Cindy Ford - aftermarketNews

2022 Honoree

Cindy Ford

Territory Sales Manager
Standard Motor Products

How did you begin your career in the automotive aftermarket?

I began my career in the automotive aftermarket at the age of 18. As a teenager, my father taught me the basics of car maintenance – do it yourself style! My older brother was a service manager for a large chain of parts stores/service centers. I found his job to be interesting. He helped me get an entry-level job with his company and I have been in the aftermarket ever since.

How do you build up your confidence to prepare for challenging professional situations?

Confidence plays a huge role for a female in the industry. When I started, there were very few females in the industry, and it could be intimidating. I overcame the intimidation through self-education and thus my confidence grew. Today, I often collaborate with my peers when faced with challenging situations.

What is the proudest accomplishment of your career?

By far, the proudest accomplishment of my career has been earning “Inner Circle” status within the sales force at Standard Motor Products.

What do you believe are some of the most important skillsets to excel in a career in the aftermarket today?

Simply put, knowledge and communication skills.