HOW EMILY CHUNG CHOSE TO EMBRACE FAITH IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
BY SARAH PERKINS
While automotive trends and technologies may change, the industry continues to be built on a single constant: it is those with a passion to embrace opportunities that find success.
Similarly, for Emily Chung, founder of AutoNiche Inc., and recent recipient of the Ontario Premier’s award for impacts made in the skilled trades as an automotive service technician, it was an initial passion for education, mixed with a calling from faith, that first kickstarted a career which is now giving back to others.
And, like so many in the industry, for Chung, a journey in the industry first began as she followed her faith and believing in the spiritual, technical and familial path originally set out for her.
“I initially got a degree from the University of Waterloo in psychology and business and started my career as a psychometrist. Following this, I moved to join my father’s automotive parts company—which he started when I was a teenager.
“Growing up, I had only known a little about auto parts and the automotive industry. I knew how to make the part, how to ship it over, but I didn’t know anything about the technical aspects of the industry. It was during my maternity leave with my second child—after having become a project manager at my father’s business—that I decided to go back to school, specifically Centennial College.”
Chung believed her education would help her navigate the industry. “I definitely didn’t think I would be doing what I’m doing today and building my own space in the industry. But, at Centennial, I did very well at my Level One. I placed second overall and placed first in engines, and this reinforced, for me, that I had an aptitude for the industry.”
This initial success inspired Chung to follow her faith and after returning to her father’s shop, she informed him that she felt called to open her own repair shop.
Fast forward 16 years, and Chung has continued to grow in ability and confidence alongside the industry. After getting her Level Two, Three and eventually license, Chung has grown AutoNiche Inc. into a business that is double the size from when it first started.
“Since 2015, I’ve been off the shop floor,” Chung said. “I decided at that time that I can replace myself as a technician, but I can’t replace myself as a shop owner. I’ve learned a lot from those around me. I still purchase from jobbers who purchase from my father. I want to be able to honour the people who have supported his business and who gave me my first exposure to the industry.”
In working on giving back what she has learned from the industry, Chung takes pride in now being an advocate for others looking to get a start in the automotive field.
“Aside from building the business—which would certainly be my biggest achievement—my other biggest achievement would be advocating for the industry. I take the time now to speak with consumer media outlets and elementary and high school students considering skilled trades.”
On this note, when it comes to education in the industry, Chung believes that there is always room to grow. She currently teaches at the Automotive Business School of Canada, a division of Georgian College.
“I believe that there’s always room to grow when it comes to creating knowledge accessibility in the industry. I think that in terms of the automotive side of things, I often see a missed opportunity a lot of times because we are the first point of contact for a lot of students,” Chung highlighted.
“This is especially true for young students like those in elementary and middle school because they have been sitting in vehicles all their lives, but don’t necessarily have any exposure to any aspects of the other trades.”
“When I speak to students, I always try to impress upon them that we have everything on four wheels. We have mechanical, electrical, heating, plumbing, welding and more, and you can’t say this about every trade. How much affinity, after all, do children have with, say, drywall? By comparison, cars are much easier to make cool.”
“In terms of education, I also think it’s important to remember that when it comes to automotive repair, we are skills first. Institutions don’t always have access to full OEM information and without this, how do you ensure that your students develop all the necessary skills they need to be successful?”
“My advice for the industry,” Chung concluded, “is just to stay true to who you are. There are a lot of opportunities in the industry and a lot of people will suggest different paths based on your specific background, but ultimately, it’s about doing what you’re passionate about.”
