Below is a Q&A with Jessica Stafford, vice president of marketing for Cox Automotive Media Solutions Group and a 2017 Women in Remarketing honoree.
Auto Remarketing: What was your path to the automotive industry, and what do you enjoy most about working in the car business?
Jessica Stafford: I started out on the agency-side of marketing, working for several ad agencies in the telecom, hospitality and retail space. The opportunity to come to what was then Autotrader.com, gave me the chance to work in-house on the brand side of marketing. That was important because it allowed me to truly drive business decisions and not just advertising plans.
Autotrader was the first leg of my automotive journey. I've developed a deep love for the auto industry — in which products change frequently and competition is fierce.
As Cox Automotive has grown from a few automotive brands to 25, the car business has become far more than a line on my resume or a stint in my marketing career.
The opportunity to work in a space that's highly entrepreneurial has inspired and motivated me. I love marketing and the work that I get to do each day, but getting to do it within an industry that sits at the very soul of our culture, and see it from every angle — manufacturers, car buyers and dealer retailers — is an extremely unique experience.
AR: How is the remarketing/used-car segment of the business most different from when you first started out?
JS: I would say that the evolution of what car shoppers want has been the most dramatic change. Watching how consumers search according to their lifestyles and needs versus by make, model and location. If a mom can get an SUV that fits three car seats and has storage for a double stroller, then she may not care if the vehicle is a used, certified pre-owned or a new car. It's whatever works best and she and her family can afford!
On the retail side, for dealers, finding ways to keep up with changing consumer demand and stock inventory that answers all of those different consumers' needs has become more challenging. Not only does a dealership have to have the right car at the right price, they have to be able to sell and deliver it wrapped in a great buying experience.
It has been amazing to see how the industry has evolved and adapted to both digital tools and new selling strategies that allow for all of that.
AR: How would you describe your leadership style and approach to problem-solving?
JS: My style: It is all about the team. I strive to lead from a place of inclusiveness and warmth, but I place high expectations on that in terms of effectiveness and innovation. I try to create a very diverse environment where team members are free to share ideas and be creative in all that we do.
For me, the tricky part is always ensuring that creativity delivers value for our business and our clients. My mission every day is to enable the team I lead to empower themselves and each other. To me, Cox Automotive feels like a family. It's an entity that fuels and sustains itself with its own energy.
AR: What have been some of the top keys to your success in the car business?
JS: After 10 years at Autotrader, I can apply my experience on almost a gut-level. However, a key to my success is the ability to challenge those assumptions and my own thinking with new ideas and knowledge from the team around me. And it always helps to put the consumer first.
Understanding how car shoppers think and how they'd like to shop is the bedrock for everything that we do. From there, we build tools and cull information that enables the car industry, automakers and dealers, to match those consumer needs.
AR: Who are some folks, whether in the auto industry or not, that you admire professionally, and why?
JS: I would definitely list my parents at the top of the list of people that I admire professionally. They aren't in the automotive industry. They are in marketing and advertising and taught me to always strive to love what you do and do what you love. My parents set a great example of finding the right balance of professional success and personal happiness that enables the life you want for your family.
I'm lucky to have learned from amazing marketers and business people from inside and outside the company. I look at Mary Barra and see an amazing example of leadership in our space. Impactful, decisive leaders like Sandy Schwartz within Cox Automotive have influenced me and shown me how great leaders can actually create opportunity and change an industry for the better.
AR: When you are able to get away from the office or work, what do you enjoy? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.?
JS: I spend every minute I can with my family. My husband, Pete, and our two boys, Jack (5) and Cole (2). Those energetic boys keep me incredibly busy, from T-ball games to trips to the park, to bike rides in the driveway.
Their love for cars and trucks makes me know they are already obsessed with the industry and destined for great things in our world. I also enjoy traveling, fine arts and exercise, although my time for those things has dwindled these days while chasing around the two energetic toddlers.
Below is a Q&A with Marti Eulberg, director of brand management at Sonic Automotive and EchoPark Automotive and a 2017 Women in Remarketing honoree.
Auto Remarketing: What was your path to the automotive industry, and what do you enjoy most about working in the car business?
