During her first year on the job in 2007 as a cashier and telemarketer for America’s Auto Auction Greenville, Mechelle Montgomery was talking to customers about an upcoming sale. One day, a company vice president was in the office and observed her on the job.

The vice president told, her, “You keep that up, and I’ll put you in sales.”  The next week he did, and she was visiting dealers by the end of her first year at the auction. 

This month, Montgomery received the company’s November Spotlight Award.  She is currently serving as fleet/lease manager, and she has been in that post since 2014. 

Montgomery says working in an environment where co-workers consider themselves as extended family and southern hospitality is strong makes work enjoyable, says Montgomery, adding that the environment has helped the staff overcome market challenges as a result of the pandemic. 

“The auction business is a great one,” Montgomery said in a news release.  “I love the ‘chase’ to get new accounts, and I enjoy the relationships we have built with our customers. Sale day, even in COVID times, is a thrill, and when you have a great sale and the customers are happy, there’s nothing better.”

She said America’s Auto Auction places a strong focus on customer service, and she says it fits her personal philosophy. That is, “Whether a customer sells 100 cars a month or just one, we treat everyone with the same kindness, the same respect, and we value their business.”

Montgomery said, “The people who work with me love the company, love their work, and love their customers. “That all makes my job a piece of cake.” 

Jeff Easterday, general manager at America’s Auto Auction Greenville, praises Montgomery for her skill in relating to and working with customers. 

“Mechelle has what it takes to be a great fleet/lease manager,” Easterday said.  “She makes it a point to really know and understand every one of them, she’s attentive to detail and great on follow up.  She always does what’s best for the client, which makes our customers happy, and makes everything run smoother at the auction.”

America’s national sales director Tammy Swofford said, “Mechelle is a firecracker, a real mover and shaker, who puts her full energy into everything she does. She is also a tremendous team player, not only helping sister auctions with potential business, but always reaching out to me with information or leads that would benefit us on the national level.” 

Swofford continued, “Our clients, her colleagues at America’s Greenville, and her counterparts at other AAA auction locations all admire her and appreciate her contribution to the business of buying and selling vehicles at the auction.  Her dedication and loyalty to Americas Auto Auction is invaluable, and she plays a big role in our success.”