Granted, the auction business was a “culture shock” when she first joined, said Rachel Ballard, one of this year's Women in Remarketing honorees.

But after only a week in the business, she knew it was for her and said she “can’t imagine doing anything else.”  

The auction business is fast-paced, changing all the time and a great place for growth and learning, which is part of why Ballard — the national accounts manager at Capital City Auto Auction — enjoys it.

“I was working in a completely different field, for women, with all female employees, as well as doing sales and marketing and performing services on mostly female clientele,” Ballard said, describing her path to the business. “I was offered a job in the automotive industry, but declined because I enjoyed my job and the hours. 

“Six months later, the opportunity presented itself again, and this time, I decided to try my hand at sales in the auction world — for male employers, with many male colleagues and the majority of male clientele. It was a culture shock to say the least,” she said.

“I have the utmost respect for my male employers and colleagues, but I’ve grown to greatly appreciate the influence of the women in this industry who offer their skill, knowledge and expertise,” Ballard said.

“I don’t think a day has gone by that hasn’t presented its own challenges and new opportunities to learn. I thoroughly enjoy the fast-paced environment I now find myself in. I can’t imagine the auto industry ever providing a mundane experience, nor can I imagine a future outside of this industry.”

Ballard said being in the car business can brought several rewarding experiences. One of those was the first time she attended an industry convention.

“It was nothing I did or can pat myself on the back for. I simply got a glimpse of what being in the auto industry is all about.  We are a part of such a massive industry that effects most people in our country on a daily basis,” Ballard said.

“I’m both honored and humbled that my employers place their faith in me to represent not only their business, but their family’s legacy,” she continued. “I pray for God’s favor and I believe I’ve been blessed with that.  People in our industry are so warm and giving.  This industry employs people who are willing to share their knowledge and I’m grateful to learn from the best.”

One of those folks is Charlotte Pyle, a 2014 Women in Remarketing honoree, a past NAAA president and the co-owner of Capital City Auto Auction and Mountain State Auto Auction.

Ballard finds her to be among the people who inspire her.

“Charlotte is always hungry to learn more, to do more and to lend her services wherever possible.  She’s a lovely example of balance and commitment.  There are countless women and men in this industry who I feel have taken me under their wing and helped me grow professionally,” Ballard said.

“People from all different fields within the auto remarketing industry, who, for lack of a better description, reach across ‘party lines’ to offer guidance,” Ballard said. “I’m grateful for their knowledge, experience and leadership.”

Ballard also mentioned her mother as an inspiration.

“She is the perfect example of the Proverbs 31 woman. She managed a home, three daughters, and multiple people in our community who just needed a helping hand or a boost. She beat breast cancer at 38, all while she was the principal of a school. She kept it all together with grace and dignity. That shows me that I can do the same,” Ballard said.

Just as she has learned from her mom, Pyle and others, Ballard said the technology and innovation in today’s auto business requires industry professional to continue learning and improving. The advances in tech and information is where Ballard said she has seen the most change during her career.

“I believe that consumers have so much more information at their fingertips at any given moment than just a short time ago, that regardless of our place in the industry, we must keep ourselves informed and on the cutting edge of what technology has to offer,” she said. “Thankfully, our industry continually provides us with new ways to educate ourselves so that we can remain competent.”  

Ballard also emphasizes the importance of communication, which she counts as a critical part of her approach to problem solving.

“There is always a correct and an incorrect, a wrong and a right, but simply listening to a view or opinion other than your own can lead to progress and understanding to reach the best possible outcome in any circumstance,” she said.

Lastly, when asked to share her interests when she is off the clock, Ballard said: “I enjoy time with my children and loved ones. Reading is a luxury I indulge in when at all possible. I enjoy anything outdoors as well: golfing, boating, camping, skiing, live music of most any genre and sporting events, especially when my children are playing!”   

Check out the April 15 edition of Auto Remarketing to learn more about the entire class of 2016 Women in Remarketing honorees.

These outstanding leaders will be honored at Used Car Week 2016, where we will be launching our National Remarketing Conference partnership with the National Auto Auction Association.

Used Car Week is scheduled for Nov. 14-18 at the Red Rock in Las Vegas.