Marti Eulberg: I don’t think it has necessarily been a path as much as it has been a journey. I enjoy the fact that cars connect people and everyone has a story. This journey has allowed me to travel the world and experience mobility on many different levels. It gives you a great appreciation for fulfilling basic transportation needs, as well as someone’s dream to own a luxury sports car.
AR: How is the remarketing/used-car segment of the business most different from when you first started out?
ME: That was a long time ago! I would say that retail has changed significantly — the way people research, shop and buy is significantly different than it was 20 years ago; so, it’s not just about “our” business, but how people shop today online/virtually, as well as in brick-and-mortar locations.
What has been exciting is to integrate innovative retail strategies, looking outside our industry and being part of a team that designed a technology-infused experience that evokes all the aspects of great retail and hospitality.
AR: How would you describe your leadership style and approach to problem-solving?
ME: My leadership style is very much situational: adapting leadership style to the performance readiness and willingness of the individual or team I am attempting to lead or influence.
AR: What have been some of the top keys to your success in the car business?
ME: Passion and the ability to engage a team to develop a brand’s story, capture its essence and persuade the audience to come along for the ride. Typically, that ride includes innovative change. I have been really lucky to work with people who share that passion.
AR: Who are some folks, whether in the auto industry or not, that you admire professionally, and why?
ME: Inside the industry, I admire the team I work with led by Jeff Dyke (Sonic’s executive vice president of operations). Primarily because of the entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take risk. What we are doing is not easy; it takes vision, time and investment.
AR: When you are able to get away from the office or work, what do you enjoy? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.?
ME: I live by the Pacific Ocean: jogging along the beach reminds me just how lucky I am. Most weekends, you will see me taking advantage of the weather and being outdoors. There is an organization called Volunteer Match; if you check out their website, you can find all sorts of great opportunities to help out in your local community, from beach clean-up to feeding the homeless on a Saturday morning.
One of the core values of EchoPark and Sonic Automotive is our role in the community is bigger than buying and selling cars. I think personally and professionally we all have a responsibility to fulfill our role in the community.
Read about all of this year's Women in Remarketing honorees in the April 1 issue of Auto Remarketing.
Below is a Q&A with Wendy Gill, division vice president at NextGear Capital and a 2017 Women in Remarketing honoree.
Auto Remarketing: What was your path to the automotive industry, and what do you enjoy most about working in the car business?
Wendy Gill: My journey into automotive started as far back as I can remember. My dad worked in automotive, and I was always around clients, cars (specifically the classics), and car shows and races. I did it all as a kid: washed cars, laid fiberglass and wanted to have a career just like my dad. I was destined to a life working in the automotive industry.
After graduating from UCLA, I focused on being a wife and mother, and it was not until almost 10 years later that I stumbled into working in advertising. In the newspaper business, I found myself drawn to the automotive sector. Working closely with clients and ad agencies, I was hooked again.
When readership started to decline, I knew it was time to look for a new way to work with dealers. My husband, who is also in the automotive business, encouraged me to seek out an opportunity in digital media. I discovered a wonderful adventure working for Autotrader. Collaborating with our independent and franchise dealers on their digital media campaigns provided the opportunity for me to educate and help our dealer partners grow their businesses.
After a decade with Autotrader, I was offered a tremendous opportunity to join NextGear Capital. In my roles with Autotrader and NextGear Capital, I have had the good fortune to be part of Cox Automotive. I have a huge passion for working closely with my dealer partners on their business while getting to spend time envying their inventory!
AR: How is the remarketing/used-car segment of the business most different from when you first started out?
WG: I observed that buying behaviors have changed the most; digital has made the largest impact on the business. Shoppers have inventory, values and dealerships at their fingertips. No longer do you see families on a Sunday driving from lot to lot; they can take a drive down the virtual highway.
AR: How would you describe your leadership style and approach to problem solving?
WG: As a servant leader, I have a team member first motto. I strive for a culture that supports open and honest feedback. I engage with my team to derive creative ways to approach the business and solutions. The culture I create allows each team member to voice his or her ideas and opinions.
AR: What have been some of the top keys to your success in the car business?
WG: My success has been predicated on hard work, dedication and passion for cars. I hold my team and myself to the highest level of accountability.
AR: Who are some folks, whether in the auto industry or not, that you admire professionally, and why?
