Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2026 Women in Retail honorees in the July edition of the magazine and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website. Next up, in alphabetical order by first name, is Amber Hahn, VP of Operations/GM at Western Funding Inc.

The Women in Retail program is presented by CarGurus.

What prompted/inspired you to join the auto industry and what do you enjoy most about it?
I initially stumbled into the automotive industry while pursuing a degree in education and planning to become a teacher. I ultimately realized I wanted a different path and began working for a large dealer group, Sonic Automotive, in 2000. I quickly developed a passion for the fast-paced environment and the challenges it brought, which led me to shift my degree focus to Accounting within a year.  Early in my career, I was encouraged to learn every aspect of dealership operations because you cannot effectively account for something you do not fully understand. That perspective has shaped the way I have approached my entire career.

In 2011, I joined Western Funding and transitioned further into Operations. Now, as part of Nowlake Group — a technology-driven organization — the scope for innovation, scalability, and impact is significantly greater. What I enjoy most about this industry is the opportunity to continuously improve processes, streamline systems, and leverage technology to enhance both the customer and dealer experience while driving operational efficiency .

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
One of the most significant trends I am watching is the ongoing impact of inflation and how it continues to influence consumer affordability and overall market behavior. It is something we must remain closely attuned to as it directly affects both dealers and customers.

At the same time, I am constantly focused on how we can use AI and other technologies to continue improving both customer and dealer experiences, streamline efficiencies internally, and help keep costs down. Technology is also playing an increasingly important role in identifying and mitigating fraud earlier in the process, which strengthens risk management and protects all stakeholders.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of helping lead the transformation from a fully paper-based contracting and manual funding process to a 100% e-contract platform with a strong focus on automation. When we began, our funding timeline averaged around 10 days. Through process improvements, technology implementation, and automation, we reduced that timeline to under 3 days.

A key part of this accomplishment has also been working directly with developers to build and enhance a self-service platform for our dealer partners, providing them with better tools, greater efficiency, and a more seamless experience.

These improvements have strengthened operational performance, improved dealer satisfaction, and enhanced fraud prevention and risk controls, while positioning the business for greater scalability.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
Personally, the person who has inspired me most is my mom. As a single mother raising three children, she worked long and demanding hours in the casino industry while ensuring our family was supported and cared for. Her strength, determination, and work ethic showed me that it is possible to build a successful career while also being fully present as a parent. That example shaped my belief in what is possible through resilience and hard work, and I hope my daughters see that same example in me.

Professionally, I have been fortunate to have several strong mentors throughout my career who have encouraged me to continue pushing toward my goals, trust my instincts, and think bigger. I have also been supported by leadership and colleagues who have consistently invested in my growth and provided opportunities to take on new challenges and expanded responsibility within the organization. Their guidance and support have helped me grow not only as a leader, but also as a woman in the automotive industry, navigating and advancing in a traditionally male-dominated space.