Michelle Escobar’s journey into the automotive industry was not something she planned, but it has become a meaningful chapter shaped by growth, resilience, and opportunity. Originally from North Carolina, Michelle moved to Rhode Island in 2018 after a long-distance relationship brought her and her husband together. The following year, she joined Hyundai of Newport. After briefly stepping away, she returned in May 2020 and has continued to grow ever since. What started as an administrative position evolved into a role as service consultant, and today she serves as assistant service manager. While she never expected to build a career in automotive, Michelle has embraced the path in front of her and found confidence along the way. Over time, her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and dedication helped her stand out. Those strengths opened the door to new opportunities in the service department, where she now helps support daily operations, assists service consultants, and works closely with customers throughout their experience. As the only woman on the service team, Michelle says the environment has been more supportive than she once imagined. “We’re all a team,” she says. “When one person is backed up, somebody else steps in.” That spirit of teamwork is a big part of what makes her role rewarding. In a fast-paced department, Michelle helps keep everything moving, from paperwork and workflow to customer communication and service support. “We try to get customers in and out, take care of what needs to be done, and keep everything moving,” she says. Outside of work, Michelle is also preparing for an exciting new chapter: motherhood. At 22 weeks pregnant with her first child, a baby girl, she is balancing career growth with a season of major personal milestones. Over the past year, she planned her wedding, continued working full-time, and soon after getting married in November, learned she was expecting. Through it all, she has approached each new challenge with determination and grace. That same mindset has shaped one of the most personal transformations of her life. In July 2024, Michelle underwent gastric sleeve surgery and has since lost more than 120 pounds, a milestone that reflects her focus and perseverance. “I didn’t go through this for no reason,” she says. “So I kept going.” Michelle brings that same steady mindset into her work. She is committed to doing her best, continuing to learn, and being honest when she needs guidance.
“I try to make sure customers leave better than they came in," she says.
“I try to exceed expectations with the abilities that I have,” she says. That openness and work ethic have helped her continue to grow in an industry she once knew little about. Rather than pretending to know everything, Michelle has built her success on asking questions, listening, and learning from the people around her. One of the most meaningful parts of her role is building relationships with customers. She aims to create a positive experience, even during stressful situations, and takes pride in helping people feel supported and cared for. “I try to make sure customers leave better than they came in,” she says. Her calm, team-oriented approach has helped her build trust with customers and coworkers alike. It is also why she believes so strongly in maintaining perspective and staying grounded. Looking ahead, Michelle remains open to wherever her career may lead, but for now, she is focused on continuing to grow at Hyundai of Newport while preparing for life as a new mom. For women considering a future in the automotive industry, her advice is simple: “Ask questions,” she says. “Listen, keep your eyes open, and do the best that you can.”
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