By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Lauren McCullough, CEO of Tromml, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know McCullough in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Lauren McCullough: One and a half years. I enjoy working directly with manufacturers and retailers in the industry looking for ways to elevate their company's performance. As a result of what we do, we end up working with innovative folks who are ready to take the next step, so we get tons of great energy!
SEMA: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
LM: Growing and leading a company is always challenging. We have to make sure we have a solid product that constantly provides value to our customers while building a strong team and culture. It's rewarding, but wearing a lot of hats can get exhausting.
SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
LM: Five. Director of growth at another industry software.
SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?
LM: Grit: when things get hard, it's important to persevere.
Innovation: I am always looking for a new way to solve a new challenge.
Integrity: I always focus on doing the right thing by my team and customers, which has allowed me to form lasting relationships.
SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
LM: Often when I meet new people, they expect I "don't know what I am doing," which can be a challenge when growing a new business. However, it's forced me to listen closely and always be at the top of my game, which is what allowed me to found my own company.
SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
LM: I am still forming specific industry mentors, which is why I am excited to join SBN!
SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received?
LM: Some of the best career advice I received was around the importance of long-term thinking and fostering relationships. Early on, it can be easy to get lost in just "checking a box," but it's important we focus on our why and who we are serving, as we have a long career ahead of us.
SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?
LM: Not necessarily, but I am happy to be here. I definitely stay because of the people and the opportunity to solve pressing challenges for growing companies.
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.