Education: B.S., education, Ohio State University; M.A., education, University of Michigan; M.S., administration, Pace University

What your college professors didn't teach you: "Timing. Everything takes a lot longer than the business plan on paper."

First automotive job: Finance and insurance manager/insurance agent for Maguire Automotive Group in 1980

Most fun automotive job: "When I had ownership and equity in a dealership. The biggest thrill is having a real piece of the pie - not a title or a job."

Biggest mistake and what you learned: "Forecasting for a new dealership how long it would take to have a healthy bottom line. It always takes longer.

"I learned that failure is a success as long as you learn from it."

Proudest achievement: "Buying my own Nissan dealership from scratch and owning the whole thing."

Current challenge: "Taking the dealership I bought and making it successful. It's harder because it is in a smaller market."

On being successful: "Success is no exclusive club - you just have to want it. Don't waste time working hard, but work smart."

What about the auto industry surprised you: "As unique as the industry is, it requires the same skill set as other businesses. Business is business."

What women need to know for success in the auto industry: "The number one thing I would say to women who want to be dealers is do not wait for a program or initiative (from the factory). They need to knock on the door and buy a deal. Our industry is shrinking. Manufacturers aren't necessarily assigning new points."

Job to which you aspire: "I would like to buy a profitable dealership in a major market representing a major manufacturer."

What you do to relax: "Golf, ski, laugh with my friends."