relationships. It encourages me to seek new knowledge, take on new opportunities and remain resilient in the face of change, ultimately fueling my ongoing development and success.
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
WES: My career journey has taken many twists and turns, and I have wanted to work in many different industries. When I heard about being part of an EV restomod company that had a passion for keeping the classic cars and our history alive and on the road, I was all in.
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
WES: I have had many influential people and mentors throughout my career. But, early on, I had a mentor who helped me get a job at a large farm in California. The controller took me under his wing at the bottom of my career cycle and mentored me through daily meetings, teaching me business and accounting skills for the next five years. This was important for me because I did not have fluency in business practices and business language. In turn, it helped me get to where I am today.
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.
