Dealer Jonathan Fowler discusses the benefits of forming an advisory group of female employees at Fowler Automotive Group

After creating an advisory group of female employees at Fowler Automotive Group, the group has been able to better serve not only employees but also customers in the showroom. On today’s show, we’re pleased to welcome Jonathan Fowler, President of Fowler Holding Co. to discuss the creation of the advisory group and the response from female employees. Fowler Automotive Group owns and operates 10 car dealerships in Colorado and Oklahoma, and represents 10 brands including Toyota, Ford, and Volkswagen to name a few.

Fowler and anchor Jim Fitzpatrick begin the conversation by discussing the inspiration behind forming this advisory board. Fowler Automotive was founded in Oklahoma in 1973 by Fowler’s grandfather. Growing up in the industry and throughout his career, Fowler has been able to work with exceptional employees and peers who have gone on to start families. Fowler and his wife have small children at home as well. So, Fowler really wanted to understand what it was for female employees and parents to work at the car dealerships.

Thus, Fowler Automotive formed a women’s peer leadership group a few years ago, and its members came to Fowler leadership with some great recommendations. These recommendations included installing changing tables in both the men’s and women’s restrooms and building Mamava lactation pods, to name a few.

Fowler says there is still work to be done and goals they’re working to achieve like paid maternity and paternity leave. Fowler Automotive hopes to have that rolled out and available to all employees by the group’s 50th anniversary in 2023. Additionally, Fowler is focusing on making sure that there is equity in pay and in the hiring process.

To find out more about the inclusion initiatives at Fowler Automotive Group, be sure to watch our complete interview with Jonathan Fowler above.

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