CBC: Jessica, tell us about yourself; who are you?
Jessica: I’m Jessica Griffin, and I’m the Marketing Director for Lee Motor Group. I’m a proud mother of two amazing kids, Paxton (16) and Ella (14), and raising them in the same town I grew up in – Wilson, NC. Personally, I’d say I am a true extroverted introvert – I love being around people and equally love being at home away from the noise of the world.
CBC: How did you get into the Automotive Industry?
Jessica: I’m very new to the industry, just shy of hitting my one-year anniversary. Never in a million years did I see myself outside of what I knew, but John Lee of Lee Motor Group called me in early 2023 and asked if I’d be interested in talking to him about overseeing the marketing of his company. I worked with John several years ago on a couple of projects and hit it off, so he knew me and my work ethic in that respect. Needless to say, I accepted his offer and made the career change in January of this year, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
CBC: What's the greatest career lesson you've learned that you wish someone had prepped you for?
Jessica: Change is constant and complacency never moves the needle. Just because it’s always been done doesn’t mean it’s right or that we shouldn’t find better solutions, even if it’s uncomfortable.
CBC: What piece of advice would you give to someone entering the Automotive Industry?
Jessica: Get uncomfortable and be adaptable. No two months are the same, and things change so quickly. You have to learn how to adjust accordingly in order to see growth. Stay in the know with what the latest trends are and know how to react that will work well in your market and with your brand.
CBC: What keeps you going in this industry of so many ups & downs? What keeps you passionate about it?
Jessica: The people, hands down. We have the opportunity to meet so many people every single day, and we also get to work with the go-getters of the world. Everyone I work with is so different but so similar. We all are passionate about our roles in the industry and do whatever it takes to make our jobs better and to get the job done well. With that comes many challenges and opportunities, which to me, is so exciting.
CBC: If you weren’t in the car business, what would it be? What has stopped you from making the change?
Jessica: Let me start by saying I love people. I love meeting new people, getting to know them, and finding something that connects us. I want people to feel seen and heard. All that to say – when I was a kid and someone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d immediately respond that I want to help people. So naturally, I got my undergrad in psychology with plans to eventually earn a graduate degree and go into counseling. But life happened (in a good way), and I had children and just got really busy. I spent the better part of my career in education – from running a local Sylvan Learning Center, to working in communications and events for a school district, to landing a senior leadership role in higher ed overseeing the marketing/public relations and the Foundation for the college. And now I’m in automotive overseeing marketing for our group. If I had to do it all over again, I would want to counsel youth…or maybe be a nurse.
CBC: What’s your least favorite part of the Automotive Industry?
Jessica: The stigma and trying to break it. Not until I came into this industry did I fully grasp how easily the automotive industry is misunderstood. We’re all people with regular lives and families who contribute to our communities and truly care about our customers. I don’t know if we’ll ever break the stigma, but we can sure try – and that starts with immersing yourself in the community and also building up and sustaining a great internal culture.
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