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 Missy Stamidis, assistant director of retail operations at DriveTime Family of Brands.

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?
My path into the auto industry began unexpectedly. I started with a previous employer connected to my aunt’s work in GAP claims and didn’t fully understand the industry at the time. When I transitioned to DriveTime, I started in collections and customer service, looking to apply my service background in serving and banking. What I quickly discovered was a passion for problem-solving, especially in high-pressure situations with escalated customer concerns. Early exposure to escalations and customer relations helped me realize how impactful this work could be.

So, what I enjoy most about my field, even with the transformation and growth of my responsibilities, is one and the same. Early in my career, working on phones, it was the ability to truly help our customers. Being part of a solution that helped them get reliable transportation was incredibly rewarding. Today, as a leader, that passion has evolved into helping my team do the same. Equipping them to solve problems, support others, and make a meaningful difference every day.

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
When it comes to trends, I like to keep an eye on the big picture. One thing I’m always watching, in general, is the economy and the role it plays in the work we do as an organization. Our business is directly tied to dealership performance and customer demand, so understanding how to maximize our efforts and operate more efficiently while continuing to deliver strong results is critical.

In recent years, particularly during COVID, we learned how to adapt and operate with greater efficiency. That lesson continues to shape how we approach our work today. It’s about empowering our teams and enhancing the customer experience without losing effectiveness. Ultimately, success in today’s environment depends on how well we leverage our people, refine our processes, and respond to economic conditions that impact our customers’ ability to purchase and maintain vehicles.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
When you’ve been at an organization as long as I have, the years can sometimes blur together. But I’ll always remember the launching pad of my career here the most vividly.

What I’m most proud of is simple: setting a goal early in my career to move into customer relations and then achieving it. When I started at DriveTime, I quickly realized that customer relations was where I wanted to be, even though the path required gaining experience in other areas like service and warranty.

I was intentional about learning what it took to get there. I connected with people already in those roles and asked for guidance. I spoke to leaders to understand what I needed to do to take that next step. But most importantly, I made a plan and worked toward building the right skills.

Within a relatively short time, I transitioned into customer relations, making a lateral move because I knew it was the right long-term step.  I didn’t know exactly where I’d land after I made the move, but I was determined to make it happen. That decision shaped my career. Since then, I’ve continued to grow across multiple departments and expand my impact.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
Being a mother of three — my oldest daughter and then my two sons — most of my free time is dedicated to what their interests are. My working moms and leaders know the feeling: it can be a bit chaotic! But if I had to pick one movie, I would say “Remember the Titans,” a sports movie with Denzel Washington. What really stuck with me about it was the core message that, at the end of the day, we’re all human. The powerful way you can overcome a challenge when you have the support of a team or your family. It’s a message that I teach my children, too.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
My biggest inspiration is my kids. They’re all about to enter these new phases in life, whether that’s graduating high school, entering high school, and beginning middle school. Being their mother truly motivates me to lead by example. I want them to understand the value of hard work, accountability, and perseverance.

I learned very early in life the importance of speaking up and advocating for yourself, which has been a guiding principle throughout my career. I carry that forward in how I approach both work and life.

I believe strongly in encouraging others to seek feedback, pursue growth, and find environments where they feel fulfilled. Success isn’t handed to you. You have to work for it, ask questions, and continuously challenge yourself. That mindset is something I strive to pass on, both to my team and at home.