WG: My mom and dad have both been instrumental in my life. My dad — as a business owner in the automotive industry — held me to a high level of performance, even as a child. He set a great example for me as someone who lived to succeed.
His partner was my mom, who as a stay-at-home mom, worked harder supporting my dad and the kids than any professional women out there. My dad traveled for his business and my mom had to balance it all.
At nine, I developed Type 1 diabetes, and my mom essentially gave up her dreams to take care of me. Diabetes was the game changer for the family; everything in our life depended on my health. My dad always told me, do not let diabetes stand in the way to live your dream.
Even today, as the division vice president for NextGear Capital, my dad contacts me daily to discuss where my team is to goal. The high level of accountability continues well into my adult years.
AR: When you are able to get away from the office or work, what do you enjoy? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.?
WG: Since a young child, I have spent my free time volunteering with the American Diabetes Association. Working on fundraisers, walks and events in my spare time. Each year I strive to raise more and more donations.
My dad and I do a campaign with friends and family to raise donations each year. One year, we raised more than $3,000 for an ADA walk. On most Sundays, you can find my husband and myself at Super Car Sunday. We all take our classics to the show.
Read about all of this year's Women in Remarketing honorees in the April 1 issue of Auto Remarketing.
Below is a Q&A with Grace Huang, senior vice president of inventory services at Manheim and a 2017 Women in Remarketing honoree.
Auto Remarketing: What was your path to the automotive industry, and what do you enjoy most about working in the car business?
Grace Huang: My path to the automotive industry was serendipitous. I had just moved back to the U.S. from a period of work in China in a completely different industry. I was working as a consultant and a new project to look at the business potential of used car classifieds in China for Autotrader came my way.
I ended up coming on board full-time on the publishing side of what was then Cox Autotrader. Initially, I followed the media side of the business and went to Cox Media Group, but there was something attractive about the automotive space that brought me back to Cox Automotive and Manheim.
I am very pragmatic when it comes to cars, but even I get invested in it because we spend so much time preparing for, caring for and driving in this big life purchase. Especially in Atlanta, sitting in a car is such a big part of our life here that we tend to have a strong connection to our vehicles.
Manheim plays such a big role in the experience and yet is behind the scenes to most. Manheim is special because you can see and touch the work you’re doing, services you are providing and the dealers you are supporting. Leading a field organization that is so focused on providing quality service and making sure we keep the liquidity in the car market is what truly energizes me every day.
AR: How is the remarketing/used-car segment of the business most different from when you first started out?
GH: In the short time since I came to Manheim we have seen a lot of industry changes. The high volume of inventory has really shown the industry the need to operate smarter. Everyone is getting more sophisticated because of the volume and need to protect retention values. At Manheim, we have re-imagined how our business works to maximize dollars for consignors and drive velocity and are investing in the industry of the future.
AR: How would you describe your leadership style and approach to problem-solving?
GH: My big priority has been about getting rid of the natural divide that can exist between field and corporate teams. We have a lot of respect for the front lines and the insights they gather from what they see every day. I strive to develop a culture of open communication and dialogue.
I make sure there is a real life lens to every decision we make. We have a lot more leaders from the field coming into corporate to lead initiatives and the corporate team is spending more time out in the field. Our GMs are company leaders and I make it a point to get their feedback and input on major initiatives early in the process and to take their feedback to heart because they live it on the front line every day.
AR: What have been some of the top keys to your success in the car business?
GH: Three keys to success in the automotive business are: Be authentic. Be a partner. Be professional. In essence, be a good business partner and the rest should take care of itself.
AR: Who are some folks, whether in the auto industry or not, that you admire professionally, and why?
GH: Janet Barnard is someone whom I admire for blazing a trail in the industry and being a genuine, fair, direct and bold leader. She values transparency and leads with a passion and sense of competitiveness that really makes it an honor to be a part of her team.
AR: When you are able to get away from the office or work, what do you enjoy? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.?
GH: Right now I am in the place where time away from home is invested in my family. I also enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures. Southern Argentina and New Zealand have been my favorite places to visit so far. One place I haven’t been yet is Spain, and I would like to spend more time in Italy and the Galapagos Islands. Now that my children are older, we are looking forward to doing some international travel with them. I also enjoy trying and discovering foods from various cultures and cities. Wherever I travel, I try to find the most non-touristy, local hole-in-the-wall to truly experience the culture and environment in a more authentic way.
