At Bowman Chevrolet in Independence Township, the Women’s History Month of March highlights the contributions of three company leaders.
“It absolutely makes sense to have more of us in the industry and at the dealer level,” said Katie Bowman Coleman, owner and president of Bowman Chevrolet. “I think women’s communication and problem-solving skills and attention to detail have had direct impact on the success of Bowman Chevrolet.”
Bowman Coleman has been working at the dealership for 24 years and took over the reins in 2011. Today, she leads 130 employees and sells an average of 400 vehicles monthly.
“ I realized I wanted to be part of what was predicted to be a huge transformation in the way cars are made, sold and utilized,” Coleman said. Coleman is one of roughly 270 female Chevrolet dealership owners in the country.
Rhonda Jensen, general manager, has been with Bowman Chevrolet for more than 25 years. She began her automotive retail career at age 17 and has worked her way up from secretary to service manager, to fixed operations director to general manager.
“It was hard work, determination, tenacity, and a love for what I do, that has helped me to succeed,” Jensen said. “Early in my career I had a harder time convincing customers and coworkers that I could help them, or even understand their needs. But as women haven taken on larger roles and the industry have evolved, gender doesn’t matter. Talented people matter.”
Judy Simpson, service manager at Bowman Chevrolet, has spent nearly 35 years in the industry.
“When I first started in the service department I probably was one of the few females, but I never thought much about it. Hard work, dedication and a passion for my job are what have enabled me to succeed,” Simpson said.