Community is important across every industry, and the aftermarket is no exception. Through platforms that allow different segments of the industry to connect, ideas for how to improve the aftermarket as a whole have the opportunity to flourish.

This is precisely what drives Mary Ieng, manager of community engagement at the Auto Care Association. Bringing Auto Care Association members and volunteers together and enabling everyone's voice to be heard is the core of her role, and her ultimate motivation is providing members with the resources they need to make a positive impact.

She shares what it was about the aftermarket that specifically appealed to her as a career path, and what work she does with Auto Care Association that helps members have a place to connect, discuss, and learn.

A Role With Impact

Though Ieng's current role with Auto Care Association was her introduction to the aftermarket, she brought over eight years of association management, working across local, national, and global levels. Her work largely focused on membership retention, engagement, and working with volunteers—something she's deeply passionate about.

"I really enjoy bringing people together and providing lasting impact. Because the goal is always to inspire others so that they can drive impact to help communities evolve," says Ieng.

When Ieng was searching for a new career opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was important for her next role to not only involve community engagement, but also have the option to be remote. She found all of this at Auto Care Association when the organization began searching for new community managers. Though she didn't have direct experience with automotive work, Ieng brought something equally as important to the table: the ability to foster community. Seeing how vital that piece is for the aftermarket, she knew there was a place for her here.

"Because of what I do in regard to my previous roles, I'm all about connecting people; and what better way to connect with others than to be part of an industry that fosters a lot of community involvement?" says Ieng.

While fast-paced environments are nothing new for Ieng, the aftermarket was nonetheless on another level compared to other industries she's worked with. In addition to constantly evolving vehicle technologies, there's no shortage of news when it comes to new platforms, branding, and company acquisitions.

It's something that excites Ieng, who views it as a sign of a thriving industry she's actively having an impact on.

"It's always evolving; it's definitely never a dull moment here. And I've learned to really embrace all these different changes, because that means we're moving forward as an industry, and we're keeping up with the new things that are coming out. So it's really great to be part of all that," says Ieng.

Part of that innovation means a constant cycle of new council members within Auto Care Association, each with different perspectives, experiences, and work styles. Every new term is an opportunity to learn current issues and work with different personalities, and Ieng has learned how to adapt her communication style to best serve whoever she may be working with.

"Sometimes someone may need additional reference points, or some are just hands-off," explains Ieng. "I think being aware of that is something I'm constantly trying to learn: to be able to collaborate with them, depending on what's needed at the time. It definitely keeps you on your feet, because something that was helpful for a previous member may not meet the same need for the next member."

Part of Ieng's growth has also been fostered by mentors throughout the years, something she credits with having a tremendous positive impact on her. She has never sought out mentorship, but has found it simply through working in different departments and levels, especially since entering the aftermarket. The most impactful mentors saw potential in her, lent a hand, and helped her build confidence in new roles.

"Sometimes it's just having conversations where you realize: you don't know what you don't know until you're already doing it. 

"And then when you are doing it, you're still figuring it all out at the same time. But when there's someone there who's already gone that path and sees the potential in you, and they're able to help guide you through it all, it's definitely warming to see. And I have such deep respect for each of those individuals that helped me along the way," says Ieng.

Helping Build a Culture

Just as she received support from others, Ieng holds a deep respect for the association's members she now works with, many of them dedicated volunteers. She views her role as helping enable those volunteers to improve the industry, providing them with the tools they need to do so. It's crucial that all members are supported and heard, so they can continue to have a positive impact.

"The goal is always about amplifying that relationship so that they, in turn, are able to provide a lasting impact back to the Association," says Ieng. "We want to inspire others—and by providing that support, in my role we get the front seats to that. We're able to really see things come together, as a result of all the engagement to bring all these great minds together. It's so rewarding to be in that role as the community engagement manager."

That fulfillment is the natural result of the hard work community engagement managers like Ieng do: taking the time to understand individuals from across the entire industry, and providing a space to have conversations about what's affecting them.

Ieng's success comes from a genuine curiosity about the culture of the industry, and building connections at every level and in various sectors. No matter the role, there's an opportunity to learn more about the aftermarket—and she reminds those entering the industry that this alone can open up so many doors.

"Everyone's all about building their credibility, but you can't really improve your credibility in the industry unless you genuinely want to understand the culture, and are able to build connections at every level and in various sectors," says Ieng. "So definitely look beyond what's in front of you—look up sometimes. Because sometimes, you might get noticed without even realizing. I definitely hope younger folks continue to keep that in mind."