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 is Kathryn Moore, dealer principal at Speck Dealerships.

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 am a fourth-generation car dealer, so the automotive industry has always been a part of my life. In many ways, being a car dealer is part of my identity. While many people think our business is simply about selling cars, what I enjoy most is the opportunity to make a positive impact in our community.

This year, our dealerships donated $50,000 to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center to help purchase a high-contrast mammography machine, giving women in our area access to earlier breast cancer detection without having to travel elsewhere. We are also proud sponsors of our local rodeo. One of the things I love about supporting the rodeo is that it provides local youth with the opportunity to learn responsibility, hard work, and entrepreneurship through raising and selling animals.

Beyond those efforts, we support many other local organizations, schools, youth programs, and community events throughout the year. Our goal has always been to treat every customer like a lifetime friend, not just a transaction. Being deeply involved in the communities we serve is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and it is what inspires me to come to work every day.

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
One of the biggest trends I am watching in the used-car industry this year is the significant fluctuation in auction values. Wholesale prices have been moving much more rapidly than many dealers are accustomed to, making inventory management and pricing strategies increasingly important. A vehicle purchased at auction today can have a very different market value just a few weeks later.

These fluctuations create both opportunities and challenges. Dealers who closely monitor market conditions and adjust quickly can find great opportunities, while those who don’t may find themselves carrying inventory that no longer aligns with current market demand. Staying disciplined with inventory acquisition and focusing on vehicles that fit the needs of our local market has become more important than ever.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
My biggest accomplishment has been taking our family’s Chevrolet dealership and growing it into a six-store dealer group. While I’m proud of the business growth itself, what means the most to me is building something that can continue for future generations.

Today, both my son, Teddy Moore, and my daughter, Ally Moore, work alongside me and are helping lead the business as the fifth generation of our family. Watching them develop as leaders and having the opportunity to teach, mentor, and spend time with them every day has been incredibly rewarding.

Creating a successful dealer group is something I’m proud of, but creating a legacy and preparing the next generation to carry it forward is what I consider my greatest accomplishment. I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity to work with my children and leave them something meaningful that we’ve built together.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
The book that has inspired me most recently is “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara. It’s a book about delivering exceptional customer service and creating experiences that exceed customers’ expectations.

One story that stood out to me involved guests visiting New York City for the first time. During their meal, the staff learned they were leaving town without ever trying a classic New York hot dog. Rather than letting them miss out on that experience, a waiter ran to a nearby hot dog cart, brought back a street hot dog, and had the chef present it in a special way. The hot dog cost less than five dollars and took only a few minutes to arrange, but the guests were absolutely thrilled. It became one of the most memorable parts of their visit.

That story reinforced a philosophy I strongly believe in: the key to being the best is giving customers an experience they never expected. In our business, I try to treat every customer as if they were coming over for dinner at my home—making them feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Finding ways to create that level of hospitality is something I strive for every day.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
Professionally, one of the people who has inspired me the most is Chris Collins. Our dealerships recently implemented the Chris Collins service process, and it has had a significant impact on both my business and my personal growth as a leader.

Before adopting the process, I relied heavily on instincts and experience. I have always felt confident in the sales side of the business, but the Chris Collins program gave me a clear system for managing and measuring the performance of our service departments. Today, I can identify issues more quickly, hold my teams accountable, and make better decisions based on data rather than assumptions.

The experience has helped me become a more well-rounded dealer. It has shown me the value of building processes that create consistency, accountability, and long-term success. As a result, I have grown not only as a business owner but also as a leader.