CARY, N.C.-

Auto Remarketingis recognizingthe 2021 Women in Remarketing honorees in theMarch issue of the magazine, and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website.

Next up is Pamela Patton, who isarea vice president at ACV Auctions.

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?

Pamela Patton:The remarketing world is a fascinating environment. Its fast-paced yet intricately detailed; personality is king (queen) and personal relationships are crucial; it only thrives when individual contributions and strategic teamwork harmonize.

Working in remarketing has allowed me to take advantage of my strengths: relationship-building, leadership, quick decision-making and problem-solving. Byways of relationship-building, I was able to build a strong relationship with the Greater Pittsburgh Auto Dealers Association (GPADA) and was nominated to be on the GPAD Foundation board of trustees in 2020. I am currently the first ACV employee to be asked to be on any of the associations boards.

AR:What are some improvements that need to be made in the industry from a diversity and inclusion perspective? What are some examples youve seen of D&I programs that have worked?

Patton:ACVs diversity engagement and inclusion department was established to recognize, strengthen and maximize the power of diversity. DE&I focuses on attracting, engaging and developing the careers of women, veterans and people of color in every department within our organization, in every area of the country. Were figuratively building a longer table to include voices and ideas not typically showcased in the once-antiquated auto industry. (And hopefully, post-COVID, ACV will literally build a longer table so we can get these great minds together in person!)

We host community outreach events, local fundraisers and diversity training for ACV teammates with that goal in mind. I would love to see more panels and programs like this to bring diversified talent into our markets.

Empowering and strengthening women and minorities will be the key to continued momentum. Onward and upward!

AR: Describe a time when you were either a mentor or a mentee, and how that has shaped your career.

Patton:As the first woman in a VP role at ACV, I really understand how crucial it is to LISTEN. Every employee and client has a world outside of work families, friends, hobbies, goals and fears. We are more than just work and a person feeling valued is imperative to build a strong team and solid partnerships. As a mentor to many women within the automotive industry, my goal is to remind them that listening to and getting to know your employees, colleagues and clients will fortify each relationship.

Leading with listening has shaped how I conduct myself personally and professionally and that mentality has forged many friendships and business developments. Ive been in automotive sales for 20-plus years, but Ive been alive a little longer I learned early on that listening is both empowering and empowerment. I try to live that and lead that everyday.

AR: Describe a time in your career where you were challenged and how you overcame that challenge.

Patton: What Im about to say is not an industry secret: this world is STRESSFUL! Regardless of title, role or capacity, the high stakes and high reward come with hard conversations. Whether issues are inherited or uncovered, those conversations will NOT make you everyones favorite (at that moment.)

The difference between being a manager and a leader is believing in yourself and your decisions. Those decisions wont make everyone happy nor will they make sense to everyone initially, but making hard judgement calls and addressing issues head-on is the key to overcoming challenges. Rip the Band-Aid off to become a great manager; dress the wound to become a great leader.

AR: What is the top trend/storyline in the remarketing industry that youre watching this year?

Patton:I cant wait to see how every area of remarketing, whether it be wholesale, retail, DMS, advertising or financing, transforms in the digital (COVID) age. There are so many brilliant minds and ideas that now have the chance to capitalize on our socially distanced protocols.

This industry has been evolving slowly, however the last year has proven that the fastest to adapt to digital will rise to the top. Im looking forward to watching ACV Auctions continue to lead with technology in 2021.

AR: What is something you would tell your younger self if you could go back to when you started your career in remarketing?

Patton: Great question! I would definitely have told myself to continue to push through and continue to put in the hard work. It all pays off. ACV Auctions has done an exceptional job at proving that women DO have a place in the automotive industry. We have women managing territories, regions and on our executive board. I have found success in a male- dominated industry by having a strong work ethic, knowing the importance of what our partners need to be successful and entrenching relationships within our dealer partners.

Read the original:

Women in Remarketing: Pamela Patton of ACV Auctions - Auto Remarketing