2021 - Going the extra mile: Area auto repair shop challenges industry norms

Most people assume a man will be working on their car engine or sliding out from under the chassis when considering who is doing their automotive repairs. Sisters Naomi and Jaime Hjelm are changing that mindset by proving that women belong in the male-dominated industry and can be leaders in the field.

The Hjelms own and operate Wicked Wrench Co. of South Elgin. They have been in the private transportation business their entire careers, starting with fleet repairs. They believed it was important for people, particularly women, to understand car problems and repairs, so they began offering the general public free classes on automotive basics.

Through Wicked Wrench’s classes, ECC’s Future Workforce Leaders Program saw a learning opportunity for students studying automotive technologies. The Hjelm sisters welcomed the ECC group for a repair shop tour to share more about the industry and their business.

ECC’s relationship with Wicked Wrench continues to grow, leading to opportunities for several ECC students, including Nadya Quezada. After job shadowing, she joined the Wicked Wrench team full-time as an automotive technician this past March.

“I’m truly humbled by this opportunity and proud of the work I have put in thus far. The feeling of being acknowledged for your work, not only by your family, but coworkers and bosses, is the best feeling anyone could have at a workplace,” said Quezada.

Second-year automotive technology student Amy Dabe of Elgin completed a job shadow at the shop last winter. “The in-person experience allowed me to take my classroom knowledge into the shop,” said Dabe. “I also saw the business side of the shop and learned more about running a successful small business.” Dabe graduated in May 2021 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in automotive service technology and is continuing with business classes at ECC this summer.

As a teenager, Jaime Hjelm honed her auto repair skills through hands-on learning and is passionate about providing the same kind of tangible experiences for others. “I’ve been impressed with ECC students' knowledge and understanding of the industry. It’s especially exciting to see more women enter the automotive programs. These students are entering the workforce as excellent and enthusiastic technicians,” she said. “It’s a great partnership, and as long as students are interested in learning, we are here to help.”