Mark Williams Auto Group Visits La Salle High School for Career Day

This week, Mark Williams Auto Group had the privilege of participating in La Salle High School’s Career Day, an event designed to help students explore future opportunities and gain real insight into a variety of professions. Representing the group were Josh Williams, the General Manager of Queen City Ford, and Charlie Watson, the Marketing Director for Mark Williams Auto Group. Both leaders spent the morning speaking with students, answering questions, and offering a closer look at the automotive industry and the many career paths it provides. What began as a simple informational session quickly grew into a dynamic and engaging experience that helped students better understand the real world of automotive business, technology, and customer care.

Throughout four round table sessions, Josh and Charlie guided students through the inner workings of a modern dealership. Many students were surprised to learn just how complex dealership operations truly are. Josh explained the difference between fixed operations and variable operations, two major components that work together to keep a dealership running smoothly. Fixed operations include service, parts, and maintenance, while variable operations involve sales, inventory management, and customer consultations. Students gained insight into how these departments rely on one another each day. A successful dealership is built on collaboration, communication, and trust, and seeing that teamwork in action gives students a new perspective on an industry they may have only experienced as customers.

Josh expanded on the customer experience side of dealership life. He shared how essential it is for employees to understand not only the technical aspects of their roles but also the emotional side of customer interactions. When customers visit a dealership, they are often making significant financial decisions or seeking solutions to unexpected vehicle issues. Students learned that empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills are just as important as product knowledge. Hearing this helped them understand that the automotive world is far more focused than many imagined.

Another major aspect of the morning was a deep dive into marketing and modern automotive strategy, led by Charlie. He described how rapidly marketing has evolved within the automotive industry and how digital communication now shapes nearly every customer interaction. Students were interested to learn how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have become essential tools for dealerships. Charlie walked them through examples of short form video content, vehicle reels, community event features, and social media storytelling that help connect the dealership with its audience.

He also explained how analytics guide a dealership’s marketing decisions, allowing teams to study customer behavior, measure engagement, and refine their messaging. Students were given real examples of campaigns that combined data analysis with creativity. These strategies included influencer collaborations, community involvement efforts, and large-scale events such as the Kindness Project. The students were surprised to learn how much creative thinking goes into shaping the public image of a dealership and how content creation has become an essential part of everyday operations.

Many students did not realize how many career opportunities are linked to modern automotive marketing. Charlie spoke about brand management, video production, social media engagement, photography, copywriting, event planning, and public relations. Students with creative strengths or interest in storytelling discovered that there are roles within the automotive world that perfectly align with those talents. This helped broaden their understanding of what an automotive career can look like in today’s digital environment.

One of the most meaningful parts of the morning was centered on an honest conversation about choosing a career path. Josh and Charlie wanted to ensure that students understood the value of both skilled trades and college degrees, emphasizing that neither path is inherently better. Instead, the right choice depends on the individual.

Josh spoke about the growing demand for automotive technicians. He explained that technicians today work with advanced diagnostic tools, sophisticated software, and evolving vehicle technology such as hybrid and electric systems. Because of this increasing complexity, the industry continues to see strong demand for skilled professionals who enjoy problem solving and hands-on-on work. Students learned that careers in fixed operations offer impressive earning potential, job security, and long-term advancement. The idea that they could pursue a well-paid career without the burden of a four-year degree was eye-opening for many.

Charlie spoke about the opportunities available to those who choose a college path. He shared how degrees in business, marketing, finance, leadership, and communications can lead to fulfilling careers within a dealership or corporate setting. Students were encouraged to reflect on their individual strengths and interests rather than feeling pressured to follow a certain route simply because it is expected or common.

The conversation helped students understand that success is not defined by a single path. Instead, it is shaped by choosing a direction that aligns with their talents, personality, and long-term aspirations. Josh and Charlie reinforced the message that both paths offer stability, growth, and opportunity. What matters most is finding a career that brings satisfaction and purpose.

As the morning progressed, students engaged fully with the discussion. They asked thoughtful questions about advancement, workplace expectations, skill development, daily responsibilities, and the future of automotive technology. Josh and Charlie encouraged each question, appreciating the genuine curiosity in the room. It became clear that the students were eager not only to learn about the automotive industry but also to understand how to make informed decisions about their future careers.

The visit concluded with a reminder of the importance of community involvement. Mark Williams Auto Group has always been committed to supporting local schools and creating opportunities for young people to explore their interests. La Salle High School’s Career Day provided a meaningful space where education and industry could meet, offering students real world perspective that cannot be gained from textbooks alone. Josh and Charlie expressed how honored they were to take part in the event and to contribute to conversations that could help shape the next generation of professionals.

Mark Williams Auto Group looks forward to continuing its partnership with La Salle and other schools across the Tri State region. The company remains dedicated to investing in students who will become future leaders, technicians, creators, and innovators across the automotive world and beyond. By sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and engaging in open conversation, the group hopes to inspire young people to approach their futures with confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to pursue the careers that fit them best.

Tags: Career Day, cincinnati, La Salle High School
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