Read about all of this year's Women in Remarketing honorees in the April 1 issue of Auto Remarketing.
Below is a Q&A with Janelle Kennedy, director of remarketing at Ally and a 2017 Women in Remarketing honoree.
Auto Remarketing: What was your path to the automotive industry?
Janelle Kennedy: I grew up just outside of Detroit, Michigan, the “Motor City,” so working in the automotive industry was almost inevitable. My grandfather was a 30-year Chrysler retiree, my mom worked many years for GM, and the majority of my extended family have had careers in auto-related fields. Some of my favorite memories growing-up include hanging out in the garage with my grandfather or uncles while they worked on their cars.
After graduating college, I was presented with two different opportunities: one with VW Motor Credit and the other with GMAC. I opted for GMAC, starting my career in the automotive industry.
AR: What do you enjoy most about working in the car business?
JK: There are so many segments and facets of the car business; it is an industry that is relatable to so many people.
AR: How is the remarketing/used-car segment of the business most different from when you first started out?
JK: An increased level of operational compliance mind-set.
AR: How would you describe your leadership style?
JK: Approachable and collaborative; I am genuinely interested in what others have to say and will regularly involve my team when making decisions.
Challenging yet supportive; I want to see people grow and succeed professionally. To help develop and improve my team, team members are regularly given stretch assignments and are empowered to execute. I see my role as a resource, coach and motivator.
AR: Approach to problem-solving?
JK: When approaching a business problem, I normally first start with understanding current state, defining the problem and understanding the desired end state.
I gather facts, which may include data, understanding of process, asking questions or seeking input from experts on the subject.
Then based on the data/info/input, make recommendations for a potential solution, gain agreement, and work with the team on implementation and a sustain plan.
AR: What have been some of the top keys to your success in the car business?
JK: It is the people I surround myself with. The Ally Remarketing team I work with today is amazing; intelligent, hard-working, collaborative people who are passionate about what they do.
Throughout my career I have been very fortunate to work for some inspirational leaders and with some extremely knowledgeable, experienced, bright people who have been willing to mentor and share with me their personal insights, lessons learned, industry knowledge and the importance of work-life-balance.
I also have a very supportive husband whose advice and encouragement has kept me grounded and motivated over the years.
AR: When you are able to get away from the office or work, what do you enjoy? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.?
JK: My husband Joe and I have two small children, Katelyn (8) and Cooper (2). We value our family time and enjoy hanging out together. Kate is an active softball player and competitive swimmer, so we are often at the ball field or poolside. Cooper is not a ball player yet, but does love anything to do with cars; maybe he will have a future in the auto industry.
Read about all of this year's Women in Remarketing honorees in the April 1 issue of Auto Remarketing.
Below is a Q&A with Cynthia Meyer, national sales with Dealers Auto Auction Group and a 2017 Women in Remarketing honoree.
Auto Remarketing: What was your path to the automotive industry, and what do you enjoy most about working in the car business?
Cynthia Meyer: My path was totally by luck! I started in the industry not even knowing what the automotive industry was about. In 1994, my first position was with ADT Truck and Equipment, and then I held a variety of positions from marketing to sales on the auction side. What I enjoy most about the car business is the people. I have had some great mentors over the years and made some long-lasting friends that I have known for over 20 years.
AR: How is the remarketing/used-car segment of the business most different from when you first started out?
CM: To be honest, the biggest change I have seen is the amount of competition on the auction side and how different areas have evolved in the online space. I was privileged to work at ADT when the first Dealer Direct online sale was introduced, and we sent out diskettes with the sale information and ran everything off of a 486 processor. And our Redistribution Management inventory management system turned into what is known today as AutoIMS.
AR: How would you describe your leadership style and approach to problem-solving?
CM: Leading by example is probably the best way to describe how I interact with my team. I receive great satisfaction when my team succeeds and works well together. Accountability and dependability are two strengths that I think every person should aspire to achieve and will drive answers to solving problems.
AR: What have been some of the top keys to your success in the car business?
CM: Knowing what people want and how best to communicate with them has been one of my strengths in getting to where I am today. Understanding a customer’s needs and being able to influence their decisions is one of the areas I have focused on in recent years.
