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 Lori Kahre, director of industry relations at Kinetic Advantage.

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?
After spending more than 25 years in the trucking industry, I didn’t initially plan to enter automotive, but an unexpected pivot led me here at exactly the right time. I was looking for a new challenge, something that would stretch me in different ways, and I quickly realized the auto industry offered that and more.

What I enjoy most is the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of the business. No two days are the same, and the constant change requires you to stay curious, adaptable, and forward thinking. The challenges are real, but that’s what makes the work so energizing and rewarding.

I’m especially inspired by the resilience of independent dealers. Their ability to adapt, persevere, and continue to succeed, regardless of market conditions, is remarkable. They embody the entrepreneurial spirit and grit that make this industry so dynamic.

Beyond the work itself, the relationships I’ve built along the way have been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. The collaboration, shared problem solving, and friendships formed are what truly make this space special and keeps me excited about what’s ahead.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
The accomplishment I’m most proud of in my career is partnering with diverse, cross functional teams to build two floorplan companies from the ground up. These efforts required an extraordinary level of commitment — long hours, complex problem solving, and alignment around shared goals — often during highly unfavorable economic conditions.

What made these achievements truly meaningful wasn’t simply launching successful organizations, but how we did it. Teams across operations, credit, sales, technology, and compliance came together with a collective determination to move quickly, adapt continuously, and solve challenges in real time. Each group brought a different perspective, and success depended on trust, transparency, and a willingness to collaborate deeply.

Building something from scratch requires resilience and humility—you learn fast, adjust often, and rely on one another to keep moving forward. Seeing that level of teamwork translate into two fully operational, sustainable floorplan companies remains a defining moment in my career.

And even more than the end result, I’m proud of the culture we built along the way; one rooted in collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership. That experience continues to shape how I approach leadership and partnership today.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
One book that has inspired me both personally and professionally is “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek. The book explores why some teams build deep trust, collaborate effectively, and consistently perform at a high level—while others struggle.

What resonated most with me is the concept of the “Circle of Safety.” Sinek emphasizes that when leaders prioritize and protect their people, they create environments where individuals feel safe to take risks, be vulnerable, and truly collaborate. That idea reinforced my own belief that strong leadership starts with trust and psychological safety. Similar to Kim Scott’s Radical Candor concept- care personally, challenge directly.

One of the most powerful takeaways for me is that leadership is a choice, not a title. It’s about how you show up for others every day. When people feel valued and supported, performance, creativity, and engagement naturally follow. The book also serves as an important reminder that success can lead to complacency if leaders lose sight of the people who made it possible.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
Personally, early in life, my father really inspired me. A second-generation immigrant whose work ethic and perseverance shaped my foundation. Watching him approach every challenge with discipline and pride instilled values that continue to guide me today.

Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to be inspired by many people throughout my career, particularly mentors who showed up at pivotal moments along my professional journey.

Rather than a single individual, it’s this collective group of leaders, colleagues, and coaches who has influenced me most.

Their guidance, encouragement, and willingness to invest in my growth shaped not only how I lead, but how I collaborate and approach challenges. They modeled what strong leadership looks like — grounded in integrity, resilience, and genuine care for people.

Watching them navigate complexity with humility and clarity taught me the value of listening, adaptability, and shared accountability.

Those lessons continue to inform how I show up today. I strive to lead with empathy, build trust across teams, and create space for others to grow — just as so many did for me. I’m deeply grateful for the example they set and the lasting impact they’ve had on my career.