Every so often, our editorial staff selects one aftermarket industry professional to get to know a little better. Participants are asked to respond to a series of questions that can be answered in about the same amount of time you might spend chatting at the office coffee pot or waiting for an elevator. In today’s installment of “Five Minutes With,” we get to know a little more about Aubry Baugh, product marketing manager at Lumileds.
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job in the industry was technically an admin at a local car repair shop in high school. I was in charge of mailing out flyers, doing payments, and calling over the loud speaker of when our customers’ cars were ready. Who knew that I would graduate from college and start working in the aftermarket at Federal-Mogul as a marketing analyst? I guess I was destined to work in the automotive aftermarket.
What do you like best about your current position?
What I like most is that it is a challenge and no day is the same as the next. I get the opportunity to work with so many people locally and globally within our organization. It is nice to see how all of the projects I work on actually affect our business in a positive light. And, to see the products and packaging that I work on enter the market to be sold to our customers and finally our end-consumers. It is very gratifying.
Did you initially intend to pursue a career in the aftermarket? If not, what drew you to the industry and what keeps you here?
When I was in college, I wanted to work at a marketing agency or work for a makeup company to create interesting and cool advertisements for print and TV. I had no interest in or idea about the automotive aftermarket. The way that I found out about it was at a career fair at my school, Tennessee State University, where my future employer had a booth. There, I received information about it. But growing up in Michigan everyone either worked for the Big 3 or a supplier, so I was very familiar with the automotive industry, just not the aftermarket.
What do you do when not at work?
When I am not at work, I am spending time with my husband and my 7-month old daughter. As an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., I also spend an enormous amount of my time volunteering. I am a chairman of a teen youth group, AKATeens of Southfield, Michigan, where I am in charge of 30-plus teens between the ages of 14 to 18. Our goal is to motivate young ladies to practice etiquette, be positive role models, encourage high achievement in high school and beyond. We also promote community activism among high school students.
What one word best sums up your personality?
The best word that sums up my personality is “bubbly.” I am a pretty positive, energetic and driven person. I can find the best in almost any situation and I try to make the most out of life, whether it is professionally or personally.
What was your first car?
1999 Ford Taurus
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Tiffany Haddish’s “The Last Black Unicorn.” It’s very interesting to read about people’s life stories and how they got to where they are. You can learn a lot from others.
Who was your childhood hero?
My Mom is who I always looked up to – even more so now that I am a mom. It’s amazing what she was able to accomplish as a working mom, wife and friend. In my eyes, she was able to do it all with such ease and poise.