Jennifer Cothran, Content Manager, BBB Industries LLC

2021 Honoree

Jennifer Cothran

Content Manager
BBB Industries LLC

Jennifer Cothran, content manager for BBB Industries LLC, says she fell into her career in the aftermarket through a temp job. She laughs when she recalls proofing a catalog at one of her first jobs and how little she knew about the aftermarket. “I thought all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive were the same thing,” she said.

Now, however, after 13 years in the industry, six of them with BBB, her enthusiasm for the industry and passion is impossible to miss. In fact, she’s gotten to know the industry so well that she earned both her Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and her Automotive Content Professional (ACP) designations from the University of the Aftermarket in one year. In addition, Cothran has served on the Auto Care Association’s Automotive Content Professionals Network committee for six years, two as co-chair. Like many of this year’s honorees, women in the automotive aftermarket say being recognized for their knowledge and the work they do makes all the difference when it comes to career satisfaction.

Cothran sums up her strategy for career success pretty simply: It’s all about attitude and gratitude. 

“Your attitude is going to take you far,” she said. “And be grateful for those who give support to you. I know without having mentors in my career I would not be anywhere close to where I am now. I would say attitude and gratitude are going to be the biggest things to carry anybody forward – women, men, whomever.”