Ladies in Collision: Amber Garth, Complete Collision Solutions

by Alana Quartuccio

Texas Automotive continues its commitment to highlight the amazing ladies who make the collision repair industry shine so brightly – especially here in the Lone Star State – continuously proving it’s not just a man’s world after all. This month, we feature Amber Garth of Complete Collision Solutions, who shares her story about why she loves her chosen collision career. 

Texas Automotive: What got you into this industry, and what role do you play? 

Amber Garth: How I got here is kind of a winding tale. I am in business development and have been in the sales business development realm for close to three decades. I started my career in the technology field. I decided to make a little career change and got into transportation and logistics. Then, I went on to start and own my own brokerage company. I realized I liked the five-day work week, so I sold my company and got back into technology. It’s been my thing to always try to reinvent myself, hone my craft and just be a better employee and grow professionally, so I decided to change myself again. The man I was dating, who is now my husband, had been in the collision industry for years and thought I should give it a try.

So I went to work for a collision company as a service writer. It was a total change of pace, change of customer, change of everything for me, but it was enjoyable, and I got to meet some amazing people. A year and a half ago, I moved to Complete Collision Solutions to head up their business development department and grow their market share.

TXA: So, can you tell me a little bit about what that company does and what you do? 

AG: We’re a mobile diagnostic ADAS, calibration and programming company. We have several ASE and I-CAR certified technicians who go to our customers’ facilities and perform the pre- and post-repair scans, as well as any programming or calibrations needed to ensure the vehicle is in top shape. 

It’s my job to visit collision centers and make sure the market knows we are a resource for them. My goal is to build strong partnerships and business relationships with companies in the DFW and Houston markets.  

TXA: What do you think are some of the biggest challenges women face in this industry? 

AG: I’d say it’s initial credibility. When a woman walks in a shop, especially if she looks a little more feminine, some people tend to question her credibility asking if she will know what she’s talking about. I have the advantage of being a little bit more experienced since I have been in several different sales arenas, so I think it’s important for women to know they should just be authentic and be themselves. You don’t need to wear a short skirt to get noticed but also don’t dilute your femininity to gain acceptance. The successful women I’ve met in this industry in all areas, including body techs, painters and parts departments, have learned their craft well and gained their knowledge. That is what earns you credibility in what is initially perceived as a male-dominated industry. 

TXA: What do you love most about this industry? 

AG: I love a challenge! So to professionally reinvent myself was definitely a challenge. My husband definitely sold it to me by telling me about the people in this industry, and I can tell you I have not been disappointed. The people are just real and so down-to-earth. It doesn’t matter if it’s a competitor or not; everyone’s really interested and willing to help, mentor, answer questions and be supportive. Another thing about the industry as a whole, is that no matter what side you are on – technology, collision, insurance or the rental car side – everyone is so charitable.They want to give back to the community and support those in their own backyard. There’s no competition among the women I’ve met. You can be competitors professionally, but there is so much cooperation and support. As a newcomer to the industry, I had to reach out a lot of times and say, “I don’t know what I don’t know so if you see me going off a cliff, please help me out.” 

TXA: What’s life like outside of collision repair?

AG: Those who only know me professionally are probably going to be shocked by this, but I have an entire room in my home that’s just for crafts, and it’s very girly. That’s what I love! I love to knit, crochet, do paper crafts and paint. I’m also a voracious reader. I just kind of tear through books and titles. It gives that other side of my brain something to do; since I use one side at work all the time, it really frees up the other side when I’m able to be creative in my downtime.

TXA: What encouraging words would you give to other women who might be interested in entering the collision field? 

AG: Don’t be dissuaded because you’re a female. Before I started in the industry, if a light came on on my dashboard, I thought I needed to buy a new car. That’s how much I knew about vehicles. So if you’re interested, just jump in, get a mentor and work hard. Initially, you may have to work harder than your male counterparts, but you can do it. And the rewards are so worth it. Even if you hit a couple of roadblocks, just keep pushing through.

TXA: Is there anything else about this particular industry that you work in that you know that you wouldn’t have gotten from another type of career path?

AG: The people are very different, in a good way. Also, this industry is ever-changing. 

From month to month, quarter to quarter, the technology within the vehicles and the industry itself is just growing and changing so rapidly. I have the benefit of going in and out of many different collision repair facilities from mom-and-pop shops to larger ones that have been around for thirty years. Some of these facilities are so shiny and clean that you almost can’t believe it’s a place that repairs vehicles, and as a female, you don’t feel intimidated by going in and to drop off or pick up your car. A car accident is a very emotional time in one’s life, and the way the employees at the companies I work with are able to put their customers at ease and fulfill the job is amazing. That also goes for my technicians who make sure the vehicle is safe. We may take the warning beeps and cameras in our cars for granted, and it’s the technicians who have to make sure they are working in order to keep us safe. There’s so much involved in this industry that I would have never guessed in my past professional life.

Want more? Check out the December 2024 issue of Texas Automotive!