Women in Retail: Candice Currey of Santa Cruz Toyota

Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2022 Women in Retail honorees in the current issue of the magazine and at Used Car Week this fall in San Diego. 

With these awards, we specifically recognize top leaders on the retail side of the auto industry, including honorees from dealerships, dealer groups and third-party providers/vendors

Over the next few weeks, AR will be posting Q&As with each of the honorees on this website.

Next up is Candice Currey, who is used-car manager at Santa Cruz Toyota.

Auto Remarketing: What do you enjoy most about working in retail automotive, and what would you change?

Candice Currey: I enjoy working in the automotive industry because I am fortunate enough to work with an array of people, from general managers with over 35 years of experience to porters just starting their own careers. Everyone brings something new to the table and are constantly showing me new perspectives and ways to improve within the industry. What I would like to see change is the idea that women are not welcome in the automotive industry and there are limited opportunities for them. When in actuality, there are plenty of possibilities for fulfilling careers and does welcome and nurture women in the industry.

AR: What is the top trend you’re watching in retail automotive this year?

Currey: I’m excited to watch as alternative fuel technologies across all product lines evolve. Now there are options for SUVs, vans and trucks while before we only had one or two options to offer our customers concerned with fuel economy and vehicle affordability.

AR: What piece of career advice would you give your younger self?

Currey: My career advice to my younger self would be to have patience. There will be ups and downs along the way but everything works out in the end and the knowledge learned through experience will be priceless. The lessons gathered through my career have given me confidence in my abilities and the perseverance to keep growing in this industry.

AR: What has been the top key to your success in retail automotive?

Currey: Not being afraid to take risks and always going with the flow. Our industry is ever changing and requires us to adapt constantly. I left one department after ten years for one that I had zero experience in. What I came to learn is that I brought a vast amount of knowledge that helped me bridge the gap between departments. Being able to pivot and evolve have been paramount in my success.