Sherri Higson Coach Specialists of Texas, Inc.
by Alana Quartuccio
Last month marked the debut of a new Texas Automotive feature devoted to the ladies who make the collision industry in the Lone Star State shine! This month, we caught up with Sherri Higson, director of business development of Coach Specialists of Texas, Inc. who shares her passion for and dedication to this industry.
Texas Automotive: How did you get into this industry? What role do you play?
Sherri Higson: I grew up in Tennessee and went to work for a rental car company right out of college. A promotion brought me to the Dallas area about 20 years ago – driving a U-Haul across Arkansas with my trusty dog riding shotgun, ready for a new adventure! I had several roles, ultimately managing and supporting the insurance, collision and dealership partnerships. I was working with dealerships and body shops daily and really enjoyed the business, the environment and camaraderie! When the pandemic hit, I found myself jobless for the first time since I was 14. It was a very uncertain time, but my industry friends came to the rescue. Before I was even looking for a new opportunity, a friend told me about an amazing company – a non-traditional collision shop whose owner was focused on expanding in the industry. That is where I work now, Coach Specialists of Texas. We also have our commercial division, The Sprinter Center. I’m the director of business development, and I have to say, we do some cool renovations and amazing repairs! Our paint booth is 52’, so we can work on most anything outside the wheelhouse of a traditional repair facility. This includes RVs, party buses, commercial vehicles – you name it! My role is growing the business across all potential platforms. A large percentage of our business comes through referrals from other repair facilities. I am incredibly thankful to still be working with so many acquaintances and friends in the industry.
TXA: What are some of the biggest challenges you/women in the industry face?
SH: Women comprise a very small percentage of the industry, so it requires waking up every day and having the confidence in your knowledge and abilities. (Even the days you might not be feeling it!) It is reminding yourself that there’s no such thing as a ‘man’s industry;’ it’s just an industry that doesn’t have their share of talented women, yet. That’s not to say there aren’t people out there who are going to test you because of your gender. I’ve spent a lot of time educating myself about the business and industry. I walk the shop, talk to the advisors and technicians, ask them to explain repairs and best practices. Having a good grasp of the business and terminology is a necessity for me. I truly believe that after the initial introduction, gender plays a very small role, as long as you project knowledge, confidence and mutual respect. I still get questions that are over my head, times I wish things would have gone differently and the occasional misguided male who just wants to talk to ‘the man in charge.’ Thankfully, there are several amazing ladies in the industry who I can count on to provide an honest opinion and comedic relief when needed!
TXA: What about the industry do you love the most?
SH: This is an easy question! It’s definitely the camaraderie and the friendships. I moved here not knowing anyone in Texas. Co-workers, vendors, customers, accounts, heck even competitors – over the years, these are the people who became my friends and family. We may work for different shops or businesses, but we continue to support each other. Specific to the industry, the level of craftsmanship and skill demonstrated when a mangled wreck is transformed into pre-collision condition still amazes me. You don’t forget the look of joy when a customer sees their beloved RV fixed up as good as new!
TXA: Do you have any interesting hobbies you’d like to share? What is life like outside the body shop world?
SH: I love to fish; it is my favorite hobby by far, and I don’t get to do nearly enough of it! My first job was working the bait counter at a marina, so I know lots of useless facts about minnows, crickets and worms. I’ve fostered over 20 wonderful dogs that all found great homes – and two ornery ones that I adopted. Have you ever heard of a Catahoula Leopard Dog? Neither had I until I accidentally adopted one. I also co-own a family bowling alley in a small town in Colorado, yet I can’t even break 100 (laughs).
TXA: That sounds fun! How did you get into co-owning this family bowling alley?
SH: I have family members in the bowling industry. In 2020, we had an opportunity to buy a small bowling center in Craig, CO. It’s a town of 10,000 about 30 minutes from Steamboat Springs. At the time, I was unemployed and figured if all else failed, there are worse jobs than running the Thunder Rolls bowling alley in a little valley town. Thankfully, the opportunity here at Coach Specialists panned out!
TXA: Lastly, what encouraging words would you give other women interested in entering the world of collision?
SH: Bottom line, the industry needs a diverse workforce. Eighty-five percent of vehicle purchases are influenced by women, but when you come to a typical repair shop, less than 20 percent of the staff is female. Body shops that don’t have accurate representation are doing themselves a disservice. Careers in this industry can provide long term financial stability without the need for a second income. Whether it be a customer facing role or behind the scenes – don’t let your gender dissuade you. If you’re considering an automotive career and you’re just starting out, find a mentor. I don’t know of many females in the industry who would be unwilling to share advice. You might have to work a little bit harder in the beginning to establish yourself, but keep an eye on the big picture. The collision industry needs you!
Want more? Check out the October 2024 issue of Texas Automotive!