Meet Fabiana, our featured employee of the month from ATR!

We recently engaged in a brief Q&A session with Fabiana Greco-Rum, who serves as a Project Manager at ATR International AG, overseeing the ATR training initiative. Throughout her entire career, she has dedicated herself to the automotive aftermarket. In this discussion, she shared her journey within the industry and shed light on the path that led her to her current role.

ABOUT YOU

• Could you tell us a bit about your background? (Place of birth, age, education…)

My name is Fabiana Greco-Rum, my parents come from Italy, and I was born and raised in “Schwabenländle”, in Stuttgart. I have completed a commercial apprenticeship and am a certified business administrator.

ABOUT THE AFTERMARKET

• How would you describe the Aftermarket to someone who has never heard of this industry?

Everyone knows the large the vehicle manufacturers’ car dealerships and service centers, recognizable by the familiar logos on the facades. All other garages are the visible part of the aftermarket. And then there are the less visible companies that supply garages with everything they need to repair and service cars: Spare parts, tools, equipment, information, training, etc.

ABOUT YOU & THE AFTERMARKET

• How did you become aware of, and why did you choose the Aftermarket to work in?

To be honest, it was more of a coincidence. After completing my commercial training, I started working for a company that was looking for someone with knowledge of the Italian language. That’s how I ended up in the customer service department of a manufacturer of car diagnostic devices and diagnostic software. I then spent many years as a product manager for an auto parts wholesaler in the field of motor oil and chemicals. So, I have been working in the automotive industry for almost my entire career.

ABOUT YOUR COMPANY

• Which company are you working with & which type of job?

I have been with ATR SERVICE GmbH, based in Denkendorf near Stuttgart since June 2019. We provide high performance garage concepts for independent, multi-brand garages. These concepts are AC AUTO CHECK and Meisterhaft. The team is responsible for the development of concept modules and services, quality assurance and nationwide standardized implementation.

ABOUT YOUR JOB

• What’s your job title?

As project manager, I manage the ATR training initiatives “Camp der Champs” and “Expert Trophy”. These initiatives provide attendees complimentary training and a competition, all in one. The training and competition are free of charge and open to apprentices from all independent multi-brand garages and it’s where they learn about the latest systems and techniques available. Camp der Champs is aimed at prospective automotive mechatronics technicians, i.e. trainees. The Trophy is aimed at all trained automotive specialists. I also coordinate the production of the ATR workshop magazines for the automotive industry.

• How would you describe your job?

I coordinate the entire organization of our training initiatives with our partners. These trainings and competitions take place at more than 60 locations in Germany and Austria – and each year, we define a new, relevant topic for our participants. As you can imagine, it is sometimes quite a challenge.

• What do you fancy most in your job?

The variety and the collaboration with many different people from different areas. Our training initiatives are unique in the industry and an important building block for the independent repair market to remain competitive. That is a great incentive for me.

ABOUT JOINING THE AFTERMARKET

• Why should somebody join this industry in your opinion?

The aftermarket is very complex and faces major challenges brought about by the transformation of the automotive industry. Anyone who wants to make a difference and wants to progress personally is very welcome in this industry.