Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2022 Women in Remarketing honorees in the May issue of the magazine, and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website.

Next up is Deann Flora, who is regional remarketing manager at Capital One. 

Auto Remarketing: What is the top trend you’re watching in remarketing/ wholesale automotive this year?

Deann Flora: Supply constraint is the biggest trend of this year. It impacts every part of our business, from what is available to finance to how many units are in the wholesale market. This topic also encourages discussion regarding our global economy and supply chain distribution at depths we’ve never encountered. In terms of remarketing, the supply has allowed us to really question whether the tried-and-true ways to differentiate are as valuable as we think they are in absolute terms.

AR: How has technology/innovation impacted your specific area of remarketing/wholesale the most?

Flora: I spent part of my career in the online space and know how valuable of an asset a robust digital presentation is, particularly to our buyers. While sellers have historically utilized various options to represent their units, I always favored in-lane due to the complexity of our portfolio. As we all experienced, the pandemic made the availability of fully developed online channels a necessity. The integration of the best of both worlds as I return to an in-person selling experience has had the greatest personal impact.

AR: What piece of career advice would you have for someone new to the industry?

Flora: Be true to your words. Personal integrity transcends the industry, and its importance cannot be overstated. You may change roles or companies, but industry colleagues always remember if your behavior aligns with what you say. Even difficult messages are better received if your actions reinforce your words, and remain consistent from an entry level employee to the C-suite to the customer.

AR: What is your proudest moment/accomplishment, career-wise?

Flora: Work takes up so much of our life; it’s important to create an environment where people feel included and empowered. Learning how to identify what is important for my team and how to reduce the noise has been a primary goal throughout my career. That specific pursuit has helped me foster a dynamic where our main focus is meeting objectives and increasing our eff ectiveness. Watching former and current members of my team achieve their potential, because of some of those core philosophies, are my proudest moments.