By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Chelsea Frantz, motorsports coordinator at Mickey Thompson, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Frantz 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?
Chelsea Frantz: I have been with Mickey Thompson for three years now. I mostly enjoy the interaction with racers--the new, experienced and up-and-coming. I enjoy hearing about daily track experiences, improvements made to their cars and what they plan on doing for the season to come and contingency.
SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
CF: Communication. I know that it is a simple task, but it can also be the hardest thing. Not only are the men in our lives running down the track at high speeds, but so are our minds. We need to stop and take a minute to communicate with the ones around us and make sure our personal, department and professional goals are met on a timely manner.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
CF: Mickey Thompson is actually my first position in the automotive industry, but I grew up around cars. My dad was into drag racing.
SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
CF: One: hard worker. I put my air pods in and I'm in the zone! I hate to admit, but if I can't sleep, I'll knock out some emails and set myself up for success for the next day.
Two: positive attitude. Positivity is key, which means knowing when you need to boost the morale of the team and when you need to have that good customer service voice. Even when you're having a bad day, you may never know when that small amount of positivity can make someone's day.
Three: I'm fairly organized. I live by my Google calendars; they are my lifelines.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
CF: My favorite is when a man asks to speak to another man, because the woman doesn't know what she's talking about. For example, we were at an event and a gentleman came around asking about Bonneville tires. He asked to speak to a man, but I was the only one at the event with the information he was looking for, and who was knowledgeable on the topic. Unfortunately, he was not happy that a man was unable to speak to him about the topic. Me on the other hand, I was proud of myself.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
CF: My girl, EJ! I met her a few years ago at Roadkill Nights and we clicked instantly. She's kicking major butt working on cars, building cars, welding, you name it! I don't see her too often, but she is just an inspiration to any woman who wants to do the thing and build the build.
She has helped me along the way because she has showed me that girls can do literally anything, all while looking pretty and chugging a crisp Dr. Pepper.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
CF: As a woman, don't let a man stand in your way. There are times to be a kitten, but there are also times when you need to be the lioness. Meaning, just because you look cute and girly, doesn't mean that you can't stand your ground.
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?
CF: Honestly, I wanted to be on the other side of the sports industry. I wanted to be Erin Andrews growing up. But seeing how much fun and fast-paced the automotive industry is, I think I like it over here. The racers have become almost like family. The guys I work with have also become like the brothers I've never had. They are such an amazing group of guys, and I appreciate the amount they have taught me over the years.
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
CF: I would have to say my dad. From introducing me to the industry, to the weekends and late nights at the track, he has always inspired me to be around cars in some way. When talking to him about work, he has always taken the chance to tell me how proud of me he is. I take that near and dear to my heart. When he officially retired from drag racing and I started at Mickey Thompson (literally happened in the same summer), it was almost like one door closed and another one opened. He was passing down an automotive torch.
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.