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 Corey Haire, vice president of regional sales at CarMax.

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?
From a very early age, I developed a deep connection to the automotive world. Some of my favorite memories are of being in the driveway with my dad, working on what today would be considered a classic car. That passion was really solidified when we rebuilt an old Firebird he bought me for my 16th birthday. I still remember the first time I drove the car to a high school basketball game with my sister and her friend — it worked.

Today, what I enjoy most about this industry is developing people — helping up-and-coming leaders grow, build confidence, and reach their full potential. The passion that started in the driveway has never left; it’s just taken on a different form.

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
The evolution of EVs is the space I’m watching most closely. It’s an ever-changing landscape in our industry that continues to bring new value to consumers. It’s also a learning journey—for customers as they educate themselves and determine whether an EV fits their lifestyle, and our industry as the product rapidly evolves.

I’m especially proud of CarMax’s EV Hub, “All Things EV,” which guides customers through everything from lifestyle considerations to what to evaluate when purchasing a used EV. Given how quickly EV models are changing, staying connected to that evolution is both important and fascinating

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
While I’m proud of many professional milestones, what stands out most is building a fulfilling career while raising three amazing sons. That balance didn’t happen by accident—it required intentional choices.

First, I chose to join a company that doesn’t just talk about work-life balance but actively supports associates and leaders in taking care of themselves and their families. Second, I chose the right partner in life.

My husband has been my biggest supporter from the beginning, and we’ve always approached parenting as a team. He was a stay-at-home dad before it was widely recognized as the demanding and meaningful role it truly is, and he did it for more than 20 years. None of what I’ve accomplished professionally would have been possible without that foundation at home.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
Bob Lutz’s book “Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business” really resonated with me. Its core message — prioritizing product excellence, creativity, and long-term vision over short-term metrics — has influenced how I think about leadership and decision-making.

The book reinforced the importance of staying connected to both the customer and day-to-day operations. Data is valuable, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. For me, being in our locations alongside our teams provides the full picture. That balance — between what the data shows and what you observe on the ground — is where the clearest understanding of performance and the best decisions come from. It also gives me the perspective needed to identify changes and challenges in the industry that we need to adapt to.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
One of the most influential people in my personal and professional journey is the leader who hired me nearly 30 years ago. His impact continues to shape how I show up as a leader today.

What stood out most was his commitment to growth. He made significant personal sacrifices, including relocating his family, to help expand and strengthen the organization. That level of dedication set a clear example of investing in something bigger than yourself.

He also led by example every day. He didn’t just set expectations — he consistently modeled them, reinforcing that credibility is built through actions. He was intentional about providing real-time, meaningful feedback, which drove development and built trust across the team.

Most importantly, he showed me how leaders shape culture. Through his decisions and behaviors, he reinforced that culture isn’t defined once — it’s built and sustained every day.

His example has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to influence how I lead and develop others.