12 January 10 • 2019
jn

The
Talent
Shop

I

ntelligence, sophistication and
beauty — Margery Krevsky
Dosey knows women can
embody all three of these charac-
teristics, despite a societal focus on
the latter that is deep-rooted, spe-
cifically in the automotive industry.
So, 38 years ago when she found-

ed her company, Productions Plus,
Dosey set out to counteract the
perception of auto show models
and models in general.
This idea was born at the Detroit
auto show, the first of many she
would attend. At the time, Dosey
worked as manager of the fashion
bureau at J.L. Hudson Company,
supervising advertising and profes-
sional models. One of the models
was showing a concept car at the
auto show, so Dosey stopped by to
see her.
“She was beautiful, and the car
was like art. I asked her to tell me
about the car, but she told me she
wasn’
t allowed to,” Dosey said. “She
said she was going on her break
shortly and could tell me about it
then. This girl could have been a
terrific spokesperson; she was very
intelligent. That’
s what launched
the idea.”
Dosey’
s own intellect and grit
made a success of Productions
Plus.
“I didn’
t know anyone in the
automotive business, but I was
determined it would work,” she
said. “We wanted mainly women
who would talk about the cars.”
Two years into her endeavor,
Nissan took a chance on Dosey’
s
idea and now, almost every man-
ufacturer has her “product spe-

cialists” on the floor. This year,
Productions Plus will have 685
product specialists in more than
70 U.S. auto shows, with 200 of
them based in Detroit. Another
124 brand ambassadors hired by
Productions Plus are set to work
the North American International
Auto Show in the Motor City,
which opens to the public on Jan.
19.
“People used to think it was
just attractive women standing
there. Today’
s product specialists
are still attractive and polished,
yet highly relatable,” Dosey said.
“They have to be able to relate
and talk to consumers who may
have questions or just be curi-
ous. Our product specialists are
very intelligent. They have to be
well-versed in brand and history
because they will be talking to
consumers who know a lot.”
Ninety-four percent of product
specialists have college degrees,
and all go through extensive train-
ing and test drives to represent the
brands and their vehicles appropri-
ately, according to Dosey.
“Most know more than the deal-
ers themselves,” said Dosey.
Where did Dosey draw her inspi-
ration from?
“Jewish heritage has always had
strong women, and I think that’
s

jews d
in
the
on the cover

This year’
s North American International Auto Show
opens to the public Jan. 19-27 at Cobo Center in
Detroit. Tickets are $14 for adults; $7 for seniors
and children age 7-12; kids 6 and under are free.
See more than 750 vehicles on display represent-
ing the most innovative designs in the world. This
will be the last year the auto show takes place in
January. In 2020, the NAIAS moves to the spring.

RONALD WILLIAMS

This Audi product specialist knows all the features and specs of the vehicles on display.

BY KARLEIGH STONE SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

Productions Plus provides
more than just pretty faces
to auto shows nationwide.

continued on page 14

Margery Krevsky Dosey.

KATHRYN RAPIER