Vice President of Merchandising & Marketing
XL Parts/The Parts House
Esperanze Izquierdo says it was her entrepreneurial spirit that got her noticed in the automotive aftermarket 18 and a half years ago. She started with AutoZone in Chihuahua, Mexico, working at a call center, managing outbound calls. “I really never got intimidated about the auto parts side of it,” she said. “They were looking for people-management skills and my entrepreneurship, so it was never about parts. It was just so easy. And once there, obviously, I wanted more.”
“So, what’s next? I got involved with cataloging products part-time and really got into the auto parts side just by learning,” she said. “It was so natural. And when I wanted more, there was nothing in Chihuahua, so I applied for a position in Memphis and that’s how I got into the fully auto parts side of it. I was with AutoZone 13 years and then moved to XL Parts.”
When it comes to growing a successful career, Izquierdo says regardless of the industry, just raise your hand and get out there. “Get ready for the position you want,” she says. “If that’s not where you are, then learn about it and look for it. And if that’s not open, open it. Ask for it.”