By Ashley Reyes
Crystal Wiken is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Wiken is the digital marketing coordinator at BOLT Lock, a subdivision of STRATTEC Security Corp.—one of the world's largest producers of automotive locks and keys.
Learn about Wiken’s career in her interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Crystal Wiken: The best career advice I’ve received is, “If you want to succeed, you need to stand out on your own. People respond to truth and authenticity.” It's important to be to be creative and stand out both in my work and in how I hold myself out in the world.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
CW: I did not once see myself in the automotive industry, but I’m sure glad that I found myself here. Things are always changing, and they’re always exciting and fun. The atmosphere is one of the things I love the most. While networking, I find that everyone is passionate not only about their specific roles, but also the industry as a whole. It’s exciting to be a part of something much more—it’s more like a community.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
CW: On a Saturday you can find me with a Starbucks in hand, playing with my three dogs and going on drives in our Mustang!
SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
CW: In a few steps: identify the purpose for the meeting, pinpoint details, spread the word, finalize agenda and drink lots of coffee!
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?
CW: Our family consists of huge Ford fans. I’d love to go to lunch with Henry Ford! How cool?! Not only was he the founder and leader of Ford Motor Company, but he was also a pioneer that launched a system starting the mass production and sale of the first affordable automobile to the American public. Not only would it be educational to listen to the start of it all, but also hear how his commitment to the industry at the time resulted in many innovations of Ford.
If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN-member updates.