By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Kerri Petersen, marketing director at Stage 8 Locking Fasteners, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Petersen in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: What does your job entail?
Kerri Petersen: All marketing tactics for Stage 8 Locking Fasteners.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?
KP: I remember back in the early 2000s, most of the men wouldn't acknowledge me as I walked around with my boss; I'd have to be the one who put my hand out and introduce myself. I also hugged a lot and not many men did.
SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?
KP: Relatability: I like to learn about people and their lives, not just the business side of things.
Thoroughness: I see the details and follow things through from start to finish.
Optimism: I see goodness in all. I say it's either a lesson or a blessin' and sometimes both. I see favorable outcomes and believe in the path chosen.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
KP: Leslie Allen––she's a real PR queen and stays positive in all she does.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?
KP: You're never stuck where you are. There are always options. Underpromise and overdeliver. Be kind. Be open to the possibilities. Ask and you shall receive. I've learned a lot over the years. Relationships will last regardless, even if the company the person works for changes. I stay positive in every interaction. I go to SEMA with no meetings booked––knowing that I'll get exactly what I need when I need it. And by day three, I'll make a list of who I want to see, and 100%, I see everyone on that list without scheduling it. It's crazy.
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
KP: I hung out with guys who worked on their American muscle classics when I was a kid. That's what we did all the time. I had an appreciation for Camaros, Chevelles, Luvs, Mustangs, Rancheros and my first truck was a '76 Datsun pickup and learned to drive in a mini–Dodge Ram, so I had an appreciation for the mini trucks as well.
My first magazine subscription was Car Craft. Who knew that so many years later, I'd work for an ad agency in the automotive aftermarket and work with so many great manufacturers. I worked there for 15 years and now work for Stage 8 Locking Fasteners and Larry's Thunderbird and Mustang Parts doing marketing for both companies. I now attend as many car and truck shows as I can, primarily in the Chevy C10 truck community. I have found this is where I love to spend my time and document the shows for others who might not be able to attend. I love getting owners' stories about their vehicles and love sharing their passion and heart about their builds with others.
SN: What do you like to do outside of the industry?
KP: Photography, attending my kids' activities, going to baseball games, taking care of my dad, traveling around the world seeing things I haven't seen before, exploring, seeing where God takes me next and who he has me meeting.
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.