Many times I have walked into meetings with a set expectation and had to stop, listen to the consignor and adjust the overall goal in order to strengthen the relationship. I believe that relationships are still key to the success of this industry.
AR: Who are some folks, whether in the auto industry or not, that you admire professionally, and why?
CM: I admire anyone who loves what they do and are passionate about it. Whether it’s what they are involved with or their career, I admire that. So many people today have lost sight of really enjoying what they do. After 20-plus years in this industry, I can still say I am excited to come to work!
AR: When you are able to get away from the office or work, what do you enjoy? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.?
CM: I enjoy spending time with my daughter and family. She is a senior in high school this year and is a varsity swimmer and golfer. When I am not traveling for work, I am at the pool volunteering at the swim meet or walking the golf course during a match. I also live in the land of 10,000 lakes and enjoy spending time in and around the water.
Read about all of this year's Women in Remarketing honorees in the April 1 issue of Auto Remarketing.
Below is a Q&A with Amy Taitano, assistant general manager at Manheim Pennsylvania and a 2017 Women in Remarketing honoree.
Auto Remarketing: What was your path to the automotive industry, and what do you enjoy most about working in the car business?
Amy Taitano: My sister worked at an auction in California (Bay Cities Auto Auction) and I came in to visit her and was in awe. I fell in love with the organized chaos of the auction and the chant of the auctioneers. I started out as an upper block clerk 24 years ago. Still today, my favorite spot is on the block selling cars next to an auctioneer.
AR: How is the remarketing/used-car segment of the business most different from when you first started out?
AT: Since I first started in the business, the technology has evolved into digital platforms that make it easier to sell cars and make adjustments when weather and other outside issues threaten to disrupt getting vehicles through the lanes.
For example, we had planned a closed in-lane General Motors sale when a blizzard swept through the Northeast on Tuesday, March 14. Our technology allowed us to complete a successful sale, with the help of our sister location Manheim Orlando. The Orlando team set up their block as Manheim Pennsylvania.
We redirected the audio and video and proceeded to host a digital sale from a remote location, and did not skip a beat. We had 81 dealers online during the blizzard purchasing cars while Orlando auctioned them for us and it was seamless. Twenty-four years ago, we would have been forced to cancel the sale.
AR: How would you describe your leadership style and approach to problem-solving?
AT: I would say I am a collaborative leader. I partner with my peer AGMs, who are subject matter experts in their respective areas, to accomplish our shared goals. I prefer direct communication, both with my peers and my direct reports.
AR: What have been some of the top keys to your success in the car business?
AT: Two keys to success for me have been asking for more responsibility and pushing myself. Starting as a part-time lane clerk, my hunger for auction life grew and I needed more! I was offered a full-time position as a receptionist and I jumped at the chance.
This was before we had voicemail, so every day was as hectic as being on the block, and I was able to view the business from our customer’s perspective. I would work with my managers and try to absorb as much information as possible. Our company offers many opportunities for growth and development for its employees; one simply needs to ask. Working for a company that invests so much in its team members is not a job, it’s a career.
AR: Who are some folks, whether in the auto industry or not, that you admire professionally, and why?
AT: My mother was the first strong leader I admired. She is one of the smartest, toughest and most independent women I know. She became a paralegal while raising six children. Both my parents had a strong work ethic. Julie Picard is another person that I admire. She is a strong leader, is humble and has built strong relationships. Julie is one of the most genuine people I have ever met, and she is highly respected in our business. She has taught me a lot, as I was fortunate enough to work with her in Seattle and later when she was my GM at Manheim Pennsylvania. I have been blessed throughout my career with leaders who have been pivotal in my path: Sheri Shima, Cathy Phippen, Jim DesRochers, Diane Barton and Leah Jaye. Each one has mentored me in different ways. I am now working for Joey Hughes; he brings excitement and strong customer relation skills to my world. I have also been blessed with talented peers, including our auction manager and our assistant general managers.
AR: When you are able to get away from the office or work, what do you enjoy? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.?
AT: I absolutely LOVE music. If there is a concert in town I am more than likely there. I love all genres of music. Music is my therapy. My weakness is a good sale at the mall. I also enjoy supporting my two teenagers in their school and sports activities. Most importantly, my husband, who is the foundation of our home; he keeps us all grounded.
