Randi-Marie Adams

OK Tire paving the way for gender diversity

Mar 17, 2022 | 5:01 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – OK Tire is celebrating International Women’s Day a little differently, they have dubbed March as International Women’s Month and they are showcasing all the women who own, operate, and work at their shops across Canada, including its Prince George location.

OK Tire Prince George Co-Owner Trisha Andrews has been with the company for 20 years.

” I sort of fell into the job, it wasn’t really what I was going to school to do. But, my husband’s family were the previous owners,” said Andrews ” And then, I just kind of fell in love with what I was doing. So, I decided that this is what was going to be my path after all.”

OK Tire is seeing women fill a variety of different auto service roles at many of its more than 325 locations across the country. From office administrators to dealer owners and service technicians to boom truck operators, OK Tire is proud to see a greater representation of women in the auto service industry and inspire the next generation.

” Of course when I started we found that a pretty severe lack [sic] of gender diversity. But, every year it’s getting better and better.”

Regardless of your skill level or previous work experience, the company has made room for growth and opportunity for women looking to further their careers in the tire and auto service business.

” It is a good company to work for, is well known,’ explains Janet Brown, Customer Service Representative for OK Tire. “You know, giving the women a chance to prove themselves. They are pretty good that way.”

Andrews says, when they hire, they go with the best candidate and not the gender. She also says, in her experience having a woman behind the counter has left people feeling less intimidated when they come in.

” Many women coming into a tire and automotive shop often feel less intimidated by the process when they are able to deal with a female salesperson. They may feel less like they may be taken advantage of, which has been a societal bias in the auto repair industry,” explains Andrews “It’s really satisfying to help them feel more at ease and assured that I am providing them with the best options for their vehicle’s needs, which of course, creates a more positive customer experience.”