Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2026 Women in Remarketing honorees in the April 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 Liz Gagnon, who is a strategic account executive at ACV.

The Women in Remarketing program is presented by Ally.

What prompted/inspired you to join the auto industry and what do you enjoy most about it?
I have been a gearhead for as long as I can remember, and no- my dad doesn’t know anything about cars.  I was sucked in by the sound of every engine rev in my teens.  Although I loved cars, I didn’t believe in myself that it could be the basis of my career until I married an ASE Master Tech. As I helped him study for his exams, I realized, “There is zero reason why I can’t do this, too.”

I passed my first ASE and we opened our first dealership.  The next 20 years were a blur of parts, labor, titles, and kids, but I cannot imagine being anywhere else.  This industry allows me to leverage my education, skills, and experience every day to, not only support my family, but also to inspire other women to do the same – there is no better professional fulfillment than that.

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
In the automotive space, I am focused on new technologies and their practical, real-world application.  AI is no longer a buzzword or the future – it’s here and can be a tool in every aspect of our industry.  I am careful to apply my pragmatic side to new tech – these are tools not replacements – but it’s clear the future is here.  Inspection and damage detection technologies are demonstrating how quickly we can acquire a multitude of data points but using these tools should empower us, not make us dependent.  My instincts tell me we’re on the brink of something very big, but we should remain strategic in how we use the new knowledge.  I’m curious and excited to be in this timeline for the next 10 years.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
Small wins often are overlooked throughout one’s career, but sometimes they mean the most.  I had a potential client once tell me, “Liz, you seem nice but you will never, ever get my business.”  I responded, “That’s very considerate to tell me and I appreciate the candor, but if you don’t mind I will still come see you and check in just to say hello.”  She agreed and I put a reminder in my phone to show up, no matter what, the same time every two weeks.  I did this, never asking for the business, for over a year.  I was so close to ceasing these visits when finally she broke.  When she gave me the first 10 cars to sell, she said, “Nobody deserves these more than you do.”  I sold all ten and stopped for champagne on my way home.  No one else could possibly understand how a mere 10 cars meant to my spirit at that moment.  I will never be more proud than when I turn a “hard no” into a “yes, absolutely.”

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
Not a movie, but a scene.  In 1992, I watched “My Cousin Vinny” in theaters and watched in awe the famous Marisa Tomei scene where she confidently explains to a room full of men the ignition timing of a 327 with a 4 barrel carburetor.  I immediately knew I needed to be an expert like that.  Her character also showed me that I could learn so much about cars and remain feminine.  It was then that I began my love affair with cars and asking all the “why” questions – so I could know with confidence the “because” answers.  I can still recite her monologue by heart, so clearly it has stuck with me for over 30 years.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
There have been so many people in this industry who have been inspirational, and it’s really difficult to only mention one.  I try to learn something from everyone I encounter, especially since each person brings something unique to an interaction or project.  My former coworker Ashley Roseberry taught me that being your best self doesn’t have to darken anyone else’s path.  My husband taught me that being a woman doesn’t mean I can’t rip an engine out of a car and wearing gloves is ok when I’m doing it.  My current bosses, Michael Cimato and Joe Mappes, are currently teaching me the art of temperance in the midst of chaos and that your network is only as strong as your integrity. And the current 52 women who hold CEO positions in the Fortune 500 remind me every day of the infinite opportunities that at one time weren’t possible.