Read about all of this year's Women in Remarketing honorees in the April 1 issue of Auto Remarketing.
Below is a Q&A with Kate Eltringham, vice president of marketing at GWC Warranty and a 2017 Women in Remarketing honoree.
Auto Remarketing: What was your path to the automotive industry, and what do you enjoy most about working in the car business?
Kate Eltringham: I’ve always had a soft spot for the auto industry because my father sold used cars early in his career and shared stories of that time with me. What I enjoy most about working in the car business is the chance to work alongside such high-caliber people at GWC Warranty.
AR: How is the remarketing/used-car segment of the business most different from when you first started out?
KE: I think the used-car segment has really caught the attention of franchise dealers. The influx of off-lease vehicles has started to present new opportunities and more franchise stores are looking to used cars to help drive profits. What’s interesting about this is that used vehicles are purchased by different types of customers with different needs.
Delivering the type of experience that’s expected by a used-car shopper means providing confidence to buy. Finding the right partners to help you offer that confidence and maximize profit on each sale is going to become more important going forward.
AR: How would you describe your leadership style and approach to problem-solving?
KE: My leadership style is to empower the people around me and those who report to me in order to help them do impactful work. When it comes to problem-solving, I approach issues with a data-driven mindset. Understand what the data is telling you and then combine that with what you understand about your customer. I like to collaborate and share ideas, always keeping in mind that whatever is decided needs to drive results.
AR: What have been some of the top keys to your success in the car business?
KE: Starting with understanding customer needs has been critical to my success. Over the last few years, we have done a lot of formal and informal voice-of-customer work. What we learned by listening to dealers shaped our efforts to deliver a higher level of value to our partners through product enhancements and dealer-focused programs.
Creating programs that reward our top dealers with access to expedited claims service, on-demand virtual training for all areas of a dealership as well as access to a compliance training platform focused on F&I — all at no charge — has come right from understanding our dealer’s pain points.
As far as other keys to success, I’d say holding myself accountable, maintaining a focus on driving results and finally, nothing beats good old-fashioned hard work.
AR: Who are some folks, whether in the auto industry or not, that you admire professionally, and why?
KE: I’ve been lucky enough to have had two mentors help guide me in the automotive space. Mike Melby, our VP of strategy and business development, has been a great sounding board and advisor, particularly early in my time in this industry. Rob Glander, our CEO and president, has really helped me grow professionally.
He’s helped me become a stronger leader and helped me to recognize and play to my strengths. Both Mike and Rob continue to be great supporters and strong examples of how to be successful.
AR: When you are able to get away from the office or work, what do you enjoy? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.?
KE: I try to spend as much time as I can with family and friends. I really enjoy going to concerts and am a big sports fan. But nothing is better than spending time with my husband, T.J., and our dog Pearl.
Read about all of this year's Women in Remarketing honorees in the April 1 issue of Auto Remarketing.
Below is a Q&A with Ashley Dietze, fleet lease manager at San Antonio Auto Auction and a 2017 Women in Remarketing honoree.
Auto Remarketing: What was your path to the automotive industry, and what do you enjoy most about working in the car business?
Ashley Dietze: My family owns and operates San Antonio Auto Auction and Corpus Christi Auto Auction in central and south Texas. I started working for our family business in the summers in between school as a kid. I did everything from answering phones, stuffing envelopes and even helped wash a car or two. However the auto auction was not the career path I had in mind.
I graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in animal science, and immediately after graduation, I went to work for the auction while I searched for jobs in the livestock industry. Not long after working there, I quickly found my passion for the business and was intrigued by the fast-paced, always-changing environment.
At the start of 2007 I was offered a full-time job starting as the transportation manager. I’ve worked in every position of the auction business, finding my perfect fit in the fleet lease department. In 2010, we uprooted my family and took a leap of faith in opening our second location: San Antonio Auto Auction. Those first few years we had a high level of uncertainty, but we had faith that if we gave our customers the same level of service they’d come to know in Corpus Christi, we could make it work.
And today, by the grace of God and the amazing staff we consider a part of our family, we’ve become a large presence in the central Texas area. Today I serve as the fleet lease manager for our San Antonio location while also serving on the board of directors for the ServNet Auction Group.
