Breaking Barriers: Tyler Hoehe’s Journey from Criminal Justice to Business Leadership
Breaking Barriers: Tyler Hoehe’s Journey from Criminal Justice to Business Leadership
Entrepreneurship is often a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, and few stories capture this better than that of Tyler Hoehe. As one of the youngest entrepreneurs featured on the Dollar Wise Podcast, Tyler’s path to business ownership was far from conventional. What began as a career in criminal justice transformed into her taking the reins of Ed’s Body Shop, a fourth-generation family business that she now leads with passion and vision.
A Different Dream: From Law Enforcement to Business Ownership
When Tyler graduated high school, she had her sights set on becoming a police officer. She pursued a degree in criminal justice and even completed an internship with the Bridgeton Police Department. The thrill of forensic work, undercover operations, and the ever-changing nature of law enforcement captivated her. But fate had other plans.
During her internship, she realized that working for the police department would mean her family’s business, Ed’s Body Shop, would have to give up its long-standing towing contract with law enforcement—a significant part of its operations. It was then that her grandfather sat her down for a heartfelt conversation, urging her to consider stepping into the family business.
Taking Over a Legacy
At just 19 years old, Tyler made the life-altering decision to join the business. She started at the bottom, handling parts and vehicle releases, before learning the ins and outs of writing estimates and running daily operations. Over time, she grew to love the work, and when her parents started spending more time in Florida, she naturally stepped into a leadership role. By 2022, Tyler had officially taken ownership of Ed’s Body Shop, cementing her place as a fourth-generation business owner in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Challenges of Being a Woman in the Automotive Industry
As a woman leading an auto body shop, Tyler faced her fair share of skepticism. Customers often doubted her expertise, preferring to speak with a male counterpart. But over time, she proved herself through knowledge, hard work, and exceptional service. Today, she sees a shift in attitudes, with more people recognizing that women are just as capable—if not more so—of excelling in the automotive repair industry.
Expanding the Business
Under Tyler’s leadership, Ed’s Body Shop has evolved significantly. She opened a heavy-duty truck repair shop in 2022, expanding services to include work on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and industrial machinery. The business also offers 24-hour towing for both light and heavy-duty vehicles, ensuring they can meet the diverse needs of their community.
But Tyler’s ambitions don’t stop there. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand Ed’s Body Shop to another location, possibly near the Jersey Shore or up north. Additionally, she and her husband, Kyle, have ventured into commercial real estate through their company, Kickstart Management Holdings. The couple buys, sells, and flips properties, with a focus on commercial development and affordable housing.
A Family Tradition Continues
As a mother of two young boys, Tyler hopes that one day her children will carry on the family legacy. While her oldest son currently shows more interest in construction, she remains hopeful that one of them will take over Ed’s Body Shop and continue its remarkable journey into the fifth generation.
The Road Ahead
Tyler Hoehe’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of family legacy. What started as an unexpected career shift has blossomed into a thriving business that continues to grow and innovate. Her journey reminds us that sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones we never saw coming.
For those in need of expert auto body repairs or 24-hour towing services, Ed’s Body Shop remains a trusted name. Visit www.edsbodyshopnj.com or call (856) 451-1646 to learn more about their services.
Tyler Hoehe’s inspiring journey from aspiring police officer to business leader showcases the importance of embracing new opportunities and carrying forward a family tradition with pride. With her at the helm, Ed’s Body Shop is set to thrive for generations to come.
102 WEST HIGH STREET, SUITE 200
GLASSBORO, NJ 08028
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