Shifting gears and our conversations about cars
Women in Business
IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Women are not only a slim majority of licensed drivers these days, they are also the wide majority of influential decision-makers when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. So it only makes sense that the historically male-dominated auto industry is keenly interested in providing a more woman-friendly purchasing experience. How is that going? It’s clear that change is afoot and the rewards are both personal and good for business.
For women interested in the auto industry, Debbie Pantaleo’s advice is simple: be confident, ask questions, and don’t be intimidated — your perspective matters.
MICHELLE GENTILE
Neighbourhood Auto Plus
For Michelle Gentile, the heart of Neighbourhood Auto Plus is the relationships she builds with customers. As co-owner, bookkeeper, and service writer, she believes trust and clear communication are just as important as quality repairs. Owning an auto shop wasn’t part of Michelle’s original plan, but the opportunity allowed her to realize a long-held dream of running a family business alongside her husband and sons. After four years, that shared vision continues to be her greatest pride.
Michelle encourages women to feel confident entering the automotive industry, noting that you don’t need to know everything to succeed. Knowing your team’s strengths and working collaboratively matters most. Her message to women is simple and empowering: learning the automotive world is no different than learning any other career, and women absolutely belong in it.
DEBBIE PANTALEO
Acura West
Debbie Pantaleo is the Business Manager at Acura West, a role she has proudly held for just over 12 years. Her path into the automotive industry began unexpectedly during a routine oil change, when General Manager Paul Jennery invited her to join the dealership as it prepared to move into its new building. After 23 years with HBC, Debbie was ready for a fresh challenge and was drawn to the Acura brand and the opportunity to start a new chapter. What she has grown to love most about her work is the people — building genuine relationships with customers while working alongside a supportive, team-driven group that feels like family.
For women interested in the auto industry, Debbie’s advice is simple: be confident, ask questions, and don’t be intimidated — your perspective matters. To women already in the industry, she offers encouragement to keep pushing boundaries, support one another, and take pride in shaping a space where women continue to thrive and lead.
