Meet-A-Staffer: Amber Andracsek

Name: Amber Andracsek 
Title: Manager, Membership Engagement
Department: Membership
Years at the Association: 4 year (5 this June 2024!)
Email address: amber.andracsek@autocare.org
Favorite apps: TikTok, X, Apple Music, and FanDuel
Words to live by/motto: Carpe diem!

How did you get your start at the Auto Care Association?

I was referred by a friend of mine who was working at Auto Care Association at the time. I’m grateful that she pushed me to apply for the position when I thought I may not be a good fit since I didn’t have any automotive aftermarket industry experience.

What are your work duties at the association? Can you describe a typical day? 

My work duties mostly consist of customer service responsibilities such as responding to emails, answering phone calls, and doing membership consultations. I am responsible for creating and sending out membership renewals along with reporting on our renewal rates internally during staff and team meetings. I am responsible for member engagement and retention along with the recruitment of new prospects.  

In which department do you work? What are the key responsibilities of the department?

I work in the membership department, which is a part of Auto Care’s strategic development team. Our department is responsible for member engagement, retention, and recruitment of new prospects. We are responsible for the scheduling of meetings at the Auto Care member center at AAPEX along with manning the desk for those coming in to ask about benefits.   

Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I started off attending Allegany College of Maryland because I wanted to be a dental hygienist and although I was accepted into Howard University, it was too pricey! I was one of those students who was always changing my major, but I ended up studying Communications at University of Maryland University College (now called UMGC). 

Where else have you worked (what jobs/positions/locations)?

Before joining the Auto Care team, I was working as an optometry receptionist and technician. I went from scheduling and processing payments to verifying insurance, filing insurance claims, and ended up being a technician where I did certain eye tests such as the eye pressure test that shoots air into your eyes, visual field testing which is used to screen for possible glaucoma and fitting and selling glasses.  

Where did you grow up and what are some interesting details about your life before working at the association?

I grew up in PG County, Maryland – I grew up roller skating because my father was the DJ at a local skating rink. I spent almost every weekend and every day in the summertime at the skating rink and LOVED it! We were one big fun family! I have competed in skate shows and competitions at Anacostia skating rink in Washington, DC 

What is your favorite part about working at the association? What are the biggest rewards? 

My favorite part about working at the association is being a part of a team that works hard and plays hard! Not many companies have “fun” as one of their core values and the Auto Care team knows how to have some fun! Also, the work-life balance that Auto Care provides. My second favorite would be working at the member center at AAPEX, where I get to meet the members that I talk to via phone and email face-to-face and make meaningful connections! 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment at the Auto Care Association so far?    

What unique qualities do you feel you bring to the Auto Care Association?

A few unique qualities that I bring to Auto Care are my humility and open-mindedness, I am humble and open to feedback, ideas and perspectives which allow me to collaborate with my colleagues across other departments. Also, my conflict resolution skills, I can navigate conflicts and disagreements constructively and find mutually beneficial solutions which strengthens my relationships with team members and Auto Care members. I do not shy away from having those “tough” conversations that can come up in my job. I am very diligent, I pay careful attention to detail, am persistent in completing my tasks, and have a strong work-ethic which ensures precision and accuracy in my work. Lastly, my interpersonal skills, I can easily connect and interact positively with diverse individuals which fosters effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building. 

What are your long-range professional goals for both you and the Auto Care Association?

My long-range professional goals for myself would be to establish a fulfilling career while maintaining a healthy balance with personal life priorities, such as family, hobbies, and travel and to achieve a certain level of financial stability. Also, to continue to develop my skills to enhance my expertise and credibility in the industry. For Auto Care, I hope to cause industry disruption and social impacts with our tools, resources, and advocacy efforts to drive positive change in the aftermarket industry.   

What do you feel are the biggest rewards of working in the auto care industry? 

The biggest reward is being a part of something that affects everyone in my everyday life even if they don’t realize it. The automotive aftermarket is a down-to-earth, easy-going group in my experience, everyone knows how to take care of business and still be personable. More specifically, being a part of the Auto Care team is even more rewarding because others in the aftermarket really appreciate the work that we do for our industry!

Tell us about your life outside of work (family, hobbies, home, etc.).

Outside of work, I’m a cool mom. I have a daughter, Logan, who is my whole world! She’s a cheerleader (s/o to the cheer moms!) which is fun and exciting. My life lately has been basically about ensuring she is happy, healthy, and having fun! Making her life fun really is my favorite thing to do. We love to take family vacations and road trips to amusement parks and other fun destinations or to see her father’s side of the family in South Carolina. When I am not “mom-ing” I like to go out and try new restaurants with friends, we’re big foodies! I am planning to get back into roller skating soon as well!   

Tell us a few fun facts about you that would surprise people (special skills, awards, accomplishments, etc.).

Fun fact about me, I have 3 sisters and my youngest sister is 18.5 years younger than me! Another fun fact, I was offered to skip a grade in elementary school, but I didn’t want to leave my friends, so I stayed in my grade. Lastly, since I spoke a lot about being a roller-skater, one of my friends that I grew up skating with was in the movie Roll Bounce!