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 Alexis Cain, regional sales manager of Pam AI.

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?
Truthfully, automotive has always been part of my story — even before I fully realized it.

Growing up, my father was part of a pit crew in ARCA racing, so cars, racing, and the automotive world were around me from an early age. Later, my mother married into the Poynter family, where I was introduced to the retail side of automotive through family-owned dealerships. My stepdad, Bob, owned several stores, and my step-grandfather, Bob Poynter Sr. (84), still operates and owns dealerships today — 46 years family-owned and operated.

I even spent time working in dealerships myself, helping as a receptionist and filing paperwork in the service department. Looking back, I smile because at the time, I never realized how much those early experiences were shaping me.

Ironically, after college I stepped away from automotive and spent nearly a decade in technology, where I was first introduced to AI and innovation. For a while, I truly thought that was my path alone. But life has a funny way of bringing you full circle.

Through familiar relationships, I found my way back into automotive — first through chat and digital retailing, and eventually to Pam AI, where everything clicked. I realized AI was not only my niche, but my passion — especially in automotive.

What I enjoy most about this industry is simple: the people. Automotive is built on relationships, trust, resilience, and real partnership. It is an industry that never stops evolving, and I genuinely love being part of helping shape what comes next and educating those in automotive AI.

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
The top trend I am watching in the used-car industry this year is not simply AI itself — it is the education, adoption, and intentional implementation of AI.

Right now, everyone is talking about AI, but many are still trying to understand where it truly creates value versus where it creates noise. I believe the biggest opportunity in automotive is moving beyond the excitement of AI and toward education around how to use it responsibly, strategically, and in ways that genuinely improve both the dealer, employee and customer experience.

The most successful organizations will not be the ones who adopt the most AI tools — they will be the ones who identify real operational pain points and implement technology with purpose.

In automotive, relationships, trust, and people will always matter. AI should never replace that — it should strengthen it.

What excites me most is the opportunity to help bridge that gap through education, transparency, and real conversations around what meaningful AI adoption actually looks like in dealerships. I am passionate about helping our industry better understand not just what AI can do, but what problems it should solve.

I truly believe we are at the beginning of one of the greatest transformations automotive has seen, and those willing to learn, adapt, and lead with intention will help shape the future of this industry.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
The accomplishment I’m most proud of in my career, it would be the journey itself.

Just three years ago, I was rebuilding. Automotive has always been part of my story — I grew up around dealerships, in garages, and alongside the pit lane from as far back as I can remember. But stepping back into the automotive industry professionally looked very different than it does today. I was working a second job for quite some time just to get by and, most importantly, to take care of my son.

Fast forward three years, and to now have the honor and privilege of being recognized here is an accomplishment and goal in itself.

Professionally, I’m incredibly proud to have helped drive over $2+ million in ARR with Pam in a short amount of time of starting, accomplishing goals I once only dreamed about. But truthfully, the number itself is not what I’m most proud of.

What I value most is the trust built along the way.

This industry is built on relationships, knowledge, presence, and being a true partner. Real impact happens when trust is earned, not expected. Pam and my previous role, along with 10 years of technology and AI experience, has given me the opportunity to help dealerships embrace innovation while building meaningful relationships rooted in partnership.

Automotive has shaped so much of who I am and I wouldn’t trade this industry for a thing. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey, the people, and the opportunity to continue growing within it.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
Not specifically a book or song itself, rather a be a combination of music and mindset would answer this.

Hans Zimmer’s music has inspired me in a way that is difficult to fully explain. There is something about the emotion, intensity, and purpose behind his compositions that helps me lock in, think bigger, and stay focused. Whether it is preparing for a major opportunity, navigating challenges, or simply staying disciplined, his music reminds me to lead with vision and keep moving forward, even in uncertain moments.

I have also been deeply inspired by Napoleon Hill and the power of mindset. I strongly believe that the thoughts we think, the words we speak, and the energy we surround ourselves with matter. Positive affirmations and intentional thinking have become a meaningful part of how I approach both life and business.

I believe confidence, resilience, and abundance begin internally before they ever show up externally. The way we speak to ourselves shapes the way we show up for others.

That belief has influenced where I am today — how I build relationships, how I approach challenges, and how I continue striving for growth. In an industry built on trust, people, and perseverance, I believe mindset is one of the most powerful tools we can carry with us.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
I have been fortunate to be inspired by several people throughout both my personal and professional journey, but if I had to start anywhere, it would be with my stepdad, Bob, and my step-grandfather, Bob Poynter Sr.

My stepdad introduced me to the true retail side of automotive and showed me what building something meaningful really looks like. Watching a family-owned business operate successfully for over 46 years taught me lessons that go far beyond sales or operations. One thing that has always amazed me is the loyalty of their people. In a small town like Seymour, Indiana, relationships are everything, and the fact that employee turnover has remained incredibly low over decades speaks volumes.

To me, that says one thing clearly: when you truly take care of people, they stay.

They showed me early on that great business is never just about transactions — it is about relationships, trust, reputation, and genuinely caring for the people around you. In automotive, especially, people remember how you make them feel long after the deal is done.

I would also be remiss not to mention the leadership team at Pam that initially sought out introduced me to this opportunity. They continue to inspire me through the impact they bring to this industry and the way each one of them carries themselves as leaders. The founders behind PAM have reinforced something I deeply value: people over transactions. They genuinely care about their employees, customers, and partners — and that is powerful.

I truly hope to carry and represent myself with that same level of integrity, care, and leadership throughout my career.