In the latest installment of the annual Power 300 issue of Auto Remarketing, we go behind the scenes with some of the leading companies in the used-car space and their top executives with a few Q&A features.

Next up is Brenda Aden, general manager of ADESA Las Vegas. 

Auto Remarketing: What’s the typical week like at your auction, if there is such a thing as ‘typical’? 

Brenda Aden: There’s never a ‘typical’ week, ever! With the industry changing so quickly, every single week is different. There’s always something new, something evolved, or something we’re implementing to provide enhanced customer service, more efficient sales and better employee engagement. That said, our sale day is every Thursday, and our specialty sales are on the second Friday of each month. There’s a lot of prep that goes into each sale day and ensuring our customers’ vehicles are represented as best as possible.

AR: What are some strategies you personally implement to keep track of all the moving pieces of the day-to-day operation of an auction?

BA: I’m a huge believer in communications and employee development. Our managers meet every day, even if it’s for a few minutes, so that each manager recognizes all the moving pieces and better understands the other departments and the work they do. These ‘huddles’ are a simple way of ensuring we’re all on the same page and working together toward the same goals.

And for the same reason, each of our managers also meets daily with their employees. Th is helps us consistently provide the effi cient operations and exceptional customer experience that our customers deserve and expect.

AR: As the automotive landscape continues to shift toward tech and digitization, what are some opportunities for brickand-mortar auctions? 

BA: Long-term, the digital revolution will bring many new opportunities to physical auctions that are nimble enough to recognize them — but near-term, the speed of the shift and the types of opportunities will vary from auction to auction and region to region depending on the customer mix. Auctions can differentiate themselves through the level of service they provide and by helping their customers navigate any new terrain.

For example, by helping customers integrate digital and mobile channels, like the ADESA Marketplace app, Mobile Auctions and TradeRev into their business strategy, we can teach them how these new tools and services can help them be more profi table in-lane, online and on the go!

AR: What’s the vehicle supply situation looking like at your auction? Any impact from off-lease volume?

BA: Overall, our experience is right in line with expectations and consistent with the broader market trends observed by KAR chief economist Tom Kontos: Wholesale prices remain strong for off -lease vehicles despite the overall softening market.