First automotive job: Executive Assistant to the owner of a dealership in Miami

Proudest achievement: "Surviving as a woman in the business world since 1984 and growing Elder Automotive Group from one dealership to the several dealerships that I now own."

On being successful: "Success is an ever-evolving state of mind and is measured in a multitude of ways. Success to me is being able to survive doing what I love to do every day of my life, work with my children, side-by-side in the same business with the same goals. I don't measure success in dollars and cents but in terms of strong family and business relationships and true, lasting friendships forged along the way."

On being a woman in the industry: "I am not alone. There are thousands upon thousands of women in this challenging and exciting industry, from designers and engineers to fabricators, to saleswomen and all of the other categories that bring our wonderful products to market. I am not unique to this business. I am part of the total picture."