Who am i?

Hi! mY name is Audra Fordin. Think like Marisa Tomei in “My Cousin Vinny,” but even better.

5y ago
3K

I’m one of those girls who spent most of my adolescent years hanging out with my dad at our family auto shop. I have to admit it was a good thrill to watch his friends got a kick out of seeing me give professional male mechanics a run for their money.

Have you seen "My Cousin Vinny?" If not, open this link in a new tab (you won't regret it!): https://youtu.be/3nGQLQF1b6I

Have you seen "My Cousin Vinny?" If not, open this link in a new tab (you won't regret it!): https://youtu.be/3nGQLQF1b6I

I assure you if it broke, I was going to figure out how to fix it. My first car was a 1970 Dodge Aspen. Back in the days of the carburetor, auto repair was simple. And then came the “Check Engine” light…

Putting black tape over the check engine light is not an effective problem solving technique. I promise!

Putting black tape over the check engine light is not an effective problem solving technique. I promise!

I witnessed the carburetor get phased out and replaced with a computer. Talk about an innovation, huh? Manufacturers didn’t give small independent repair shops a heads-up before this happened. We were blindsided. I remember my dad telling drivers: “Eh, just put a piece of black tape over it.”

That was not okay for me. I went to automotive trade school and got my automotive degree from ATTP. Afterwards, I could accurately diagnosis and repair any issue related to the check engine light. That's when I learned a key lesson. To succeed in the automotive industry, you've gotta stay on top of technology and take care of the drivers. It's a two way street and I take my job seriously.

Today's mechanics are like doctors for cars. This is complicated business! We're also not much different from IT professionals, because car engines, accessories, and systems are controlled by a computer. Some of them are more impressive than a Penn and Teller magic trick. Crazy! We earn and deserve rightful respect as professionals.

In today's magic show, we will amaze you with a car that can drive itself with zero input from the driver... wow!

In today's magic show, we will amaze you with a car that can drive itself with zero input from the driver... wow!

My life mission is to restore the reputation of the auto industry. Too many people think auto mechanics are dirty and uneducated “grease monkeys” who don't give a damn about anything but making a buck. As in any business, there are some rotten apples in the bunch, but I believe most mechanics have a driver's best interest at heart.

Technology does not segregate. It is moving at warp speed and has more surprises in store. Heck, cars that drive themselves are about to appear on the market. Those who embrace new technology will come out ahead. Those who resist will fall behind. Which group do you want to be in? I vote for the first one!

If you're one of those people who was left in the dust, back in the day… I want to say hello and welcome to our tribe. We're not just women. We’re conscious drivers, car fans, and auto professionals who are excited for the future of automotive.

Don't forget to say "hi" and follow my tribe before you leave! I'm excited to make new friends at DriveTribe. :)

Don't forget to say "hi" and follow my tribe before you leave! I'm excited to make new friends at DriveTribe. :)

So, I'm curious... who are you? Are you an auto professional who aims to build a positive reputation? Are you a car enthusiast who loves to learn new things? Are you a driver who wants to protect your investment? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading and see you soon!

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Comments (2)

  • That's great! I remember my dad using a sticky note to hide the pesky check engine light. It took me 40 years and falling in love with motorcycles to understand that a vehicle was more than an object to get me from point a to b; she was made of parts, she needed love and attention, and she ran awfully well for the amount I'd been neglecting her. I started working on motorcycles at my husbands side, inept with a drill, not knowing the difference between a socket and a ratchet or that one tool could be associated with both. I stripped bolts, lost pieces, and caused my poor husband (not married yet at that time, it's a wonder he kept me around!) more work than every original project, but with patience and stubbornness, I learned. I still mostly work on bikes, and consult with the hubby when needed, but have moved on to helping with the cars as well. Thanks for starting this tribe!

      5 years ago
  • I'm all the above. You are spot on with your assessment. Many of my car friends are gear heads in their spare time from IT jobs.

      5 years ago
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