There are four core values at DAA Northwest, says Mitzi VanVoorhis, the director of marketing at McConkey Auction Group, of which the Spokane, Wash., auction is a member.
Those are: integrity, excellence, professionalism and fun.
“These values are listed in order of importance, and learning about them is part of every new employee’s orientation process. As our president Bob McConkey says, ‘We spend way too much time here at work not to have fun!’” VanVoorhis said. “Just the same, having fun should never compromise our professionalism, our commitment to excellence or our integrity.
“Living our core values and working in tandem with our teams while accomplishing goals together produces a certain camaraderie that our customers can feel when they walk in our doors. We are often told by customers that there is a positive energy here at DAA Northwest,” she said.
“They like to do business with us because we do the job right, and also because they feel welcomed and have fun while they are here with us. Ultimately, this leads to stronger customer relationships and more business.”
The culture at the company, VanVoorhis said, is somewhat rare. And that helps set it apart.
“DAA Northwest’s staff is very tightly-knit; many of us work and play together, and we genuinely care about what is going on in our co-workers’ lives. We collectively share a pride in work well-done, and as such, we lift one another up while holding each other accountable for providing excellence in operations and customer service,” she said.
“Another differentiating aspect is our employee tenure. A large percentage of our staff has been employed with DAA Northwest for over five years, and several members of our senior management team have worked together in the industry for more than 30 years,” she said. “DAA’s tenured staff welcomes new employees into the fold, effectively communicating and accomplishing our company’s ‘vital few’ initiatives together.
“I personally have been with DAA Northwest for 16 years, and I am often amazed by my co-workers’ ability to operate like a well-oiled machine. There is no better example of this than our annual Rock & Roll Sale promotion,” VanVoorhis added. “I attribute the initial development of our company’s unique culture to the leadership of Bob McConkey and Greg Mahugh, who founded DAA Northwest in 1992.”
A big part of success for any business in having a healthy workplace is communication, which VanVoorhis called priority No. 1 in managing her team.
“Effective communication is a top priority with the marketing team I lead. I am privileged to work with three highly talented individuals who produce marketing collateral, promotional events and social media for two auction locations and two retail auto body centers,” she said. “Making sure they have the right information to take to the market in a timely manner is critical. Also, making sure they are personally and publicly acknowledged for jobs well done is vital.”
And it’s a two-way street. That is pivotal in keeping morale high.
“The communication I mentioned in my answer above cannot be one-sided. Soliciting, listening to and acting on ideas suggested by my team is an important way to keep morale high. We have weekly staff meetings as well as quarterly off-site brainstorming sessions that have produced some amazing ideas! I trust my team and encourage them to make decisions, which leads to growth and boosts morale,” she said.
Implementing performance appraisals on a regular basis can be crucial in that regard, as well, VanVoorhis said, lauding the human resources team for a “terrific job” in that aspect.
“And of great importance is to help my team understand we are part of something much bigger,” she said. “While we are all here to sell cars, ultimately our purpose is to help other people, whether by producing marketing materials that bring buyers and sellers to our lanes, or participating in DAA Northwest’s ‘Bite2Go’ program, which provides healthy weekend snacks to at-risk schoolchildren.”
View the complete list of honorees here.
Thanks to the approval of an additional $10,000 by the National Auto Auction Association’s executive committee, the 2016 NAAA Auto Auction of the Year winner will receive a total of $25,000.
The four chapter auction winners receive $5,000 each for the regional win, and the final auto auction champion for 2016 will be announced and awarded in November at the 2016 NAAA/NRC Convention with an additional $20,000 to be donated to a charity or charities of their choice.
The chapter winners are
Eastern Chapter — ADESA Winnipeg
Midwest Chapter — West Michigan Auto Auction
Southern Chapter — Louisiana's 1st Choice Auto Auction
Western Chapter — Kansas City Independent Auto Auction.
“Throughout the process of receiving many nominations for the Auto Auction of the Year Award, it has been so incredible to learn about all that our member auctions and its employees do for charitable organizations and the community,” said NAAA president Mike Browning.
“From continuous volunteering, in-kind giving to fundraising, it is a true honor to be the president of this association with so many caring and giving members. The commitment of excellence in community service in our industry is astounding. We pridefully acknowledge all of our members are true champions for this award.”
Details on the award and the regional winners may be found here.
