The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) announced that Jodi Kramer, vice president, United Marketing Inc., has been chosen as the 11th annual Auto Care Woman of the Year. Bogi Lateiner, owner, 180 Degrees Automotive Inc., has been named the Female Shop Owner of the Year, while Kathy Jorge, Delphi Product and Service Solutions, has been selected as this year’s Auto Care Woman of Excellence. The announcements were made at the 2014 Women’s Board reception, held Nov. 4 during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.
The Women of the Year awards are administered by the Women’s Board Career & Leadership Committee. The Woman of the Year is chosen based on her significant leadership and contribution to the auto care community throughout her career. Female Service Shop Owner of the Year is given to an outstanding woman who has a proven record of excellence in the automotive service industry, and the Woman of Excellence is the Women’s Board associate who has provided recent outstanding contributions to the auto care industry.
Auto Care Woman of the Year
Kramer has been active in the industry for more than 25 years. After receiving her B.S. from Indiana State University, she entered the family business at United Marketing, and revived a sluggish automotive section for many major grocery and drug chains such as Rite Aid, CVS and SuperValu. She is also the founder of SHE4Life, a brand designed to help breast cancer patients and their families survive the financial, physical and mental burdens that accompany the diagnosis. A portion of the proceeds go directly to regional or local agencies and SHE4Life holds multiple successful events during the year. Kramer also volunteers countless hours with Cancer Services in the Indiana area, and has been an active Women’s Board associate since 2011.
Female Shop Owner of the Year
Lateiner is 100 percent owner of 180 Degrees Automotive Inc. and has been in the industry for seven years. She has grown her business from a one-person operation to a mostly female-staffed million-dollar company without any advertising. Her shop is known for its unique design with a coffee-shop inspired waiting room, and is well-respected by her employees and customers.
She serves as a host on her own TV show, “All Girls Garage,” and stays active in her community, including monthly car care classes. She is active in AskPatty.com, the Automotive Service Association and the Women’s Board.
Auto Care Woman of Excellence
Jorge has made an impact in the six years she has been in the auto care industry. She leads customer business planning and sales, and is considered an exceptional role model as an active member of the Delphi mentoring committee.
For more information about the Car Care Council Women’s Board, visit www.wbcarcare.com or email [email protected].
