Brittany Hibdon, Partner and Dealer Principal of Hibdon Auto Center   

2021 Honoree

Partner and Dealer Principal
Hibdon Auto Center

What is the proudest accomplishment of your career thus far?  

In June 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, we celebrated 10 years of being in business! With 65% of businesses failing in the first 10 years, it was a great moment to know that not only did we make it this far, but we’ve come out a stronger company than before, through a lot of incredible challenges. A close second accomplishment: I’m very proud of the women I’ve brought into the business. We currently have a female service writer, and an all-female sales team: sales manager, finance manager, and sales consultants. “#Girlpower” said with a wink is a common phrase around here!   

   

What is your best advice to other women who want to excel in the automotive industry?  

Be confident in your abilities, and find a store that welcomes women and understands the value they bring to both the dealership and the customers. I see too many women unhappy and under-valued in stores that do not treat them as equals. You ladies deserve better!  

   

What are some of the ways you have seen the industry support women?  

Some of the most important support is just in awareness of the way the industry has treated women, and the determination to create an environment of respect for the future. For me, this respect was often hard-earned, but worth the work! I’m very grateful to have a network of peers that has welcomed me into their circle; whether it’s a 20 group meeting, standing in the auction lane or masterminding with other dealers, I’m often the only female dealer in the room and it’s refreshing and much appreciated to be respected as an equal because of my hard work and record, not my gender.  

   

What is one thing the industry could do better/differently to support women?  

Just give us a chance. There are still a lot of stereotypes and chauvinistic ways of doing things in the car business, and I face them constantly. I’ve heard the question, “Oh, are you the secretary?” more times than I can count! I hope someday it’s not so shocking to those in our industry to meet a talented female under the age of 40 who is both a car dealer and entrepreneur!  

As an industry we need to continue to open our minds and respect each other’s’ abilities and ideas based on knowledge and respect, not gender or age, etc. The car business is home to all kinds of amazing people, and I feel privileged to know so many that are genuinely great people, working hard to make a difference in their communities.