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 Dana Mooney, senior marketing manager, Aftermarket at Dana, a little better.
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job was actually near Frankfurt, Germany, working at Opel. During my time there, Opel launched two platforms – the Opel Corsa redesign and the Opel Tigra coupe. It was a great introduction to the commercialization of a vehicle platform, the regional influences that drove body style and engine size, and most importantly the development of relationships that exist to this day. Before entering the automotive industry in 1996, I worked on the industrial side for ITW near Chicago.
What do you like best about your current position?
There are several things I really like about promoting Dana’s aftermarket flagship brands, especially given the decades of heritage that the Dana, Spicer and Victor Reinz brands own in the marketplace. Guiding these brands through the digital transformation, keeping them fresh and connected to our key customer groups is my primary focus.
Did you initially intend to pursue a career in the aftermarket? If not, what drew you to the industry and what keeps you here?
I did find my niche in the automotive and commercial vehicle aftermarket, influenced by the legacy of my dad’s work in the automotive refinishing business. I’ve stayed in the industry because I thoroughly enjoy my peer network and the pace at which the industry moves. We are always stretched to do business at the speed of change.
What do you do when not at work?
Outside of work, I’m a hockey mom in the winter, a sailing mom in the summer and play the bassoon in a local concert band here in Toledo.
What one word best sums up your personality?
Tenacious!
Do you have a hidden talent?
I mentioned this earlier, but people are always shocked that I play the bassoon in a local concert band here in Toledo. It’s not an instrument that people are highly familiar with. I spent my summers going to Interlochen (Arts Camp) up in Northern Michigan, and I played in the Michigan All-State Youth Symphony. What has been fun for me, both through music and even while I was working at Opel, is establishing lifetime relationships through some of these unusual opportunities.
Favorite quote/mantra/motto?
My favorite quote would be, “There is always a way,” I just believe that to be true.
