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 Monica Utter, dealer principal at Bill Utter Ford.

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?
What I enjoy most about the auto industry is serving people and helping them safely get where they need to go. Reliable transportation is something most of us depend on every day, and it’s rewarding to know we’re helping families get to work, school, vacations, and all of life’s important moments. At Bill Utter Ford, our goal is to treat every customer like family and build relationships that last for generations. There’s nothing more meaningful than seeing customers return year after year and watching their children and grandchildren become part of the Bill Utter Ford family as well.

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
One of the biggest trends I’m watching in the used-car industry this year is the continued demand for high-quality, late-model pre-owned vehicles. Consumers are keeping vehicles longer, and affordability remains a key consideration for many families, which has increased the value of well-maintained used inventory. At the end of the day, customers still want the same thing: a fair price, a seamless experience, and a reliable vehicle they can count on.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
The accomplishment I am most proud of is Bill Utter Ford earning a place on Ford’s Top 100 Volume Dealers list for the first time in our dealership’s 70-year history. In 2025, we achieved a ranking of No. 73 in the nation, which was an incredible milestone for our team and our family business. What made the achievement even more special was that Bill Utter Ford was also recognized as Rookie of the Year among all first-time Top 100 dealers, reflecting the growth and dedication of our entire organization.

On a personal level, this accomplishment means so much because we were able to share the news with my husband, Bill Utter Jr., before he passed away in January 2026. This recognition belongs to every employee, customer, and family member who helped build Bill Utter Ford into what it is today.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
I’ve been fortunate to have many people inspire me throughout my life, so it’s difficult to choose just one. My family has had a long history in the automotive industry, and I’ve learned something valuable from each generation.

From my husband, Bill Utter Jr., to our extended family involved in dealerships across North Texas, I’ve been surrounded by people who have demonstrated the importance of hard work, perseverance, and taking care of customers. While I’ve had many role models, what inspires me most today is seeing the next generation step forward. Watching my daughter, Bailee, become involved in Bill Utter Ford and carry on our family’s commitment to serving customers and our community has been incredibly meaningful.

As a third-generation Utter, she represents the future of a business that has been built over decades through relationships, trust, and a dedication to putting people first. There is something special about seeing the values that have guided our family for generations continue through the next generation, and that is a source of pride and inspiration for me every day.