Women at the Wheel 2022: Whitney Yates Woods

2022 Honoree

Dealer Principal
Yates Buick GMC

What is one of your proudest accomplishments of your career?

One of my proudest accomplishments of my career is turning my grief into action. I lost my dad, whom I was very close with, to COVID-19 unexpectedly and suddenly. During that time, I began planning for the future of our dealership without him for the first time in my life. I had 110 people who relied on our business to support their families and I dove in head first to fill the role of dealer principal and to continue my dad’s legacy. Most importantly, I decided to carry on his work of supporting the employees he cared so deeply about.

 

In what do you credit your success and/or what do you think makes you stand apart from your peers?

I credit my success to my family’s support, and I also believe the support of other strong females in my life has helped me to grow as a businesswoman. I value inclusion and diversity amongst my staff, and work hard to bring attention and change to the automotive industry every chance I get. I am not afraid to speak on the topic and am proud of the work my dealership is doing to empower more women to be in the automotive industry.

 

What tools do you use to help you grow in the industry?

I am always trying to better myself through education, whether that be through courses with NADA, reading various industry news outlets or taking online seminar purposefully s. I also am always trying to learn from my staff by listening and asking questions. Some of the best lessons I have learned are from people who work at the dealership who have been doing this far longer than I have.

 

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

My best advice is to speak up and make your goals known to those around you. Be vocal, do not be afraid to ask for what you want. If you want the raise, ask for the raise and bring attention to the job and skillset you have that sets you apart. Ask those around you to help you, mentor you and guide you into the best version of yourself that you can be.