International Women's Day 2022

In celebration of International Women's Day, Helen Wesolowski, Lucy Jones and Veronica Foulkes talk about their enjoyment of working in the automotive refinishing industry, why more women should join the sector and their desire to see more women in key decision-making roles.

Here are their stories…

Helen Wesolowski – Business Development Manager

The refinish sector is such a fast-paced, changing industry, which keeps us on our toes, and I love the buzz of winning a new account. As I've been on the other side of the fence, I can honestly say that working for Carlac is a breath of fresh air within the industry.

The support from all members of the Carlac team is fantastic. The advice that's at the end of the phone or via email is invaluable. (I love the fact that I can phone up Neil and talk hot strip wheel tanks!). I know a lot of bodyshop managers are blown away by my knowledge of the industry, which gives them more confidence in listening to other females, which feels very empowering/uplifting.

I want to see more women within our industry. Yes, we must be able to hold our own in what is such a male-dominated workplace, but job satisfaction makes up for that, in my opinion. I would like to see more women in key decision-making roles, directors, management, operations.

Lucy Jones - Sales Merchandiser

Before joining Carlac three years ago, I worked as a painter for 15 years. I absolutely love working in the refinish industry. It's filled with great characters, and everyone is always happy to help and support each other. When I was in high school, I spoke with the career adviser there, telling them my desire to paint cars, and I remember them telling me that I should stick with the idea of going to university, but I knew deep down this was the path I wanted to follow.

In my role at Carlac, I work across numerous customers sites, and each and every one I visit, I'm greeted with respect, which gives me a confidence boost. The best thing of all is when I step on the shop floor, I see more women with spray guns in their hands and prepping panels! I'm a firm believer that women make fantastic painters. We have a brilliant eye for detail, aren't afraid to get stuck in and have excellent people skills.

It's exciting to see more women enter the industry, and I hope to see this happen higher up in roles like managers and directors - there is still some way to go. 

Veronica Foulkes – Account Manager

I enjoy working at Carlac, we are a close-knit team and always help and support each other. Everyone is treated with respect and fairness which, in my opinion, is very important. Neil is very involved in the day to day running of the business and is accessible to everyone.

I would recommend the industry to anyone male or female. If you are prepared to learn and ask questions then, like any other industry, the opportunities are endless. It's great when you get asked a technical question and can answer from experience, some men are shocked that a woman knows something about the job that they don't.

I believe there will be more women in positions of power in the future. We are great organisers and can be ruthless negotiators. I don't like the word no; I prefer yes when negotiating. I do feel we have to work a little harder to achieve our goals, but attitudes are changing.  I have 35 years of experience in our industry and have seen many changes, mostly for the better.  I would like to mentor and encourage women to join the industry.

Final Thought

The Carlac we see today is a testament to the hard work and dedication of former Managing Director Joan Church. Over two decades, Joan expanded the organisation, leaving behind a long-lasting female legacy in the business.