Cheryl Senko, Baby Boomer

Who do you trust the most? My family. Growing up, my parents; now, my husband and children.

What is the best decision you have ever made? To build a career in the automotive collision industry. I was in a bad place in 1989 when I joined my first collision center (lost my first husband, lost my house) and once I started working in the industry, everything turned around and I was embraced by the family that I worked for.

Best book you’ve ever read? “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown. I try to dare greatly every day.

How did you get into the automotive service business? I joined a family-owned auto body shop in 1989 and then went to work for an auto paint manufacturer a few years later that paid for me to go to college. I’m happy to be working for a family-owned collision center again, and using everything I learned over the past 20 years to help the industry.

Is there a professional goal you’re striving for that you’d like to share with us? I really enjoy helping other auto body shops and industry partners understand and utilize social media to reach their marketing and communication goals.

What do you drive? 2006 Toyota Corolla

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do? Enjoy a getaway with my family, including a little spa time for mom.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today? To never stop learning; knowledge will differentiate you – and to work hard. Not enough people are willing to work hard and give it their all.

If you could change one thing about the field in which you work, what would it be? I would like to see more minorities and women take advantage of our great industry.

What is one electronic gadget that you cannot live without? My laptop. It’s how I stay in touch with the world and excel at my job.

Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry? Extremely bright. There are no more resilient and creative people than those in the automotive aftermarket. We stick together, help each other and are willing to work hard to accomplish our goals.

Adam Kapis, Generation Y

Who do you trust the most? Aside from myself, I trust my best friend, Scott.

What is the best decision you have ever made? The best decision I have made (thus far) has been deciding to “not sweat the small stuff.” I realize that when I feel like complaining or feeling down about something, that in reality, it’s not really that big of a deal. This has eliminated quite a bit of unneeded stress.

Best book you’ve ever read? “Brave New World.”

How did you get into the automotive service business? I began at an auto parts store in Chardon 3 years ago as a delivery driver and have been learning more ever since. I feel it’s a great business to be a part of being that almost everyone relies on their vehicle each and every day and it’s a great feeling to know that I can contribute to something so “driven” (pun).

Is there a professional goal you’re striving for that you’d like to share with us? I have many goals, but if I had to choose one, it would be to provide value to my company. If I can leave my job knowing that I did that every day, then I know I am truly a part of something great.

What do you drive? I currently drive a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. It’s a great car if you’re not a large male. I am a large male.

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do? I would check my pulse, first. If I was truly alive, I would work out for an hour so (to feel accomplished) and then completely ruin that by ordering a pizza and watching my favorite TV shows.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today? First of all, I would say, “Congratulations, but why are you graduating from high school in February?” I would encourage them to explore furthering their education as it could only prove to be worthwhile.

If you could change one thing about the field in which you work, what would it be? I would say the only thing I would change is the negative stereotype that follows the automotive industry. Too many unfortunate situations/businesses allow poor customer service, which leads to poor expectations from the customer. I am proud to say that I am part of the exact opposite of that stereotype with this company, which is why I am excited to be a part of it.

What is one electronic gadget that you cannot live without? I would hate to think that I cannot “live” without a gadget, but I suppose if I’m ever connected to a respirator, that I would feel differently. In any other case, I love my Android phone. It is quite useful for looking up wanted information on the spot and is relatively simple to use. My favorite app, thus far, is SoundHound. Just incredible.

Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry? I can’t speak for my entire generation, but I see a continuous increase in technology, which will lead to fewer people working and more machines performing everyday transactions. We already experience this with automated customer service or even checking out at a grocery store. I truly hope the “pendulum” swings the other way, but I feel people in this generation are quite dependent on it and it will only multiply.