Jeannie Warzynski manages eight Automotive Finance Corp. branch offices throughout Texas and New Mexico, maintaining customer service to all dealer customers while growing and managing the company’s floorplan portfolio.
“Most importantly, I am charged with leading a team of managers to exceed all goals laid out for us and ensure their personal career goals are met,” Warzynski said.
“I have been honored to lead and develop several direct reports and peers who have achieved promotions, sometimes several promotions, within the company,” she continued. “To watch those around me grow, not only in their careers, but to have their personal lives changed so positively as a direct result of their continued success is the most rewarding part of my job.
“The only thing that tops that is to watch those that have succeeded continue to lead and develop those around them, as well,” Warzynski went on to say.
Before cultivating careers and dealer floor plans, Warzynski arrived at AFC as — to borrow a dealership phrase — a green pea.
“I came to AFC as a temporary, front-line employee, completely by chance. Once I was in the chair, I never looked back,” Warzynski said.
“The used-car industry, and specifically AFC, give us the perfect balance of the challenging finance industry but in a laid-back environment,” she continued. “I truly enjoy the dealers I work with and helping them all achieve their business goals. There is nothing like watching your customers achieve the American dream and being an integral part of it.”
Two AFC executives have impacted Warzynski most during her time with the company. She first mentioned Margot Hanulak, who is vice president of training and people development.
“Margot was one of several AFC leaders that interviewed me for one of my first potential promotions,” Warzynski said. “During our first conversation, she explained how she was able to balance being a mother while managing a successful corporate career. From that day, I have continued to be impressed with Margot’s ability to command a room, always maintain class and drive desired results.
“Being a young woman in a male-dominated industry was very intimidating to me early on in my career so her leadership and drive inspired me and continue to do so today,” she added.
Warzynski also highlighted Don Gottwald, who now is chief operating officer of KAR Auction Services and previously oversaw AFC when “the automotive industry and entire U.S economy were in turmoil.”
Warzynski went on to say, “His leadership took our company to an entirely new level, changing and improving the culture of the organization in what seemed like an overnight transformation. Don’s ability to recognize opportunity, cultivate a culture of accountability and deliver results year over year is something I will always admire and try to replicate in any way I can.”
Jeannie Warzynski, 34, is regional manager at Automotive Finance Corp.
View entire list of 40 Under 40 honorees here.
Chintan Talati grew up in San Antonio but wanted to live in California, particularly Los Angeles, for two reasons.
“I wanted to live near the ocean and watch the Lakers play in person,” Talati said.
When searching for employment in his desired location, Talati came across a public relations job listing for Edmunds.com.
“At the time, I didn’t know too much about the company. But after learning more about it, I was really interested in the position,” Talati said. “Luckily, I got hired, and I’ve had the opportunity to advance my career in the auto industry beyond that first job.
“I love the business aspect and seeing our industry continue to thrive. I wouldn’t want to be in any other industry. I wasn’t a car guy before, but I am one now,” he continued.
Talati is still in California near the ocean and the Lakers, but now he executes strategic PR campaigns that raise awareness of Atlanta-based Cox Automotive, which now also includes one of his previous employers — Kelley Blue Book.
“I’m particularly proud to have worked at Kelley Blue Book as it enhanced its brand and now has become an integral component in Cox Automotive building its reputations as a company that provides solutions and tools to its customers while growing the business of its brands and the corporation,” Talati said.
When not admiring the scenic Pacific Ocean or what’s happening with the Lakers, Talati noted the accomplishments of a wide array of high-profile auto executives.
“From a leadership perspective, I really admire what Mary Barra and Mark Fields have done at General Motors and Ford, respectively,” Talati said. The automotive industry has gone through a massive transformation, and they are leading their brands to become leaders in the automotive industry through fast-paced innovation, the likes of which we’ve never seen from these companies.
“Some of that is due to another leader I admire, Tesla’s Elon Musk,” Talati went on to say. “He has pushed all automakers to think of new ways to create vehicles that will lead to the industry’s transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. He’s made electric vehicles look ‘cool.’”
Chintan Talati, 38, is senior director, Public Relations Solutions Group PR at Cox Automotive.
View entire list of 40 Under 40 honorees.
Sheldon Taylor grew up about 15 miles south of Detroit, and several family members built Ford vehicles. Taylor’s great-grandfather retired from Ford’s Dearborn Stamping Plant, his grandfather from the OEM’s Woodhaven Assembly plant, and his grandmother from the Wixom plant.
