2021 Automotive News Canada All-Stars

Dealerships should no longer be “a boy’s club,” says Laura Zanchin, and she’s taking steps to bring about change.

The 54-year-old principal and executive vice-president of Zanchin Automotive Group has taken to social media as well as the airwaves to encourage women to work at dealerships, especially in skilled trades. She also speaks with students, teachers, guidance counsellors and vice-principals about the benefits of a career as a technician.

“Any time I’m out, I’m trying to encourage people to get into the business,” says Zanchin.

The group has 34 dealerships, located primarily in the Greater Toronto Area.

The industry is facing a chronic shortage of qualified workers, and tapping into the female labour pool “helps the bottom line,” said Zanchin.