Diane Larson, Baby Boomer

Who do you trust the most? My good friend Bayne … and always my “gut.”

What is the best decision you have ever made? To marry my best friend and stay that way for 36 years!

How did you get into the automotive service business? My late husband and I opened a neighborhood shop – an old Texaco Station – 25 years ago. John was an awesome GM dealership mechanic before then. I started out in the office organizing the shop and then had fun playing/ learning in the bays, while working with customers. I eventually learned to manage the shop, which is what I mostly do now.

Who or what inspires you? Sharing what I have been taught, and my passion for others!

What do you drive? 2012 Acura MDX (I do miss my Hummer, though).

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do? Probably have an adventure ... although relaxing by the pool/beach sounds really nice …  or maybe the spa – yum.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today? Follow your passion, whatever that might be … spend your life doing what you love!

What do you like most about your work? That things are constantly changing; we are always learning and then sharing that knowledge with others – both clients and colleagues!

What is one electronic gadget that you cannot live without? Definitely my iPhone – yikes, what did we do before it?

Taylor Hill, Generation Y

Who do you trust the most? My boyfriend and my father. No matter how sticky a situation can get, they always find a solution.

What is the best decision you have ever made? To start my career in the automotive industry.

How did you get into the automotive service business? I have always enjoyed working on cars, but was told “Automotive repair is a man’s industry,” and was not encouraged to try and make it a career. Then one day I happened to read an article about Larson’s Service being a female-friendly shop and its female owner, Diane Larson. I decided to go talk to her about how I could get my foot in the door, and needless to say, she is the reason why I’m participating in this article today.

Who or what inspires you? My boss, Diane. Besides my mother, Diane is one of the most influential and inspiring female role models in my life. To see what she has accomplished over the years inspires me to continue my quest to live up to my business card title: “Aspiring Shop Owner” (ASO) and change that one day to read, “Shop Owner.” 

What do you drive? I am looking for a new vehicle right now. I am going to be a new mom in March so I need something that will be roomy, like a Jeep Cherokee.

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do? I love to kayak and go camping.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today? Don’t waste time. Do what you love, especially when it comes to choosing a career. If you don’t love what you do, it’s not a “career,” it’s a “job” – and what is the point in being unhappy? I’m finally just figuring out that when you love what you do, everything else falls into place.

What do you like most about your work?
I can’t really choose just one thing. I enjoy all the people I work with and everything I do.

What is one electronic gadget that you cannot live without? Most definitely, my smartphone. It just makes life so much more convenient to always have whatever you need at your fingertips.