In 28 years with Ally Financial, Robert Stahl has done a little bit of everything.

He has worked a repo lot, had multiple leadership tenures in remarketing, ventured into subprime finance and was involved in helping the SmartAuction online platform get off the ground.

But one lesson that has stuck with Stahl since his first job at Ally in the repo and collections arena is this: it’s the car and the customer that matter.

That mindset, plus many others, has led to a successful three-decade career in the auto business and high respect from his peers in the business. And Auto Remarketing and Used Car Week are recognizing Stahl as the 2014 National Remarketing Executive of the Year, presented by ServNet.

“The main thing that I have to keep telling myself is that it’s all about the car. That’s a slogan that we’ve used a lot around here, and we mention it a number of times when we start looking at new technologies or new innovation or consider pursuing this direction or that direction … it’s all about your relationship with the dealers and vendors,” said Stahl, who is executive vice president of remarketing at Ally Financial.

“For the most part, over the years, I’ve learned that dealers are going to go where the cars are at,” he continued. “And I think that’s what made SmartAuction a success; we had cars that they wanted — off-lease cars, repossessions and GM cars. And regardless of where they’re at, as long as you’ve got a good supply, dealers are going to show up and buy them.”

Stahl is being honored with the award on Nov. 12 during the National Remarketing Conference at Used Car Week in Las Vegas.

“The National Remarketing Executive of the Year, presented by ServNet, is highly respected within the remarketing industry.  Auto Remarketing and the National Remarketing Conference are very proud to be a part of this tradition and proud of this year’s recipient, Robert Stahl,” said Bill Zadeits, publisher of Auto Remarketing and Used Car Week conference chair.

Patty Stanley, who is the owner of Carolina & Indiana Auto Auctions and the president of ServNet, had this to say about Stahl.

“ServNet congratulates Robert Stahl as National Remarketing Executive of the Year,” she said. “Robert has been a partner and friend of our industry for many years, and we applaud his tireless efforts to maximize remarketing opportunities.”

R. Charles Nichols, owner of BSCAmerica Auctions and chairman of the board at ServNet, added: “In the auto finance sector for most if not all of his career, Robert has quietly and unselfishly pushed the remarketing industry in new and creative channels, all while serving his company, investors and the dealers they serve.”  

For our complete feature on Stahl, stay tuned to the digital and print editions of the Nov. 1 Used Car Week Special Conference Issue of Auto Remarketing.