Audra Fordin is the fourth-generation owner of Great Bear Auto Repair, an auto mechanic shop in Flushing, NY. When she took over the family business in 1998, she decided that she wanted to do more than just service cars – she decided that she wanted to use her expertise to help her community.
Over the years, she uncovered a common trend – women were being taken advantage of because they weren’t knowledgeable about cars, which was creating what she calls “auto anxiety.” By using her knowledge and expertise, she began a series of workshops called “Women Auto Know,” which equip the women in her community with an understanding of how cars operate to help them confidently approach auto mechanics, and even handle their own minor repairs.
Fordin continues these workshops today, delivering much-needed auto literacy to her community and even creating a unique opportunity for sales growth . Explore more stories of small businesses that make big differences in their communities.