05/09/2026
This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the moms who lead, mentor, and make room for the next generation - both at home and at work.
Spectrum News 1 recently spotlighted our very own Melissa McKnight, a Take 5 leader who has spent more than 20 years in the automotive industry. Often the only woman in the room, Melissa worked her way from pit tech to shop manager, a true example of our pit tech to president program in action.
Melissa is also a mom of 11, passing down her love of cars, mechanics, and helping others to the next generation, including her daughters she encourages to roll up their sleeves and get under the hood. It’s the same resilience, generosity, and determination that she brings to work every day.
The sound of revving engines and clanking tools may have long been associated with a male‑dominated industry, but leaders like Melissa are helping change that. As we head into Mother’s Day this Sunday, we’re proud to celebrate moms like Melissa who are building careers, opening doors for others, and raising the next generation along the way.
Watch the full segment here: https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/sports/2026/04/30/women-in-auto-industry
While women make up nearly half of the workforce in the country, experts say their presence in the auto industry is significantly low and something to be addressed. Now more women are working to close the gender gap in the field.