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 this installment of “5 Minutes With,” we get to know a little more about Autumn Lamb, marketing manager for GSP Americas.
A California native, Lamb found the automotive aftermarket after graduating from California State University – San Bernadino with a PR and communications degree. Her first role was in marketing at EGR Group, an Australian manufacturer of automotive accessories. Later, she would have a stint at Gibson Performance and earn her MBA in at the University of the Redlands before finding her way to the marketing team at GSP.
Now celebrating almost five years with GSP Americas, Lamb is the marketing manager overseeing activities in North and Latin America and is very involved in industry associations. Get to know her below!
AMN: Tell us about your role and what you like best about it?
Lamb: In my current position, I am responsible for overseeing and managing the marketing efforts and initiatives for GSP in North and Latin America. Two of my favorite aspects about my job are the team of individuals I am lucky to work with and the fulfilling nature of the work itself. The GSP Team consistently strives towards achieving our shared objectives and we work together to drive that success. We are a #WINNINGTEAM.
As for the work itself, I get to collaborate with diverse cross-functional groups both internally and externally, which makes my job dynamic and multifaceted. I have been fortunate to be able to participate in automotive associations such as CAWA, where I serve on the board of the Manufacturer’s Advisory Council, and Women in Auto Care, where I contribute as a member of their leadership council as social media co-chair. I am appreciate working for a company that allows me to represent them while being involved in areas that align with my personal passions.
AMN: What attracted you to the automotive aftermarket?
Lamb: It started out as a need. I graduated from college and there was a job opening at an automotive performance manufacturer. For five years, I worked in the aftermarket performance, where I gained valuable experience in marketing and growth. Although I am not a car enthusiast myself, I am drawn to the opportunity to apply my marketing skills and expand my knowledge of the industry. The automotive aftermarket is a great industry to work in, and I have met some great people along this journey.
AMN: What do you do for continuing education? Do you have a favorite podcast or YouTube channel? Please share!
Lamb: I love a good a podcast or webinar. I try to register for webinars whenever possible. Sometimes if you miss the live course, they will send recordings to those who are unable to attend. As for podcasts, I am currently listening to the podcast “Honey I Blew Up the Business” by Dan Kirby. It features interviews with successful entrepreneurs who share their stories of overcoming adversity and failure to achieve growth and success. It’s a great one to check out!
AMN: What advice would you give yourself just starting out in your career?
Lamb: I think when you are new to this industry with no automotive knowledge, it can be quite intimidating to be surrounded by enthusiasts or service professionals who eat, sleep and breathe cars. If I had to give myself advice, I would say to persevere with confidence. I had to learn about vehicle products and components that I never knew about, but those are things you learn as you go. Work hard and let your effort be your voice. Trust the work you put in, challenge yourself to learn new things and you will succeed. Just keep going.
AMN: What do you like to do outside of work? Tell us about your hobbies and interests!
Lamb: When I am not at work, I like to spend time with my family. Family time can consist of working out in the garden, home projects or just adventuring around South Carolina. My fiancée and I just moved to South Carolina about 10 months ago so we are still new to the area. I also spend time enjoying my hobby of Macrame. I own an Etsy Shop that I have had for three years where I sell products that I have handmade. I am a very crafty person who somehow fell into the automotive industry. I enjoy both worlds! That’s for sure.
AMN: What is your favorite food?
Lamb: I am half Filipina and enjoy Filipino cuisine. After moving to South Carolina, it can be difficult to find Filipino restaurants, but I am fortunate to have my mother’s recipes. I particularly enjoy pancit and chicken adobo. If you have not tried Filipino food, I encourage you to add it to your list.
AMN: What car do you drive? What is your dream car?
Lamb: I currently drive a 2022 Subaru Ascent. We just bought it last year so it was an upgrade from my 2015 Kia Forte. My dream car is a self-driving car with heated seats that can float to avoid traffic. I dislike driving and dealing with traffic, but I love heated seats. However, my dream car will probably remain a dream.
AMN: Name a favorite trip you’ve made or one place on your “bucket list” you’d like to see.
Lamb: It would be great to visit the Phillipines where my mom grew up. I would like to see what her life was like before her family migrated to the US. It’s definitely in the travel list for 2024.
AMN: What is one word would your coworkers use to describe you?
Lamb: Assiduous. I am passionate about my work, and my enthusiasm is evident to those I meet.
