Jill Trotta, 47
Director, Automotive GroupRepairPal.com
Jill Trotta got her start in the automotive industry more than 25 years ago. Over the years Trotta has worked as a mechanic at various shops and co-owned her own repair facility.
Today, Trotta has transitioned to more of a “desk” job within the industry as director of the automotive group at RepairPal.com. As director, Trotta works with a team to review and approve automotive shops and tire dealerships for RepairPal.com certification. This is a role that she loves.
“Success for me these days is that I’m happy about what I’m doing. I don’t feel like I have a job, I feel like I have a purpose and a mission,” she shares.
“I lead my team to work hard to bring trust and transparency to the automotive aftermarket. It’s catching on and shops and organizations are starting to make changes based on our recommendations,” Trotta says. “It’s an important message and an important movement.”
Despite the change in her career, Trotta has always maintained her mechanical certifications, something she says is extremely helpful in her job at RepairPal.
“I know how car repair works and how to explain it. In my current position, being able to relate to shop owners at that level is really important,” she says.
Trotta cites having positive female mentors was extremely important to her development throughout her career. Trotta is also an advocate for women in the automotive industry. Currently, she sits on the Auto Care Association’s Women’s Board recruitment committee and mentors other organization members.
“I think the driving force in the industry is the people in the industry,” she says. “Cars are cars. It’s the people that make up the industry and the sincerity of those people that makes me love this industry.”
