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Pioneering Ownership in the Auto Industry

Ellenae Fairhurst holds a unique place in U.S. automotive history. She is the first Black woman to own both a Lexus dealership and an Infiniti franchise. At a time when women rarely had ownership roles in car dealerships, her success stood out as groundbreaking.

Her leadership at these dealerships not only showed her business expertise but also inspired other women and minorities in the industry. Fairhurst’s influence has continued to highlight the importance of diversity in auto dealership ownership.

From Ford Secretary to Dealership Owner

Fairhurst’s career began humbly in 1968 as a secretary at Ford Motor Company. She spent two decades working her way up in the automotive world, learning the ins and outs of the business.

In 1988, she was awarded her own dealership in Huntsville, Alabama. With dedication and skill, she grew the business and quickly proved she was more than capable of running a successful dealership. She paid off her dealership in just eight years, well ahead of the industry’s typical 15-year timeline.

A Rare Achievement for Women and Minority Owners

The auto industry has long been dominated by men. According to Auto Trends, women make 85% of car-buying decisions in America, yet own only about 5% of dealerships nationwide. The numbers for minority women are even smaller, representing just a fraction of that percentage.

Fairhurst’s achievements stand out even more when placed in this context. Of roughly 20,000 dealerships in the U.S., only 56 are minority women-owned. Out of those,just six belong to Black women. Fairhurst’s ownership of two luxury brand dealerships makes her accomplishments especially remarkable.

Dedication to Customer Service

Fairhurst’s success was not only about breaking into the industry but also about how she ran her dealerships. She built her reputation on customer service and strong relationships.

“Ellenae is such a vivacious person. She is fully devoted to customer service and ensuring that her customers are treated well and remain happy,” said Tom Orbe, then Vice President of Infiniti Division.

Fairhurst also described her philosophy clearly: “I’m constantly dealing with customers. My job is to ensure that they are satisfied. And I feel that we do that very well.”

Building a Lasting Legacy

Beyond sales and profits, Fairhurst’s career hasleft a lasting legacy. Her dealerships represent not only her personal triumph but also progress for women and African Americans in the auto industry.

Her story continues to inspire future generations, showing that persistence, hard work, and vision can create opportunities even in industries where representation has long been lacking.

Credit: The Business Journals