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 Tina Hansen, who is vice president of dealer sales at CarNow.
Auto Remarketing: What do you enjoy most about working in retail automotive, and what would you change?
Tina Hansen: Change is a constant in retail automotive. However, we have seen unprecedented shifts since the onset of the pandemic. The ability to adapt, think outside the box, and examine these challenges from every angle has made dealers reevaluate old ways and embrace new ones. Dealers who have avoided changing to a streamlined online sales process are finding it difficult to survive, while those who have welcomed change are succeeding and learning the old ways of retailing may never return.
One of the many things I love about working at CarNow is how we are adapting to these changes through innovation and bringing our Real-Time Retail platform to dealers, allowing them to meaningfully engage potential customers throughout the online purchasing process. It is both exciting and rewarding for me to be on the front lines and actively engaged in assisting dealers as they adapt to market changes. Overall, I wouldn’t change a thing! I’m thrilled to be here to help transition dealers through current and future challenges.
AR: What is the top trend you’re watching in retail automotive this year?
Hansen: Inventory shortages have been a huge setback for many dealers over the last few years, and the uncertainty is still present with no definitive end in sight. Dealers have had to examine how they can best acquire used inventory and streamline how they market new vehicles in transit. Additionally, dealers have had to make difficult choices when it comes to staffing. These dealership families are important, and we must be sensitive to their challenges and do what we can to help them through these trying times by offering our support and providing timely and effective solutions where we can.
AR: What piece of career advice would you give your younger self?
Hansen: Don’t sweat the small stuff, and when you come across a challenge, make it challenge YOU. I used to get easily agitated when things didn’t go the direction I wanted, or someone didn’t agree with my idea or plan. I now find it much easier to relax, reflect and contemplate on things before hurdling to a negative conclusion or blowing something out of proportion. I find it better to collectively work towards a communal goal and come to the table with a resolution that will support everyone and make it a win for all!
AR: What has been the top key to your success in retail automotive?
Hansen: One thing that has always been crucial to my success is surrounding myself with good people and keeping dealers’ best interests at heart. I strive to not “agenda sell” to make a quota or hit a KPI. I work to equip dealers with what they need, build value in the “why” and the product offering, and be sure to follow through on training and implementation. I never overpromise or under-deliver. I strive to couple transparency and integrity in everything I do, and I have always found pride in building and nurturing strong relationships and being a true partner to my dealers.
Source : AutoFinanceNews
