Mount Pleasant Magazine May/June 2019

www.ChsWomenInBusiness.com | www.ChsWomenInRE.com WIB - 43 C aitlin Hudson, general manager of Hudson’s Import Service, grew up around the automobile-service industry. Her father, Cliff, opened Hudson’s Import Service 41 years ago, 11 years before she was born. She’s worked at the family business for two years. Even though she knows cars and the business well, sometimes she experiences what it’s like to work in a male-dominated industry. “Occasionally a customer will call and ask a specific question,” Hudson said. “I have heard the answer to this question so many times that I can recite it from memory. As soon as I answer the customer’s question, he or she then asks to speak to one of the men, who gives them the same answer, which then they believe! I just laugh and shake my head.” Even though more and more women are taking their place in the automotive field, Hudson said she doesn’t particularly view her position in the business from a woman’s perspective. “I view my role as the next generation in my family to one day take over and carry on the business,” Hudson explained. “I am blessed to work alongside my dad and my brother, Gains, every day. I get to collaborate with the people I trust and love the most. I am proud to be a part of the team at Hudson’s and to help carry out the reputation we’ve established in the Lowcountry over all these years.” A recent online search confirmed what a great reputation that is, with 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google in addition to 5 out of 5 on SureCritic and Facebook. Hudson, who has an associate degree in business administration, is responsible for marketing, promotions, bookkeeping and assisting with scheduling repairs and service. Having been around cars and the business her whole life, Hudson offers some advice on how to best care for your car: “Research any vehicle you are considering buying before you buy it. The purchase price of the vehicle is only one concern. The main concerns are its reputation for reliability and cost effectiveness to maintain and repair.” Hudson was born and raised in Mount Pleasant and plans to stay in the area honing her skills at the family business. “There is always something to do and some new place to eat. We truly live in such a beautiful town.” Her plans at Hudson’s Import include to “continue perfecting, not only my management skills, but also how I can best prepare myself and my brother to run the family business and serve the Lowcountry.” Caitlin Hudson Hudson’s Import Service 1072 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant 843-884-2573 www.hudsonsimport.com BY TONYA MCGUE Photo by Jenn Cady.