CARY, N.C. –

Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2021 Women in Remarketing honorees in the March issue of the magazine, and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website.

Next up is Maria F. Giraldo, who is remarketing manager at United Auto Credit Corp.

Auto Remarketing: What do you enjoy most about working in the remarketing industry? But, also, what aspect(s) of the business would you change — and how?

Maria F. Giraldo: I enjoy interacting with other professionals in the industry. I thrive on making the most advantageous connections that bring positive solutions to my team. Remarketing is fast-paced, and I look forward to sale days.

With some auction companies going to online only, it poses challenges for the consignors that are not selling 2-3-year-old lease returns.  

Although greats strides have been made, we are still not to a place with technology where an online buyer can buy an older repossessed vehicle with the same confidence that same car is bought by an in-lane buyer.

AR: What are some improvements that need to be made in the industry from a diversity and inclusion perspective? What are some examples you’ve seen of D&I programs that have worked?

MG: I believe we can improve on educating a diverse group of young people about the remarketing industry.  Most people do not know what we do or what career paths are available. The majority of high schools or post-secondary institutions have programs that would allow guest speakers.

Women in Remarketing affords us the opportunity to be highlighted in an industry that was primarily made up of men.

AR: Describe a time when you were either a mentor or a mentee, and how that has shaped your career.

MG: I started my career with United Auto Credit in funding. After seven years of being with that department, I received an opportunity to train under Scott Mousaw, director of remarketing. I have always appreciated his perspective on successful business practices and knowledge of the auto finance industry. Because of him and a wonderful team of individuals, I have been able to excel in our industry. 

AR: Describe a time in your career where you were challenged and how you overcame that challenge.

MG: When I first began in remarketing, I had a limited view of what my position entailed. Initially, I felt overwhelmed and under-qualified. After giving myself a pep talk, receiving support from my manager and auction partners, I overcame my deficits.  I asked a lot of questions and recognized how imperative it was to build positive relationships with our auction partners. This piece is crucial.

AR: What is the top trend/storyline in the remarketing industry that you’re watching this year?

MG: How amazing our industry was in adjusting to other ways to get sales moving. Witnessing the shift in on-site auction sales to utilizing simulcast auction sales more due to the pandemic. 

AR: What is something you would tell your younger self if you could go back to when you started your career in remarketing?

MG: Create a more sophisticated and flexible online platform just in case a pandemic hits 🙂

Don’t be intimidated by new challenges when you first begin. There is a learning curve, but embrace it.