AR: How is the remarketing/used-car segment of the business most different from when you first started out?
AD: What’s changed the most is how far technology has come. I can honestly remember years ago, before there was emailing and websites, we were marketing via fax and telemarketing. The whole aspect of how we market ourselves has transformed. In the past 10 years, I’ve witnessed live simulcast bidding come into the market, and each year we are selling more cars via simulcast, making it easier for buyers from across the country to view our inventory and buy vehicles from the comfort of their office.
AR: How would you describe your leadership style and approach to problem-solving?
AD: I like to lead by example and wouldn’t expect anything less of those who I’m supervising. I believe in a hands-on approach to solving problems. Think the problem through, don’t be afraid to ask advice or get a second opinion; but the longer you let something fester, no matter the situation, it never ends up benefitting the solution.
AR: What have been some of the top keys to your success in the car business?
AD: I think it comes down to three things that I can say attribute to my success; my faith in God, a strong and positive support system within my family and coworkers, and the leadership of my father in seeing all of his hard work in building what this company is today. I love the saying that there is no “I” in team. My success in the car business is due to a collaboration of the people who surround me day in and day out at the auction. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their continued hard work.
AR: Who are some folks, whether in the auto industry or not, that you admire professionally, and why?
AD: My father. I’ve witnessed firsthand how hard he has worked to make these two great companies the successes they are today. All the while he has had a deep faith in God that has led him every step of the way and given him a peace, even in the uncertainty of opening a new business in such a large city as San Antonio — his faith that we were supposed to be here never wavered. His leadership style is one that many of our managers strive to be like.
I also admire Patty Stanley, co-owner of Carolina Auto Auction and Indiana Auto Auction, who are also ServNet Auctions. This past year I’ve had the honor to serve with her on the ServNet board of directors and her leadership and guidance of the group is beyond compare. She was inducted into the NAAA Hall of Fame at this past year’s NAAA/NRC Convention, and has been a voice for women in this industry that has had a big impact on me, hoping that I may be able to accomplish as much as she has in her career.
AR: When you are able to get away from the office or work, what do you enjoy? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.?
AD: When I’m not in the office you can find me at whichever sporting event my two sons are playing, which at this time is baseball! When we have a free weekend, my husband and I will spend the day on the lake or head to the coast to bay fish.
Read about all of this year's Women in Remarketing honorees in the April 1 issue of Auto Remarketing.
In what we’re proud to call an annual tradition, Auto Remarketing publishes a special issue to recognize the leading women of the remarketing and used-car business: our Women in Remarketing issue.
Each of the leaders honored in our Women in Remarketing program takes on different responsibilities within the industry, and the companies they represent encompass a diverse cross-section of the used-car market. Each has a unique and inspiring story to tell, both within and beyond the business world.
We would like to thank everyone who sent in Women in Remarketing nominations this year. While there are many more women worthy of recognition, we could not spotlight all the nominees, as we are only able to recognize a select few each year.
But stay tuned to Auto Remarketing e-newsletters, as we will conduct another call for nominations early next year.
Below are this year's honorees, in alphabetical order by last name:
Sarah Amico, Jack Cooper Holdings Corp.
Julie Derybowski, TradeRev
Ashley Dietze, San Antonio Auto Auction
Kate Eltringham, GWC Warranty
Marti Eulberg, Sonic Automotive/EchoPark Automotive
Wendy Gill, NextGear Capital
Heather Greenawald, ADESA
Grace Huang, Manheim
Janelle Jones, Bank of America
Janelle Kennedy, Ally
Kathi Mehall, Equifax
Cynthia Meyer, Dealers Auto Auction Group
Jeanene O'Brien, Insurance Auto Auctions
Linda Paton, Greater Rockford Auto Auction
Melinda Perry GM Financial
Jessica Stafford, Cox Automotive Media Group
Amy Taitano, Manheim Pennsylvania
Check out the April 1 edition of Auto Remarketing to learn more about these outstanding industry leaders.
The 2017 Women in Remarketing class will be honored at Used Car Week, which is scheduled for Nov. 13-17 at the La Quinta Palm Springs Resort in Palm Springs, Calif.
