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Holly: Race to the finish line
July 28, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Name: Holly Wendt
Job: Quality Engineer, Chevy Camaro
Business View: Reinvention means not letting skeptics define GM
Favorite Musician: Keri Hilson
Favorite TV series: House, MD
Strangest thing: Solves engineering problems while running
My name is Holly Wendt, and I’m a senior program quality engineer at GM. Right now, I’m working on the 2010 Camaro.
My team serves as the voice of quality for the Camaro, starting from when the vehicle is just a sketch through the launch and beyond. We gather data from test fleet vehicles, and validate all fixes for all issues, so we get the best product to our customers. We run clinics to deep-dive those issues, and support the vehicle launch in all areas.
Some people may be surprised by how meticulous we are with parts issues. We meet regularly on warranty issues related to parts, we make sure we understand any issues our customers might have, and develop plans to address them. As the parts come in, we meet with the supplier and the engineer responsible for each part and we document how they will address each issue we find. It’s serious business.
I love knowing that what I do affects the customer; that I can point to a vehicle or a part and say, “I did that,” or “I helped initiate that,” or “I addressed an issue on that vehicle.”
Let’s face it, we have one shot to relaunch the Camaro, so we have to get it right for our customers. Quality is the number one priority. We have a lot of die-hard customers that love the Camaro, that are really passionate about it. We need to do right by these folks, and the people I work with truly care about this car.
I’m running the Detroit Marathon in October – something I’ve always wanted to do. I like to push myself farther than I ever have before, give it my all, and see what happens.
I feel like GM is running a marathon. Every day we’re taking steps and making sure we’re on the right track. Even though the goal is to finish the marathon and get through the restructuring, we also look at the final goal. We want to be a viable company. And in the end, I’d like to see myself a healthier person as GM becomes a healthier organization. For me, running a marathon is accomplishing something I’ve never done. And GM is doing the same thing. – Holly
Julie Glissman
Jul 30th, 2009
Hi Holly! Love the story, it sounds like you have a fun, interesting and challenging job. I’m also running the Detroit Marathon (the half)…I know what you mean about solving problems while running!
It’s nice to see real stories about real people with real lives. Best of luck in all your adventures!
Reggie Hansome
Aug 1st, 2009
Holly, I just finished viewing your video and want to extend my congratulations to you.
Watching you on the tape brings me a feeling of pride and brings to mind the days when you first ventured out to make your mark on the world.
Keep your eyes on the prize and hold on!
Reggie Hansome
Bettye Wendt
Aug 2nd, 2009
I am so proud of GM and its customer focus on quality. You are a super advocate for the company, and the Camaro is turning heads here in North Carolina. I love the Camaro, and am in the process of purchasing a new vehicle and of course…only a GM product. GM is the true ‘American-way’ and insights such as this tells the real story! Go GM! Go quality, and keep your passion for, and loyalty to GM, and your values, Holly. You make us proud.
Curtis Reed
Aug 3rd, 2009
Mrs. Wendt,
I commend you on telling the story of how GM employees take pride in what we do. The Camaro is an excellent representation of where GM is going and it is nice to see that GM has young, bright, enthusiastic people leading the charge. Keep up the good work on the Camaro and best of wishes in the marathon. I like seeing GM employees pushing themselves beyond their known limits, both professionally and personally. Good luck.
C. Reed, Proud GM Employee and Enthusiast
joy
Aug 3rd, 2009
wow!!!
very impressive….i am excited to see your vision!!!
I’m switching to American-made for my next car!!!
Jordana
Aug 3rd, 2009
Love the excitement about Holly and her work with the Camaro. – Jordana
Sue Lamparter
Aug 6th, 2009
Holly, you truly are one of the greatest Faces of GM. I have been quietly following your diligence re: the quality of the Camaro through one of your colleagues… you are such a role model for zero defects and raising the quality bar.
So… Go Holly and keep running the race at GM and I wish you a personal best in the Detroit Marathon!
Holly Wendt
Aug 7th, 2009
Sue,
Thanks for the positive feedback! I really appreciate the support and vote of confidence.
The Camaro quality is a testament to the entire team: Holden, Oshawa and the team in Michigan. I’m glad to be a part of a team that is driven to make this car #1.
Feel like catching me at mile #23?
Holly Wendt
Aug 7th, 2009
Joy,
Can we push you a step further and make it a GM vehicle? We have an amazing line up! ; )
Love your enthusiasm!
Holly Wendt
Aug 7th, 2009
I’m so glad that you feel the excitement that we are experiencing here at GM – that you see our focus on the customer and our commitment to quality. We are working hard (EVERYDAY) to raise the bar and set the standard.
Thanks for all of the comments.
Lee and Vee Johnson
Aug 11th, 2009
We enjoyed the article–so very proud of you and the great work you are doing.
Gerald
Aug 23rd, 2009
Great job representing the Camaro team!!! You have done so much to ensure that the final product is to the highest standard possible.
Holly Wendt
Aug 24th, 2009
Lee and Vee – thanks for kind words.
Holly Wendt
Aug 26th, 2009
Gerald,
As I’m sure you are aware, the launch was a tremendous group effort. Your team did a great job addressing issues and supporting the launch. Continue to advocate for the customer and drive quality.
Judy Miller
Nov 10th, 2009
Holly -
Just wondering? Did you do the Detroit Marathon? If you did I hope it went well. I ran the 5k that morning – it sure was cold! A marathon is such a physicaly and mentally challenging event.
Judy (a fellow GM employee and a runner too – I just don’t run as far)
Don Burton
Dec 15th, 2009
The new Camaro is EXCELLENT. I talked my friend in Maine to buy one, and he is happy as all get out. He traded in his Mustang GT and got the Camaro and now all I hear is Camaro, Camaro,Camaro, but thats ok. The car beats all competitors hands down.
Michael Morgan
Jan 15th, 2010
Holly,
As a car enthusiast and GM’er … all I can say is keep up the great work!! Our work in Quality is never complete.
Mike
Maurice J. Dudley
Feb 11th, 2010
Hello Holly,
How are you loved to piece I saw on you and the new camero. Hope you did well in the marathon, or if you haven’t ran it yet good luck. I am a huge fan on gm and love the fact you guys have improved your fleet. Please keep up the good work.
Maurice J. Dudley
Feb 11th, 2010
Hello Holly,
Just wanted to say great work on the camero’s. And good luck in the marathon hope you do well or if you have ran it already I hope you did well.
TRACI STREATER CHISOLM
Sep 8th, 2010
Hi Holly
I too am very proud of all your accomplishments and the work you are doing at GM. Stay focused and continue to go after your dreams of making America Cars #1. I never owned an American made car but after seeing how much time and effort you put into the quality of GM cars, I am considering purchasing one for my Husband.