CARY, N.C. -

In a key complement to our Women in Remarketing and Women in Auto Finance franchises, Auto Remarketing is proud to celebrate our second annual Women in Retail awards, a program sponsored by CarGurus.

We spotlight these honorees in the Oct. 15 issue of Auto Remarketing, which includes Q&As with each recipient of the award.

Next up is Mallory Davis, owner of Davis Buick GMC Cadillac.

Auto Remarketing: What was your path to working in automotive, and what do you enjoy most about the industry?
Mallory Davis: I received my Masters in Accounting from the University of Arkansas and then studied to become a CPA. I worked in public accounting for a couple years before my husband, Tyler, and I moved back to his hometown to work at a friend’s dealership. I was the CFO/controller for seven years before my husband and I purchased our dealership this year.

AR: Who is a leader, within the auto industry, that you admire and why?
MD: My stepdad, Rod Alberts, is someone that I truly admire within the auto industry and out. He is the executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and the North American International Auto Show. He has made the NAIAS one of the top five auto shows in the world and the show’s Charity Preview night is one of the largest fundraising events in the world. I admire his ability to keep changing with the times and challenges faced and his innovative ideas never cease to amaze me.

AR: What accomplishment or moment in your career are you most proud of?
MD: I am most proud of the moment that Tyler and I were able to finalize and sign the paperwork to become dealership owners. We were presented with this opportunity about a year ago and have worked so hard to make it a reality. Buying a dealership in 2020 during a pandemic definitely had its challenges. After it was finalized, we were told that we are currently the youngest GM owners and I am the youngest-ever female dealership principal of a non-inherited store.

AR: What do you enjoy most about working in the auto industry?
MD: I enjoy the freedom that the auto industry provides. I love being able to be a mom to our kids, Hayes (5) and Weston (3), while still being able to successfully operate a business with my husband. I also enjoy all the people you get to meet and work with that become your friends over the years.

AR: What advice would you have for someone just starting out in retail automotive?
MD: The advice that I would give to someone just starting out in retail automotive is to be able to adapt to change. The car business is always changing so being able to adapt to changes keeps us relevant and competitive. Knowing what changes need to happen and implementing them helps us provide a better experience for our customers and a better workplace for our employees.