Member spotlight: Tara Topel, Topel’s Service Center, Inc.
Role and Impact
What inspired you to kick off your DEI learning journey? The answer is more who than what! Tammy Tecklenburg encouraged me to dive deeper into the world of DEI when I was honored with the “Female Shop Owner of the Year” Award for Auto Care Association’s Women in Auto Care in 2021.
What inspired Topel’s to embrace DEI in your daily operations?
I was inspired by the encouragement from our daughter, Mallory, and her patience and understanding as I asked vulnerable questions and sought more information about bias and privilege. I also learned from a play called Perseverance at Portland Stage in Maine about the deeper meaning of community. I realized I had a larger community to represent and encourage across the broader Aftermarket.
Strategy and Vision
We believe that diversity is an output of an inclusive culture. Can you briefly describe your primary strategy for fostering inclusion in the workplace?
Inclusion in our independent repair shop means creating a place that values individual strengths and personal needs. We recognize that each person requires different platforms to learn and grow. By understanding and discussing these areas, we foster an environment where everyone can realize their potential and contribute to our organization as a whole.
Diversity of Thought
How do you encourage and promote “diversity of thought” within your organization?
We encourage diversity of thought by creating opportunities for fun, idea-sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. We hold regular meetings and frequently ask for input from all levels of the organization—service advisors, technicians, and apprentices—to gain a comprehensive view of the shop and its offerings.
Challenges and Successes
What has been your biggest challenge in promoting an inclusive culture, and how did you overcome it?
Living in a small town in Wisconsin that lacks diversity and open-mindedness can be a real challenge. Additionally, the auto industry often sticks to “like-mindedness” and “tunnel vision,” which restricts our ability to reach a broader range of motorists and potential team members. While being a female helps, it’s crucial to keep an open mind to other under-represented communities to overcome these challenges.
Measurable Outcomes
Can you share a success story where your initiatives had a tangible impact on the organization’s culture?
We have several examples of team members who have shared their individual needs, allowing us to provide an environment where they can be their authentic selves. This creates a safe space for them to develop and grow their skills and enables them to offer valuable input and feedback for a better client experience.
Future Goals
What key changes do you hope to see or implement in 2024?
In 2024, we aim to continue developing our organization by recognizing where we fall short in attracting diverse talent. We want to embrace individuals for who they are, not just what they are. We will keep breaking down barriers that prevent us from accepting people for their strengths and contributions to our organization, clients, and community.
Advice for Others
What advice would you give to other shop owners striving to cultivate a more inclusive and diverse culture?
My advice is to recognize your biases and understand the barriers you build that hold you back from creating a successful organization. Reflect on the power and privilege you possess and how it might close your mind to giving others opportunities to develop and grow your business, client base, and most importantly, the true potential of the individuals that make up your team? I believe the magic lies within discovering the answers to those questions and giving people a chance to show the difference that diversity, equity and inclusion can bring to redefining success in a repair shop environment.
How can this be used to attract and retain talent or customers?
By cultivating a culture of inclusion, we can attract talent that helps customers feel more comfortable with our shop. Customers develop trust and loyal relationships with a team that values relationships and inclusivity, leading to a better overall experience.
dott. Roundtable Engagement
What impact has dott.’s roundtable community had on your DEI journey?
The roundtables with dott. have been instrumental in my DEI journey. They offer insights into what larger organizations across all channels are doing, helping me continuously improve our business model and stay updated on industry developments. Hearing from other professionals expands my knowledge and solidifies my leadership in the aftermarket.
About Topel’s Service Center
Topel’s Service Center is a second generation owned, state of the art independent automotive repair and service shop located in Lake Mills, WI. We live by the motto: "Service is the Difference." Our focus is on meeting the evolving needs of our valued customers. Our skilled technicians use state-of-the-art tools and equipment to handle today's complex vehicle systems, covering everything from brakes and batteries to filters, fluids, routine maintenance, and comprehensive repairs. Our goal is to deliver quality auto repair service for you and your vehicle, while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for our team members and customers.