For Mandy Wheeler-Brown, a production control supervisor at Honda Precision Parts of Georgia, LLC (HPPG), the day begins at 4 a.m. and doesn’t end until well after dark. But Wheeler-Brown wouldn’t have it any other way.

Wheeler-Brown has overcome a number of adversities in her personal life, including a shark attack in the Gulf of Mexico as a college student. While such challenges derailed her dream of becoming an Olympic softball player, it led her to channel her competitive spirit to other aspects of her life, including helping run a 600-acre cattle farm she co-owns with her grandfather.

“I struggled for a long time after the shark attack, but it made me appreciate what I have,” said Wheeler-Brown. “I love what I do on the farm and I love working for Honda, so I am gaining from both sides.”

As a production control supervisor at Honda, Wheeler-Brown helps ensure high-quality production of transmissions for Honda and Acura products, including the Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline and Acura MDX, remains on schedule. She joined Honda when HPPG began operations 10 years ago in her hometown.

Wheeler-Brown is heavily involved in supporting charitable causes in her community and says her values align well with Honda’s corporate goal to be a company society wants to exist.

“It was always important in my family to give back to our community and see what we could do to make it a better. I feel that spirit in my workplace at Honda as well,” she said.

The What Makes a Honda is Who Makes a Honda video series focuses on Honda associates who live out Honda’s commitment to The Power of Dreams, a global theme that encourages Honda associates to conceive ideas that will create new value for customers and society and then show the determination required to bring those dreams to life. In addition, the video series spotlights the inspiring efforts of Honda associates in their work and in the community.