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Why did you want to work in the auto industry? The industry offered the best opportunity to use my degrees [industrial engineering and MBA] and make a good income.

First automotive job: Industrial engineer at Chrysler's McGraw Glass Plant in 1986.

Proudest professional achievement: The past two years of keeping the team intact and avoiding problems at IAC as a result of the turbulence in the parts supply industry.

Current challenge at work: Adjusting to the [stresses] that the past two years have put on the industry and our 1,000 production parts suppliers.

On working in the plants: In the '80s, I was a young industrial engineer on the plant floors. You can't find a better place to develop a thick skin.

What you do to relax: I run a lot. I ran a marathon in May.

— David Barkholz