Irma Elder, the CEO of Elder Automotive Group, is a phenomenon of sorts. Being the first woman to own a Ford car dealership in Detroit and the founder and CEO of a $450- million automotive collective would lead one to think that the woman is a business barracuda. Not so, says Elder, who admits with some timidity that after the death of her husband, dealership owner James Elder, she simply did what she had to do. After being honored by the Greater Detroit Urban League, she talked with rolling out about transitioning from housewife to business mogul with 11 dealerships under her impressive automotive umbrella. –roz edward and charity patrick
Yours is like a Cinderella story, but how difficult was it being a woman in a male-dominated industry?
It was difficult, but I never focused on that. The business was great, and I enjoyed it very much. I tried to think as a dealer and not as a woman. However, being a woman is great.
Would you recommend that Detroiters and African Americans pursue an entrepreneurial course, given the economic climate?
Absolutely! Entrepreneurship, yes, but the automobile industry is very tough right now. To be an entrepreneur is great. The courage to do it is not easy, but the rewards are tremendous.
What are the three most important keys to business and networking success?
One, you have to like what you do. Two, you have to learn as much as you possibly can. And three, you have to have integrity and honesty. Make sure that you are always true to yourself.
Name three championship moments that you are proud to share.
I am most proud of my family and my children. But in my career, I am most proud of coming through and being successful. My career was very difficult. My manager quit the first month I was in business and took most of the sales [staff] with him. I was left with only two salesmen, and my proudest moment was that I survived, in spite of.
What are your philanthropic interests?
I have many, like hospitals. I am on the board of the Josephine Ford Cancer Center. I am very interested in children, and I am very interested in older people. I think we always have to take care of our elders, but I don’t think of myself as being old.
