Kerry Pryor
Senior Marketing Manager
TechNet Professional Advance Auto Parts
What is the proudest accomplishment of your career, thus far?
I am truly proud of the work we do every Fall to support the Brakes for Breasts organization, which was started by two independent shop owners in 2011. We are going into our fourth-annual campaign this year and to date, participating TechNet shops have raised more than $60,000 for the Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund at the Cleveland Clinic. We have built out a unique campaign with our TechNet members, where we empower the motorist to give back. Last year, the campaign reached more than 140 million impressions across digital channels. We love turning #TechNetNation PINK every September-October!
If you came to the industry through a family-owned business, how much did that experience influence your career decisions?
I am the daughter of an automotive restoration shop owner and grew up playing in the back of Model A trucks and flipping through Chilton manuals tracing pictures of wiring diagrams. Everything I do in my career is to support the independent shop owner. Our TechNet members and independent shops are doing it all: from staying competitive in a tough market, to understanding emerging technologies, as well as putting food on the table and making it to their kids’ games on the weekends.
How do you build up your confidence to prepare for challenging professional situations?
I have been fortunate in my career to have great leaders and mentors who believe in me and are confident in my abilities. I am a strong advocate of plan your work, work your plan and practice, practice, practice!
What do you believe are some of the most important skillsets to excel in a career in the aftermarket today?
It is so crucial to be a people-first, customer-centric leader. When you lead with empathy and put your team and your customer first, there is no way you can fail.