CARY, N.C. -

Martha Garcia-Perry is an observer of her environment. The behavior is part of one of her favorite non-automotive activities — hiking and mountain climbing — and it also sparked her interest in what has turned into a productive career in automotive logistics.

“While in college, I toured both the Chrysler Jeep Assembly Plant in Detroit and the Ford Mustang Assembly Plant in Dearborn, Mich.,” said Garcia-Perry, a 2016 Women in Remarketing honoree. “I was fascinated by all the different aspects of building a vehicle. It wasn’t just about parts and assembly lines. There were so many different parties involved from parts delivery to the final dealer delivery. I knew then that I wanted to be in automotive logistics.”

In 2001, Garcia-Perry ended up going to work with a company that moved vehicles made by Chrysler. She started her career with Insight Network Logistics, a third-party logistics company that managed Chrysler’s finished vehicle delivery network. Her first post was with the shipment management team that handled all of the exceptions and disruptions in the delivery network.

“My experience with that team allowed me to help with the redesign of our vehicle tracking system,” said Garcia-Perry, who soon moved on to the network analysis and engineering team (NAE). That group analyzed and implemented changes in Chrysler’s distribution network to optimize truck and rail routes.

“While in NAE, I was on the implementation team that launched our company’s operations in Mexico, directly responsible for the development and execution of the technology training program,” she added.

Garcia-Perry joined her current employer in April 2013 as director of account management for MetroGistics. She developed strategic initiatives to help drive value for the company’s largest clients

“I led the design and development of Metro Auto Express, our fully integrated drive-away program serving our largest clients across the U.S. I have developed processes to help drive employee engagement and our company culture because, we truly believe our employees are our greatest asset,” Garcia-Perry said.

“I enjoy the aspect of building value propositions for our clients. I find it very rewarding to work with our customers in finding solutions to meet their transportation needs,” she went on to say.

While Garcia-Perry specializes in how vehicles will move from one place to another, one of her most notable memories came at the auction — again at a place where she could observe plenty of activity.

“One of my most rewarding experiences has been at an auction. I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to be on the podium with the auctioneer,” Garcia-Perry said. “Watching how the excitement built up once the biding process began and the interaction between the auctioneer and buyers, was fascinating. Never before had I seen so many cars sold in so little time.”

What happened at the automaker to what transpires at the auction stokes Garcia-Perry’s passion for what she now does at MetroGistics.

“I’m inspired by people who have a real passion for what they do,” she said. “From a second-generation car hauler who loves the business because of all the different types of cars new and used that he gets to drive to a sales representative who continually receives praise from new customers for her outstanding customer service skills.

“Cars will always be built; whether they are fuel, electric, or autonomous. We continue to hear about the same issues year after year, but what’s exciting and motivating is the shift in collaborative efforts between manufacturers and suppliers; auctions and consignors to find innovative ways to address the issues affecting each sector,” Garcia-Perry went on to say.

Check out the April 15 edition of Auto Remarketing to learn more about the entire class of 2016 Women in Remarketing honorees.

These outstanding leaders will be honored at Used Car Week 2016, where we will be launching our National Remarketing Conference partnership with the National Auto Auction Association.

Used Car Week is scheduled for Nov. 14-18 at the Red Rock in Las Vegas.