2021 Women in Business

Q: What kind of services do you offer to the community through your business? A: Xpertech Auto Repair is a general automotive repair facility that focuses on both Asian and Domestic passenger vehicles and light trucks. Q: How many years have you been with the business? A: I began my career in the automotive field in late 2003 when my husband and I decided to purchase our own shop and relocate from Florida's Atlantic Coast to the beautiful Gulf Coast. I spent much of my time in the background, managing the payroll, accounts payable and paperwork involved with the operations of the business as well as being a part time stay at home mom to my two daughters, who are now 19 and 16. In 2009, after divorcing, I purchased the shop from my former husband and began to run it as my own. Shortly afterward, I became a Napa Auto Care center and utilized their extensive benefit and training network to learn and grow in the industry. Looking back, I believe this was one of the most pivotal business decisions I have made to date. The immediate benefits of the program were obviously the earn backs, supplier discounts, expedited delivery and nationwide warranty. The bonus benefits have been game changers over the years and have taught me step by step how to become a better manager, leader and steward in my community. Q: What has been the most inspiring part of your career? A: The partnership with NAPA has blessed me with the ability to give back over the years by supporting our local elementary and high schools, holding food drives for a local food bank, sponsoring fundraiser events for local charity groups like Dollars for Mammograms, The Wobbly Feet Foundation, The New Paradigm of Catholic Charities, planning board member of the 2018 Englewood Beach Waterfest Family Conservation Center. I was a graduate of the 2019 Leadership Englewood class that planned an event that raised over $25,000 for three local charities, am the current President- Elect of the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, was an invited speaker at Auto Care Association's Spring Leadership Days, was featured in Tire Business Owner of Xpertech Auto Repair 101 N. McCall Rd., Englewood, Florida 34223 | 941-474-3793 Find us on Facebook Website: XpertechAutoRepair.com Q & A Kathleen Callahan has certainly made her mark in the automotive industry with her grit and determination, her many community charitable contributions and through her fun and vivacious personality. She shared how her vision 18 years ago has grown to become Xpertech Auto Repair -- the prominent area business that it is today. Through perseverance and training, she's grown to be able to serve the community in many ways including being a mentor for women who have interest in entering the predominantly male automotive industry. Kathleen CALLAHAN 'Giving back' an important tool in her business Women In Business September 2021 46

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