Kristen McDonald
Kristen McDonald is an accomplished retail leader currently serving as a Hub Store Manager, recognized for her expertise in overseeing high-volume operations and building strong, results-driven teams. She has a proven ability to streamline workflows, manage logistics, and ensure seamless day-to-day operations, all while maintaining a focus on exceptional customer service and team development.
Kristen earned her Associate of Science degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College in 2017. This foundation in business principles has equipped her with the knowledge to effectively manage staff, optimize inventory processes, and implement strategies that improve overall store performance.
With a career dedicated to operational excellence and leadership growth, Kristen continues to focus on mentoring her teams and enhancing customer experiences. Her forward-thinking approach and passion for efficiency position her as a valuable leader in the retail industry, committed to driving success and fostering positive work environments.
• Parts Expert - AutoZone
• Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College - AS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, dedication, and my ability to lead by example. Winning Store Manager of the Year twice—in 2018 and 2020—for driving two percent of sales was a milestone that reflects my commitment to excellence and my team’s hard work. One of my proudest moments has been contributing to the design of several new AutoZone store openings, where I was trusted to provide input from the ground up. Being recognized for my expertise and seeing my ideas valued by the company has motivated me to continue growing as a leader and striving for even greater achievements.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my former district manager, who told me, “You can teach someone the job, but you can’t teach someone to care.” That quote has always stuck with me and shaped how I lead my teams. It reminds me that skills can be learned over time, but genuine care for the work and the people you serve is what truly makes someone successful in any role.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The career advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to remember that even though it’s male-dominated, there is absolutely a place for you here. When I first started, I quickly noticed that many male customers naturally looked for another man to help them, but I learned to let my knowledge and confidence speak for itself. Stick with it—this job can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you see the impact you’ve made, especially when customers return because of the service you provided. Your hard work and dedication will earn respect and prove that women can thrive and lead in this field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is dealing with tariffs and supply chain issues. Items that were once easy to get a few years ago are now harder to receive, which can delay service and frustrate customers. We experienced a similar challenge during the pandemic in 2020—being an essential business, we stayed open, but many parts were either unavailable or had long wait times. Adapting to these changes and finding ways to keep customers satisfied despite these challenges has been a key part of navigating the industry today.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life center around balance and commitment. I take my job seriously and give it my all, but I also believe it’s important to enjoy what you do and have fun along the way. Outside of work, my greatest joy is spending time with my daughter. I’m very involved in her cheer, gymnastics, and sports, and those moments remind me why maintaining a healthy balance between work and family is so meaningful.