While Blue Oval blood might still be in the family with an aunt and three uncles working for Ford, Taylor is well on his way to a successful dealership career, emulating his father, John.
“My father had the greatest impact on my choice to get into this industry. I grew up watching his hard work and wanted to emulate that as best as I could,” Taylor said about his father, who now is partner of Dunning Motors after starting his dealership career by washing vehicles.
Beyond the family influence, Taylor credited Dale Herring and Matt Walsh with aiding his rise to his current dealership position where his responsibilities range from developing sales strategy to managing inventory and overseeing transactions as well as customer relations. Taylor called Herring and Walsh “two very intelligent people in our organization who have helped me learn a lot in a short period of time.”
Taylor added, “My favorite thing about the car business would have to be the people. I've had the chance to meet some great people, and it’s those relationships that I think I will look back on.”
Being one of the younger members of the organization, Taylor is eager to cultivate his automotive career.
“My career is still pretty young and I have a lot of things I still hope to accomplish personally, but the thing that I am most proud of so far would be the team we have built here at Dunning Subaru and the culture that has been created as a result of the great people we have on our team,” Taylor said.
“I’m a big student of lean leadership and believe we get our best results when the whole team clearly understands the direction we are trying to go and everybody is sharing their ideas on how we can improve every day,” he added.
Sheldon Taylor, 25, is used-car sales manager at Dunning Subaru.
See entire list of 40 Under 40 honorees.
If you should ever doubt Justin Ritchie’s enthusiasm for cars, you need only to look at the name of his fourth son: Enzo.
His passion for cars — Ferraris, at least — may be evident, but he is equally passionate about the industry.
“I’ve worked for a great organization (Cox Enterprises) for over 10 years and feel very fortunate to be able to work for such a diverse, employee-focused organization that continues to invest in our automotive segment,” he said.
“The automotive industry continues to grow globally in terms of production, sales and revenue. The complexity of the industry and the fact that it presents many opportunities for growth, worldwide, really interests me.”
Ritchie has been with Cox for more than a decade. His current role is senior director of strategy, sales operations, for Manheim.
“Specifically, we provide a support infrastructure to ensure our partners are successful through sales reporting and analytics, leading and administering variable compensation plan strategy and management, and providing consulting services, including analytics and account reviews for our clients,” he explained.
Ritchie derives a “fulfilling sense of pride” in being mentor to those around him, which he describes as “helping people find their own leadership styles, watching them grow in their roles.”
Which doesn’t mean he lacks role models of his own.
“There are so many,” he replied when asked to name someone he admires professionally. “I believe in paying attention to the great qualities you see in those around you to find a way to incorporate them into your own style. If you’re willing to pay attention to the details, there is so much you can learn from and learn about yourself from others.
“If I had to name one person though, I’d have to say Jose Mourinho (Manchester United’s Manager). He stays true to his values, isn’t afraid to be himself, creates an unsurmountable amount of energy behind those he leads and knows how to build teams and organizations that win!”
Justin Ritchie, 37, is senior director of strategy, sales operations at Manheim.
View entire list of 40 Under 40 honorees.
Perhaps you could call Veronica Tai a solutions superhero.
“My proudest moments are always hearing clients talk about experiences I’ve built and how they couldn’t live without them,” said Tai.
In her role as senior product manager, Tai is responsible for finding and purchasing inventory thought Manheim’s digital platforms, including Manheim.com, OVE.com, Simulcast and Simulcast Everywhere.
“I’m fortunate to work on initiatives that tie disparate experiences together and really change how our clients use our digital platforms to find and purchase inventory,” she said. “The best part of my job is refreshing, evolving and combining together elements of our sites to enable our clients to work faster, better, smarter.”
Tai very much enjoys being part of an evolving industry, but in the end, it’s “all about the people,” she said.
“I know whenever I’m talking with team members or clients alike, they are going to give me the real deal and not mince words, and we are going to laugh about some crazy stories,” Tai said.
When asked about whom she admires professionally, Tai cited Joe George, Amy Mills and Grace Huang as being among those who have mentored and inspired her throughout her career.
Veronica Tai, 38, is senior product manager at Manheim.
View entire list of 40 Under 40 honorees.
When Jacqueline Swank joined AUL nearly a decade ago, she didn’t know it was a company — let alone an industry — in which she’d remain.
