By Ashley Reyes
Autumn Schwalbe, Global Ford Performance marketing specialist at Ford Motor Co., has been named the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Read her Q&A with SEMA to learn more about her career and passion for the industry.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Autumn Schwalbe: Instead of waiting for opportunities to present themselves, create them.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
AS: Everything! I grew up around motorsports and fell in love with cars and trucks at a young age. I started drag racing when I was 15 and knew I wanted to turn my passion into my career, so I attended Northwood University and studied automotive aftermarket management. My passion and hobbies are in automotive, so I never see myself leaving this amazing industry. I love my job. Everyday I’m working on different fun projects and have made some of my best friends in the industry from traveling to marketing events and expos.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
AS: You can find me at the drag way! I have an ’89 Foxbody Mustang that I did a Gen 2 Coyote swap with my dad. I’m always at the track practicing or training for races. I race the mod muscle class in the NMRA series, and I also do local bracket racing for fun.
SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
AS: I prepare by arriving early, dressed to impress and very prepared on the topic.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?
AS: I would go to lunch with Carroll Shelby.
If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN member updates.