Hope Peterson, president-elect of the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce, owns New Hope Auto & Truck Services, 10801 49th St. N.
PINELLAS PARK – Now the esteemed owner of New Hope Auto & Truck Services, Hope Peterson moved from Connecticut to Pinellas County 25 years ago uncertain where her life would take her.
Abandoned when she was young, Peterson grew up as a ward of the state, emancipating herself at an early age. She earned her GED, but wasn’t sure where to go from there. Then, she had her first of two sons at 17 and trekked south to Pinellas Park where she had the support of her son’s father.
“There were more opportunities for me down here,” she said. “I was struggling.”
Peterson began attending St. Petersburg College, but struggled with some of the math courses. Then, a guidance counselor suggested she take an aptitude test. Surprisingly to her, the test showed that she was mechanically inclined.
Growing up a self-proclaimed tomboy, she embraced the field of auto mechanics, and moved to Pinellas Technical Education Center.
It was intimidating at first, because she was the only female in the program, she said, but it changed her life. She took a succession of six to eight week modules on everything from brakes and stearing and suspension to studies of the internal engine and computer diagnostics. And not once did she falter.
She graduated in 1994 and began working at her first shop in Clearwater. She eventually became an owner.
Then, about five years ago, the location at 10801 49th St. N. became available and she decided to venture on her own. This is how New Hope was formed.
With more than 20 years of experience, Peterson has made a name for herself in a male-dominated industry.
“They treat women like they know nothing. But it’s thought women make better mechanics,” she said. “They’re more detail-oriented and more concerned with why something isn’t working.”
Peterson has also become a key component of the local business community. She serves as president-elect of the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce, having been a member of the group for four years, and has worked closely with several rotary clubs in the area. She also volunteers her time with PTEC, where she got her start, and other groups, including Girlfriends of Pinellas County.
“I believe successful people help others become successful,” she said.
She also offers a free car care class every few months, teaching the basics to new car owners.
New Hope Auto & Truck Services is also Ask Patty Certified as Female-Friendly and AAA-rated by her customers. Peterson also serves on the Women’s Board of the National Car Care Council.
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