“I came to AUL in 2007,” she said, “and here I am. I love the car business, and this is where I’ll stay.”
Swank’s duties as marketing manager include managing the company’s marketing team, communications, advertising, sales and collateral materials, new product launches and sales promotions; executing trade shows and auto shows on both a state and national level; marketing and promotional material management; social media and online presence strategies; and event management ranging from incentive trips to sales training functions.
And it’s the variety on which she thrives. “The industry is constantly changing,” she said. “This helps encourage us to create new and more creative ways to market our products.”
Swank was quick to pile accolades on her team.
“I am proudest of the AUL team and the relationships developed with my agents and clients. I have met and established relationships with the most fascinating and talented people in the business,” she said.
“I owe much of my success to the many wonderful people that took the time to teach and answer my many questions.”
Among them are Jimmy Atkinson, chief operating officer at AUL Corp., and Luis Nieves, chief executive officer.
“Jimmy brings out the best in people and inspires them to perform at their best,” she said.
And Nieves? “At AUL he has created a culture base on people and appreciation. He reminds us that we can make the impossible, possible."
Jacqueline Swank, 34, is marketing manager at AUL Corp.
View entire list of 40 Under 40 honorees.
Rob Ruth carries a lot of weight on his shoulders when he checks on all segments of Bob Ruth Ford, which is located in Dillsburg, Pa. He’s charged with ensuring profitability of the entire dealership, overseeing new- and pre-owned vehicle sales as well as service and parts departments.
“I was born into the car business, and it has been a way of life for me ever since. I most enjoy helping others and making people happy,” Ruth said.
That reference to family is what inspires Ruth to make his store one of the shining stars in the Blue Oval’s network.
“I most admire individuals like my father who came from nothing and worked hard through many different positions in a dealership to eventually own his own store,” Ruth said. “His guts and hard work have given me and the rest of our team of employees a great opportunity to be a part of a successful dealership.”
That success also came when the automotive industry — and the U.S. economy in general — navigated through one of the most challenging times since the Great Depression. And it was through used vehicles that Bob Ruth Ford thrived.
“I am most proud of our achievements during the economic downturn beginning in 2008,” Ruth said. “During this time, our company was able to increase our sales and profitability and to put ourselves in a position for future growth and additional market share.
“Our main focus was to build our pre-owned department to a point where the dealership was able to remain profitable without a single sale of a new vehicle,” he continued. “This proved to me that we were able to adapt and overcome in an environment where most companies were trying to just hang on.”
Rob Ruth, 39, is the vice president/general manager of Bob Ruth Ford.
View entire list of 40 Under 40 honorees.
If there is one employer that stands out in Daniel Novotny’s career background, it might be this one: the CIA.
“For my early career, I am most proud of my years with the Central Intelligence Agency, especially those spent in Iraq alongside our armed forces. It was an important time to serve our country in an interesting period of our history that has given me a deep appreciation of politics and the military,” he said.
“For my remarketing career, I am most proud of the team leadership we have in our Dallas operations. This team has led Hyundai Capital America’s off-lease growth from 10,000 to 250,000 vehicles in four years, and developed the function into a mature, world-class remarketing organization.”
Novotny, 35, is the vice president of remarketing and lease-end services at Hyundai Capital America. Before moving to HCA, he was a consultant in the financial services industry.
“Hyundai had recently re-started our own brand of vehicle service contracts, and the challenge of growing a new business was one that excited me,” Novotny said. “My transition to remarketing has been enjoyable as well, because it is the only part of a captive where you are selling actual cars out there in the market.”
Novotny said the part of the car business he enjoys the most is the people.
“We all work intensely to support loyalty to the brand and continuously improve our operations, but we do so with a positive attitude that makes stepping through the door in the morning an enjoyable experience,” he said. “This goes for my team at Hyundai Capital, my counterparts across our executive team, and our partners in the industry.”
When asked about the people he admires professionally, Novotny pointed to ADESA’s Bob Rauschenberg, who has been in the car business for his entire career.
“He still enjoys it, still has fun, and maintains a dedicated focus to his company and his team,” Novotny said. “It should be the goal of each of us to enjoy what we do and build strong, meaningful relationships in the business.”
Daniel Novotny, 35, is vice president of remarketing and lease end services at Hyundai Capital America.
View entire list of 40 Under 40 honorees.
