By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Elizabeth Bosley, OEM MP and L account analyst at Dee Zee Inc., as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Bosley 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?
Elizabeth Bosley: I've been with Dee Zee for eight years. I love the fact that the company has that "family-business" feel to it. Everyone is willing to help everyone, regardless of which department they belong to.
SEMA: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
EB: One of the biggest challenges I face on a day-to-day basis would be finding a healthy work/life balance. I am literally on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This makes it difficult to enjoy any time away.
SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
EB: I actually began in the agriculture sector 20 years ago as a data-entry clerk in the brakes and actuators department. Within three years, I worked my way up to the OEM department there and after nine years, I had the opportunity to move into the automotive industry with Dee Zee. I've been here ever since!
SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
EB: Three of the most important qualities that got me where I am today are resilience, patience and commitment. My resilience helps when things inevitably get difficult and helps me to bounce back, allowing me to face any problems or mistakes head-on to get a resolution.
My patience, I feel, is my most difficult yet most valued quality. Only through patience can you overcome problems that occur in work life and home life.
I am truly committed to the company I work with and what it stands for. This is what drives me to do the very best job I can do to ensure Dee Zee is successful in all its endeavors.
SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
EB: I honestly don't think I've faced any challenges or accomplishments that were due to my gender as a woman. Dee Zee is a company that has a very strong female leadership team, from the president down to floor supervisors and production line leads. As a whole, Dee Zee is very diversified, cultivating a positive work culture.
SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
EB: Kelli Gallagher, president of Dee Zee Manufacturing, would be my most valued role model. She leads with a skilled hand and an open door. She has encouraged me on my developmental journey and provided resources enabling me to reach the goals I set for myself.
SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received?
EB: Long ago, someone told me to work hard and don't sweat the small stuff. Because of this, I live my life with intention, making conscious choices that align with my personal values and goals. I don't beat myself up over mistakes I've made--I try to learn and grow from them.
SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
EB: While on my career path, I never truly pictured myself in the automotive industry. I mean, I never looked in the mirror when I was 17 years old, fresh out of high school, and told my reflection, "You will be in the automotive industry someday!" But now that I'm here, I tell everyone who will listen that I love what I do. I wouldn't trade it for the world, stress and all. I love the daily challenges and the satisfaction I feel when I've accomplished something difficult. I enjoy everyone I've met along the way and the relationships I've built, with the accounts I manage as well as the people I work with on a day-to-day basis.
SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
EB: The absolute most influential person in my entire life was my grandmother. She raised me (with the help of my grandfather, of course) while working a full-time desk job as a parts specialist and a second full-time job managing our family's restaurant we had at the time. I credit my work ethic as well as my strong sense of self all to her and her influence.
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.