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 Courtney Hoffman, president of APCO Holdings.

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 grew up in the auto industry. My grandmother was the first female auto dealer in Florida, so dealerships were a part of my life from an early age. I saw firsthand the energy, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that define this business, and it inspired me to build my own career in the industry.

What I enjoy most is the people and the passion. Automotive is an industry where hard work, determination, and relationships truly matter. It’s one of the few industries where someone can start on the lot, learn the business, and work their way up to leading or even owning a dealership. That opportunity and upward mobility are incredibly powerful, and I’m passionate about helping others grow and succeed within this industry.

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
One of the biggest trends I’m watching in the used-car industry this year is the continued focus on affordability and how dealers are using technology and data to respond to it. Consumers are keeping vehicles longer, monthly payments remain top of mind, and demand for quality used vehicles continues to be strong. At the same time, dealers are becoming much more sophisticated with AI-driven pricing, inventory management, and digital retail tools to better serve customers and protect profitability.

I also think we’ll continue to see growth in certified and value-added ownership experiences, because today’s consumers want transparency, trust, and long-term value —not just a transaction. Dealers who can combine technology with a strong customer experience will be the ones who stand out.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of in my career is helping lead and execute more than 40 acquisitions across the automotive and F&I industry. M&A is about much more than closing deals — it’s about bringing together people, cultures, and businesses in a way that creates long-term value and growth opportunities for everyone involved.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to identify strategic opportunities, help scale organizations, and support teams through periods of transformation and growth. Seeing those businesses succeed after integration — and knowing the impact it has on employees, partners, and customers — is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the power of strong relationships, disciplined execution, and having a clear long-term vision.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
“Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons has always resonated with me both personally and professionally. The message is about resilience, pushing through challenges, and being willing to do the hard work necessary to grow and succeed. In the automotive industry, especially in leadership, there are always obstacles and moments that test you, and that mindset of perseverance and determination is incredibly important. The song is a reminder to stay focused, adaptable, and willing to keep evolving no matter what challenges come your way.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
Personally, and professionally, one of the people who inspires me most is my husband, Randy Hoffman, COO of Ed Morse Automotive Group. Watching his leadership, work ethic, and the success he’s had in the automotive industry continually pushes me to be better. We both entered the M&A space around the same time, and I’ve learned so much from seeing how he approaches growth opportunities, relationships, and decision-making.

One of the greatest lessons he’s taught me is to give major decisions 24 hours before acting on them. That perspective and patience have been invaluable throughout my career. Beyond that, he’s simply an incredibly hardworking person and a strong partner who understands the demands and opportunities of this industry, which has made a tremendous impact on both my personal and professional growth.