Manager
Auto Value
Throp, Wisconsin
As a woman in the automotive aftermarket, Amanda Balk has faced her fair share of skepticism from men in the industry. So Balk, the 2022 Counter Professional of the Year, is well-qualified to offer some advice to other women pursuing a career in the aftermarket.
“The biggest thing is don’t be scared,” Balk says. “Put both feet into it and just jump in. Men might be kind of hesitant [to accept a woman in a male-dominated industry] at first, but eventually they get accustomed to it, and they realize that we’re a lot smarter than they think.”
Balk, a former technician, has thrived as a counter pro and store manager since joining the Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH) family in 2010, and APH has recognized Balk with several awards.
John R. Washbish, CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, calls Balk “a shining star.”
“She represents the Auto Value brand, but is a spokesperson for the manufacturing channel partners with her on-the-street expertise and representation of women in the automotive aftermarket,” Washbish says.