#SheDrivesCochran: Miranda Eichelberger

#SheDrivesCochran: Miranda Eichelberger

The way customers have lauded Miranda Eichelberger for her patience, professionalism, and expertise, one could assume she has spent all her time at #1 Cochran selling vehicles. However, that would be wrong: not only has she put her talents to use in several of our roles and locations, but she also continues to make them work in her favor.

She stated that before she starts her workday, she must have coffee! “After that sweet caffeine hits, I get right to my follow up,” she said, “If I had customers the day before, I make it a point to thank them again for their time spent with me and if they have any additional questions. After that, I try to work on other prospects, like leases coming to an end and service customers.”

The Lancaster County-native’s entrance into the automotive world started as a second job. She was a receptionist at her hometown Subaru dealership. “Once I moved to Pittsburgh, I knew it would be easy to start at a new dealership since I knew the job well,” Miranda stated.

She entered #1 Cochran as a greeter at our former INFINITI North Hills store. From there, she has worn a few hats. She moved to our former Business Development Center in Monroeville, but later returned to INFINITI as a Sales Consultant. She stayed in that role for a year and, after seeing how well it went, she moved up to the store’s Internet Manager role. A year and some months later, she decided to go back to sales, moving to our Mazda North Hills location (which is in the process of being remodeled).

Miranda said that all these roles have benefitted in a few ways. Professionally, they have helped her see the bigger picture firsthand when it comes to the automotive industry. “Understanding how every department plays a role in the delivery of each vehicle, new and used, can help to make the processes run smoother,” she said.

Personally, she said the people from whom she has learned has had a positive impact. The sales consultant recently celebrated her sixth anniversary as a #1 Cochran Team Member. “It’s flown by, that’s for sure,” she said, “Throughout this time, I have been learning and improving as much as I can. I’ve been very lucky to have managers and co-workers who have been happy to help me with any questions or problems I might have had. My time has also been filled with many memories, created with amazing people within this company!”

Miranda’s experiences in both arenas highlight the benefits of cross-training. Being able to do things like duplicate a colleague’s skill set, handle transitions gracefully, effectively explain processes, and build new relationships can benefit both the employee and the employer. Adding the benefits of gender diversity efforts in the workplace magnify the benefits for those groups and their customers.

Being a young woman in a male-dominated industry, Miranda understands the obstacles that she may face. However, she has found ways to overcome them. “, I know I am perceived as not knowing much due to my gender, as well as age,” she said,” I’ve found that the best way to overcome this is to be knowledgeable about your product. Never be ashamed or afraid to admit if you do not know something. Being upfront and honest shows that you are trustworthy, which helps to build that relationship with your clients.”

No obstacle is too big to keep her eye from reaching the ultimate prize: to make it to the Circle of Honor, reserved for #1 Cochran’s highest-volume sales consultants. “I never thought it was possible, but with the mentors I have now, I know it is possible!” She does not believe any obstacle should be too big for any woman considering the automotive field, either. “It may seem intimidating at first—I know I was, but there are so many amazing people to help you find your way.” She adds that, despite sounding cliché, confidence is key: “Stand by what you know to be true and never let anyone doubt yourself and your capabilities. “

Miranda’s confidence and desire to continue learning, striving for greatness, trying new things, and succeeding is something every worker should strive to attain. We cannot wait to see her— and her many hats— make it into the Circle of Honor.