By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Denise Clumpner, show car director at Iola Old Car Show, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Clumpner 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?
Denise Clumpner: I was offered my position in November of 2019 as show car director. I enjoy the incredible teamwork in our organization and how we empower each other. I enjoy having the freedom to hunt for and invite vehicles to our show and seeing all the people smiling each year and sharing stories and experiences with their vehicles. At the Iola Car Show, we are a family! We have generations of families, including my own, that would never miss this event.
SN: What is the most challenging part of your business or job?
DC: I hold a position that was something I dreamed of as a young kid, watching this show evolve into the largest show in the Midwest. I grew up just down the road from Iola, and the people who started this show were friends and contemporaries of my father. We always had unique vehicles coming and going, and I loved them. A man named Ken Buttolph was the Iola Old Car Show's in-house expert, and he created our invitational Blue Ribbon Concours area. The day I received an invitation to display my '69 GTO on the concours was an incredible honor, and Ken was a dear friend until his passing. I work hard each day to honor his memory and the quality he put into this show. Although I am referred to here as "the car expert" my goal will always be to have half the knowledge Kenny had.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
DC: I have been a car nut my entire life, but my first job in the industry was at my family's business, the Ogdensburg Garage. We ran a Mobil station, auto repair shop and used car/truck dealership. I started out sweeping floors and cleaning the shop, and gradually took on more responsibilities as I learned the business. I worked full-time hours during the summer, and when I could during the school year. I earned enough money to buy my first car, a '69 GTO, and restore it in time to debut it at Iola '81 when I was eighteen. I still own and show the car today and have added several more vehicles to my collection.
SN: What three qualities got you to where you are today?
DC: I am extremely determined, and I believe in my abilities. I want to achieve something, I work very hard to do that and don't allow myself to become distracted. I also find it helpful to know my limitations and when to ask for help. I also have an "I-can-do-it" attitude and enjoy empowering others.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
DC: Challenges: overcoming stereotypes of what women are "expected" to know about cars.
Accomplishments: Blowing all those stereotypes out of the water and helping bring about cultural change by empowering girls and women to get involved with great vehicles. I am honored when people come to me for help and guidance.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
DC: My family members (especially my dad and brother), all our local car buffs/collectors and everyone who put together and brought their cars to the Iola Old Car Show have always been my mentors. It is tough to choose though because there have been so many.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
DC: How hard you work and how you treat people determines the outcome of your efforts. Let others see and share your enthusiasm! They will want to be a part of it.
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
DC: Yes, I have always wanted to work in the automotive industry but ended up being a teacher. I have been a lifelong car lover and have owned my GTO for 43 years. I am happy that after retiring, I have been able to make my passion into not only a position for the Iola Old Car Show, but also as my own business. I also appraise and pre-purchase inspect classic vehicles for customers and subcontract for classic vehicle dealerships. I love it!
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career goals?
DC: My parents. They never said that I had a "role" to play because I was a female. They encouraged me to do my best and make good decisions for my future. My father started his own business at the age of 19, and at the age of 88 still works there today with my brother.
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.