By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Kim Ziomek, director of business development at Schwartz Machine Company, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Ziomek in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Kim Ziomek: I joined Schwartz Machine Company (SMC) in February 2021 during the pandemic and was welcomed by the team to grow and enhance our precision machining operations for racing, marine agricultural, off-highway, OEM and Tier 1 prototypes. I enjoy seeing the raw casting come in from our customers and leaving a beautiful masterpiece of precision machining that could be displayed in a museum!
SN: What is the most challenging part of your business or job?
KZ: Seeking new business and forecasting; turning the "ah-ha" moment into POs when customers realize that SMC is a Women's Business Enterprise National Council-approved woman-owned/women-led supplier in precision machining. SMC is in a very niche market specializing in precision machining prototype castings, which are low volume. Although we are not the "cheapest" in prototype precision machining, for 70-plus years SMC has remained focused on quality, customer satisfaction and a steadfast reputation.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry, and what was your first industry job?
KZ: I have been in the automotive industry since 1985 and started at TRW (now ZF) in sales for infant and baby car seat plastic shells, EDP, heat treating and aftermarket. As a part of aftermarket, I remember attending my first TRW race car event and how big my eyes were watching the event logistics from the pits. I will never forget that experience.
SN: What three qualities got you to where you are today?
KZ: Passion, compassion and integrity. My career has been supported by my father, Joe Ziomek. Since I started, he always pushed me to be the best I could be at whatever I did. My energy level is tremendous in terms of offering my experiences, passion and compassion for women who are starting in the mobility space, and being a mentor to women who seek counsel and guidance in their career journey. My passion and compassion are to always raise my hand to volunteer for assignments, and that brought me opportunities to meet, greet and participate in professional industry functions to grow my network. I am one of the co-founders of the Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation (AWAF) and since our inception, I have had the privilege to meet and greet women in the industry that you may not work with in your everyday work environment.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
KZ: My biggest accomplishment was being awarded the Automotive News "Top 100 Most Influential Woman in Automotive Award" in 2000. This was the inaugural event that now continues every five years. My biggest challenge is to leave a legacy that paves a path for both current and future women to be successful in their careers without boundaries.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
KZ: My father is my most admired role model. He started at Ford and supported my automotive career through all the challenges and successes with no judgment.
Anne Stevens, CEO of GKN, provided me with guidance that was "real" and really made me think about who I am and what value I bring to the automotive sector. She had a remarkable way of getting to the heart of a matter and boosting you up to know that you can do anything you set your mind to.
Alan Mulally, the former CEO of Ford Motor Company, taught me to lead with positive comments rather than criticism. Alan is still one of the most charismatic and driven men I have ever met and really listens to others.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
KZ: Never, ever give up, and "no" just means "not yet." This advice is golden and just remember--all good things come to those who wait, and patience pays. Positive thoughts always prevail!
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
KZ: I always wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps, and I love math, science and engineering. I am here because I love this industry and it is never dull or boring and what a great time to be a part of the industry with electric vehicles being so prevalent. People like Lynn St. James and John McElroy keep moving forward and have broken the "barriers" that others have thrown in their pathway and that is what keeps me here.
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career goals?
KZ: My father--Joe Ziomek--bar none.
Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.