Jordyn Ciciora is an inside analyst for CARSTAR Danrich in suburban Chicago, working as the “inside man” managing the repair facility’s insurance relationships. Only this “inside man” is a woman who has worked her way up from driveway mechanic to an I-CAR-certified estimator.
CARSTAR, North America’s premier network of independently owned collision repair facilities, is saluting the female owners, managers, estimators and technicians on International Women’s Day on March 8. One of those women is Jordyn Ciciora, who turned her passion for cars into a career in collision repair.
“I started off at CARSTAR DANRICH as a repair consultant answering phones and scheduling customers,” said Cicora,
inside analyst, CARSTAR DANRICH. I had no prior experience with the collision repair industry before this. Ever since I was younger, I was always around friends who were into cars and trucks. I purchased my own 2016 RAM 2500 truck and started working on it to make cosmetic and mechanical repairs. I find automotive repairs to be fun yet challenging because of all of the complex components involved. I knew I wanted to land somewhere in the automotive industry. After a few months of working up front, I started to take interest in estimating and working with the insurance companies. I found that this industry is always evolving with new vehicle technologies, which makes it interesting and a continuous learning opportunity.”
At CARSTAR DANRICH, Ciciora’s job title is an “Inside Analyst”. Unlike most collision shops, she is mostly insurance facing, not customer facing, responsible for maintaining all relationships with their partners and other companies.
“I take my job extremely seriously,” said Ciciora. “I oversee payments for all repairs, that we are compliant with our partners, and that we follow all OEM guidelines for a proper repair. I write all preliminary estimates, as well as all estimates and/or supplements coming out of pre-production (post disassembly). All of the jobs that pass through our facility are overseen by me from the day the vehicle arrives on site to the day the vehicle is delivered to ensure that our repair orders are correct.
“All of the staff here treat me with equal respect and make working here a great place,” said Ciciora. “We strive to take our repairs seriously and follow all OEM guidelines. I learn new things each day coming into work, whether it is hands-on or from the team. Being a part of CARSTAR is also really exciting due to all of the opportunities that are available within the franchise network.”
Ciciora noted that training and certification is key to her role.
“The training that I completed was all through I-CAR,” noted Ciciora. “I am an I-CAR Platinum Level 3 certified estimator as well as Tesla Certified. Not only did I learn from all of my I-CAR classes, but I have also learned from on-the-job experience from our amazing team that we have here. I am planning to complete my B-6 Certification here within the upcoming months!”
One of Ciciora’s goals is to put a stop to the stereotype of women working in the collision repair industry.
“The typical reaction I get from customers and insurance companies is shocked,” she said. “When I do meet with customers, they are skeptical about my knowledge and any information that I pass along to them. I assure them that I am highly trained and educated and have no problem explaining things further if needed. I do not treat anyone differently for how they view me. I am here to ensure that their vehicle gets back to them in the condition it was before the collision even happened. Females can work on cars and have interests in cars. I’m happy to help break any bias that says otherwise.”
For women interested in the collision repair industry, Ciciora recommends getting the skills and knowledge you need, then standing behind your credentials.
“The advice that I would give to any woman who wants to enter the collision repair industry is to never let someone underestimate your knowledge,” she said. “Being a woman in a male-dominated field can present challenges. Expressing to customers or insurance companies that you are educated in this field of work and have taken the time to gain the experience and knowledge is something of which anyone should be proud.”
So when you’re the “inside man” for the company, it pays to have the training, skills, experience and positive attitude to succeed. Just ask Jordyn Ciciora.
For more information, visit www.CARSTAR.com.
