Transition and Growth: From Family Business to Industry Leadership with Amber Kendrick

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci welcomes Amber Kendrick, the third-generation business owner of Pete's Auto Parts, located in Michigan. Amber shares her journey from working in the family business, initially avoiding it to eventually falling in love with business growth during her tenure at a condominium management company. She discusses key experiences, including a lack of salary recognition early in her career, which shaped her approach as a leader who values timely employee evaluations. She details her strategic moves and internal conflicts while taking over the family business, including navigating family dynamics and leadership challenges. Amber emphasizes the importance of mindful communication, sharing lessons learned from both over-communication and under-communication mistakes. Additionally, she shares her observations on the increasing representation of women in the automotive industry and offers advice for leadership and team building. With insights on the challenges of family business transitions and the significance of cultivating a supportive and entrepreneurial team culture, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for aspiring leaders.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:45 Amber's Background and Business Overview
03:10 Early Career and Leadership Lessons
04:56 Returning to the Family Business
08:20 Challenges in Family Business Succession
16:30 Women in the Automotive Industry
19:19 Building a Strong Team
22:33 Confessions and Lessons Learned
30:14 Conclusion and Future Topics

EPISODE LINKS:

https://petesauto.net/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberelenbaas/

Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.