Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2021 Women in Remarketing honorees in the March issue of the magazine, and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website.
Next up is Melissa Trujillo, who is director of efficiency and agency relations at KAR Global.
Auto Remarketing: What do you enjoy most about working in the remarketing industry? But, also, what aspect(s) of the business would you change — and how?
Melissa Trujillo: For me, the most enjoyable part of working in the remarketing industry is the ever-changing environment. I rarely have two workdays that are the same.
Even when we create the best plans there is always an unexpected challenge or situation that arises. Having the opportunity to be creative, provide solutions and help move the business forward is very rewarding. The industry is fast-paced and fueled by relationships, and I am fortunate to be part of an amazing team at KAR Global.
There is not a specific aspect of the industry that I would change. However, I am always looking to improve a process and gain efficiencies. I approach each day looking for solutions on how my team and I can be better than we were the day before.
Melissa Trujillo
One of my favorite quotes is by football great Vince Lombardi: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” I believe we all want to be the best version of ourselves, at work, at home and in our communities.
AR: What are some improvements that need to be made in the industry from a diversity and inclusion perspective? What are some examples you’ve seen of D&I programs that have worked?
MT: During my 15 years in the industry, I have seen significant progress in diversity and inclusion, but we still have work to do. I think all successful programs begin by bringing awareness and listening to others. Understanding the challenges and experiences of our coworkers, associates and friends affords us the opportunity to help improve the current environment and create a more accepting culture.
As a woman, I think it is also very important to support STEM education. As our industry evolves technology has never been more important. Providing access to girls in these disciplines will hopefully create a path that encourages more young women to explore the automotive industry, and ensure they have the skills required for success.
AR: Describe a time when you were either a mentor or a mentee, and how that has shaped your career.
MT: I have been fortunate enough in my career to be mentored and to also mentor another. As a mentee, it was always comforting to have a cheerleader in my corner. My mentor has a tremendous work ethic, knowledge, experience and a giving spirit, but most importantly is always honest with me. I am grateful for their guidance, wisdom and friendship.
As a mentor I have tried to pay that same honesty and encouragement forward. Supporting someone in their career, and watching them achieve their goals is very rewarding, but I didn’t realize one of the best parts of the experience would be when I am presented with a situation that pushes me outside of my comfort zone.
Discussing different approaches to a problem, having healthy debates and listening to another point of view outside of our daily norm helps us both improve.
AR: Describe a time in your career where you were challenged and how you overcame that challenge.
MT: Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to be part of a few mergers and acquisitions. This process can be very challenging and rewarding. I enjoy helping merge two organizations together from a process perspective to create a more efficient and effective operation. From a people standpoint, there can be highs and lows, as working with new people is always exciting. However, depending on the business need not everyone may be part of the transition. When these situations arise, I rely on my training and experience, and try to be as kind and transparent as possible.
AR: What is the top trend/storyline in the remarketing industry that you’re watching this year?
MT: Continued recovery from the COVID pandemic is on everyone’s mind, but as we look to the future the story that I am most interested in is the auction transition from traditional in-lane sales to a more digital environment.
The digital evolution of the auto industry was a phenomenon already well underway, the pandemic simply accelerated this transition.
As a former auction employee, watching the industry transform from buyers having to physically see and touch cars to being able to attend multiple sales from their office or home is truly astounding. I am excited to see where this journey takes us.
AR: What is something you would tell your younger self if you could go back to when you started your career in remarketing?
MT: My advice to my younger self would be to learn to adapt to change. Plans change, goals change, business needs change, people change; things are constantly changing. Being able to adapt and quickly pivot is a must. Change is necessary and most often good. There will be times that you won’t agree with change; choose your battles and be open-minded. You can’t always control what happens, but you can control your response. There will be times that you are negatively impacted by change. This will pass, and other opportunities are on the horizon.
We have all worked on teams, with leaders or companies that we enjoyed so much the we hoped the circumstances would never change. Even when we are fortunate enough to work with the same people or organizations for long periods of time, we still need change. Whether it’s a change in our process, a change to stay competitive or a change in the industry, when we fail to embrace change and recognize the opportunities it provides, we stop moving forward.
Source : AutoFinanceNews
