Meet the ‘Guess the Car’ Champ: Elissa Herbert

[Counterman]

Counterman’s “

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” contest challenges our readers to solve an automotive riddle, for a chance to win $100. And each month, we receive hundreds of responses from aftermarket professionals trying to guess the model of the vehicle depicted.

The correct answer for the February/March contest is the Chrysler Pacifica. The winner is Elissa Herbert, retail specialist/counter sales for NAPA Auto Parts in Ambler, Pennsylvania.

Now, let’s get to know the “Guess the Car” champion.

CM: How long have you been working in the auto parts business?

EH: I started in the automotive industry as a technician when I was 14. I was working part-time in auto parts also. I probably started [full-time] in auto parts when I was in my early 20s.

CM: What do you like most about your job?

EH: I like to help people – especially women who come in and don’t know anything [about cars]. I’m like, “Listen, I got you.”

It’s kind of scary coming into these places, because they’re all full of guys. When [women] see me, they’re a little relieved, like, “Oh I can talk to you.”

CM: What’s the strangest question a customer has asked you?

EH: Once I had a customer call me for a set of brake pads: one rotor and one caliper. I had to get the caliper down from the very top shelf and it was quite heavy. When the customer came in to pick up his parts, he said he only needed the brakes and rotor, not the caliper. I jokingly gave him a hard time about how difficult it was to get down, and now I have to put it back. He asked me if he could make it up to me by taking me out to dinner! I accepted the offer and we dated for four years after that.

CM: What’s the coolest car you’ve ever owned or worked on?

EH: My first car was a 1986 [Camaro] Z28, and I loved that very much. And it was older than me, so I was trying to keep it running as long as I could.

CM: Do you have any interesting hobbies? What do you do for fun?

EH: I go hiking with my husband and daughter. We usually take our little 5-pound morkie, who likes to go for miles and miles.

CM: What’s your dream car?

EH: A Bugatti Veyron.

CM: Doesn’t matter what year?

EH: No, it’s just always been a Bugatti for me. I love them all.

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