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 Jodi Matarazzo, owner of WhyBuyNewAutos.com.

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 joined the automotive industry to support our family business. My Dad was a mechanic, so I grew up spending time with him in the garage.  When I met my husband, he was a car wholesaler and then, he went into the retail side and we opened the dealership in Rocklin. Since then, I have found a true passion for the work.

There is nothing like the adrenaline rush of an auction.  I sincerely enjoy meeting new people and take great pride in helping my customers find the right vehicles to fulfill their specific needs.  No two days are the same, so you are always on your toes waiting for what’s next.  It is said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”  I love this quote because I truly enjoy my work!

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
The used-car industry has changed and evolved over the last five years.  Customers have access to more information.  They come in prepared with more knowledge and research available to them.

AI and Google searches make the market highly competitive.  Finance rates have more than doubled and consumers have a hard time with rates being so high. I’m seeing more cash buyers as a result. Used cars are not as readily available resulting in less profit margins on sought after vehicles. KBB values are not like they used to be either with some not even available.  This makes financing more challenging, but it is all part of the business.  Times are changing and I face new challenges daily.  You have to learn to adjust with the times!

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
I work in the commercial truck industry.  When my husband passed away eight years ago, I was faced with running our business or selling.  I was lucky enough to get to have this hard conversation with my husband.  He was supportive and told me I could do it, but he would also understand if I wanted out as this was his dream.  I had been working alongside him at our dealership, but he ran the daily operations.  I was there every day, but I definitely left the hard decisions to him.

I am most proud of the fact that I’ve kept his dream going.  I didn’t give up, and I can’t imagine my life any other way.  I was able to take over his role and with the help of great employees, my family, mentors and friends, strive in this industry.  I love being in the automotive world!  I have formed valuable friendships with business associates and customers, as well as the combined success achieved with my employees.  My day is never the same.  One day I’m buying, the next I’m selling, then I’m financing and contracting.  I love every part of the process and I’m happy to be part of it.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
I’m an avid book reader.  I think every book I read inspires me in some way or I wouldn’t read as much.  If I had to choose one, it would be “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss.  I first read this book when I was really young and I continue to read and pass it on to other young children.  It is inspiring!  It encourages you to celebrate life and all it has to offer.

It takes you on life’s roller coaster and just opens your eyes to all this world has to offer.  It lets you discover that life isn’t perfect, but you can succeed with perseverance and hard work.  That bad things happen and it is your choice how you face them and ultimately, where you will go from there. Life is a book that you are always writing and each chapter is just the next journey.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
My late husband was an amazing car wholesaler, retailer, buyer, mechanic, and all-around great guy.  He inspired me daily, both personally and professionally.  He taught me the business and how to succeed in it.  He didn’t just hand me the reigns, though; he made me work for it.  I worked in every department.  He wanted me to understand the business in its entirety and how each department was crucial to get to the end product.

Presentation is key to the start of the car buying process.  If you can present a used vehicle in like new condition, then a customer knows you care.  If they don’t like what they see, you will never get them to the next step, which is purchasing your vehicle.  He taught me the value in understanding every role at a dealership.  In a small business, you are like one big family.  There is something to be said about treating others as you wish to be treated and he showed this to our employees and customers on a daily basis.  I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and guidance he showed me and all the industry insights he provided.