One never knows when a door to a new opportunity might open, or when that opportunity might turn into a new career.
That’s certainly true for Sherry Parsons, a customer service representative for CARSTAR Collingwood in Collingwood, ON.
CARSTAR is saluting the female owners, managers, estimators and technicians on International Women’s Day on March 8, including Parsons, who has been a member of the CARSTAR Collingwood team for five years.
“I love coming into work every day to greet my customers,” said Parsons. “I’m part of an exceptional team that makes accidents unhappen. I love the positive environment, the awesome teamwork and the great reputation we’ve embodied in our community. I support and respect my co-workers and I truthfully feel respected and supported. Overall, it’s a wonderful, rewarding learning experience.”
Parsons says her path to the collision repair industry started at a party.
“I happened to be at a dinner party where the owner Gary Boucher was present,” she recalled. “We got to talking and, at the time, I had no idea he was looking for a CSR. He offered to interview me the next day and the rest is history. In this industry, I don’t allow myself to think of myself as anything less than equal to my male counterparts. Through my hard work and dedication to be better every day, I see myself as an equal. I have the confidence and experience to back up what I say and, if I have no idea, I have a wonderful team of resources to figure it out.”
Parsons notes that women have an advantage when it comes to customer service.
“Women are very meticulous, caring, innovative and experts at time management,” she noted. “Accidents don’t discriminate against gender. When our customers get into accidents and are confused and looking for help, I’m readily available to do my part.”