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The women of Mercury Racing discuss their history and experience in the profession while working in a male-dominated industry. From challenges they face to motivations that drive them, these women cover the entirety of why they love doing what they do. As TNT works closely with Mercury Racing, we are aware of how wonderful of a company they are, and that it takes employees like these women to make it so great. Keep reading to learn more about the women working at Mercury Racing.
The focus is on growing talent. Who has the best experience? Who has the right skills?—Becky Pausha, Mercury Racing production manager.
From veteran sales manager Lisa Scola, who has worked at Mercury Racing for 15 years, to Becky Allen, a bill of material/document control specialist, who has been with the company’s engineering department for six months, the group tackles diverse responsibilities. In addition to Jansen, Scola, and Allen, there is marketing project manager Yvonne Nicklaus, production manager Becky Pausha, Mercury 450R production line technicians Melissa Wachholz and Annah Kallman, and warehouse specialist Hannah Batterman.
Together, they have 31 years of combined experience at Mercury Racing and 70-plus years working under the Mercury Marine umbrella. Here’s what they had to say.
Describe the most important aspect of your role at Mercury Racing,
Andrea Jansen – The most important part of my role is to be a team player and lift up others so that we can be successful collectively. I am here to learn, be supportive, and contribute to a strong sense of team. Equally as important, however, is to offer a different perspective and challenge this organization to grow in ways that perhaps it did not think that it could. I love working with such a diverse group of people who are so open to new ideas and challenges.
Yvonne Nicklaus – Engagement and brand awareness. Making sure people know who we are, what we sell and what it means to be a part of the Racing family. Another important aspect of my job is engagement. How to keep our customers engaged from the moment they visit our website to after they become an owner.
Lisa Scola – Most important is working with dealers and OEM and making sure they get the correct product. If something doesn’t seem right, I call to make sure they order the correct part. Putting the customer first. Always.
Becky Allen – Keeping the bill of materials straight and keeping the engineers in line with their documentation. They must follow specific processes, so it’s my job to make sure it’s all correct and we pass ISO certification.
Does being female bring any different/unique challenges to your role?
Jansen – Being female puts you at a disadvantage only if you allow it to do so. In this industry you need to have a good dose of inner strength and outward tenacity. I believe if you wake up each day and do your absolute best job—really give it your all, and act with integrity, you can feel confident that you have contributed to the success of the business.
Nicklaus – I believe there are always challenges with being a woman, especially in a mostly male-dominated field. I have learned to always speak up and voice my opinion no matter what because we (women) do have valuable feedback and can give a different perspective.
Scola – There are always challenges being a female. It’s funny to hear. I used to get frustrated but now I’ve learned to brush it off.
Becky Pausha – I have grown over the years, working with different personalities it may take time to get them used to working with me as a leader. I have had to prove that I do have the knowledge to do my job.
Melissa Wachholz – I think you are viewed differently as a woman in manufacturing. But since I have been on the 450 line, the guys have gotten to know me and my ability. They know I come here to do the best job I can and I think there is mutual respect.
Annah Kallman – For the five years I have been here, I’ve had to prove my abilities 100 times harder than any guy who’s walked through the door.
Hannah Batterman – I think you have to have a thick skin and be strong—physically and mentally.
Allen – I grew up the only girl with three brothers. So I am quite comfortable working with mostly men—I am used to it (laughs). I grew up in Southern California, so I was raised to think I can do anything I wanted, but moving to the Midwest it’s not quite like that. There were some who might have been skeptical of my knowledge and skills.
Click here to read the complete and original article from Speed on the Water
Complete and original article published on speedonthewater.com
