Each week for Wrenching Women Wednesday, we focus our efforts on shining a light on Women in Automotive and their journey’s in automotive. This week, we would like to introduce Cortney Heck aka “Orange the Mechanic”, Automotive Technician at Expressway Jeep in Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Some of Cortney’s accomplishments include:
- AAS in Automotive Technology
- Mopar CAP Graduate
- HVAC 609 Certification
- Level 2 Technician for Stellantis
- Diesel Repair Certifications
- Automotive Repair Certifications
This is Cortney aka Orange the Mechanic’s story
I graduated with honors and as one of the very few female technicians at my school. My wife pushed me to go back to school, so I have her to thank for my career. I have worked for Expressway Jeep in Mt. Vernon, Indiana for almost one year. I returned to Chrysler after a year at another shop. I worked for Jeep while finishing my automotive degrees and felt like I needed to “go home”. I have always enjoyed solving puzzles, and I feel like that’s what I get to do every single day. Solve the puzzle of what is causing the vehicle to act the way it does and then repair it.
At the end of the day, I still have so much more to learn, but I’ll do it one broken bolt at a time!
My advice to any other girls that want to become technicians is to follow your dreams, solve the puzzles. You’ll make mistakes- but keep on breaking bolts- it’s the best way you’re going to learn. Always be honest with yourself, your boss, and above all- your customers, because without them, you don’t have a job!
About Katie French
Katie French is an Automotive Repair Expert at RepairPal. Her love for the automotive industry began at a young age learning how to fix bicycles and driving around the neighborhood in a pink Power Wheels Jeep. To pursue a career in the field, Katie attended NEIT for Advanced Automotive Technology out in East Greenwich, RI. Since graduating from the automotive program, Katie has worn many hats in the auto industry over the years, and has treated every day as a school day. She currently is working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management with a concentration in Fleet Management from Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, MO. In her free time, Katie enjoys empowering women in skilled trades, Jeep builds, and spending time with her family.
