Rushing looks to do the ‘honorable’ in remarketing & beyond

Katie Rushing was a member of a sorority as a student at Georgia Southern University. Whether it was in athletics or automotive, a mantra she learned during that part of her life still influences her now as she is the national remarketing manager for Southeastern Auto Auction of Savannah.

“I am motivated to excel in all aspects life,” Rushing said. “Growing up, I participated in multiple various competitive activities including team and individual sports, choirs, mathematics teams, etc. When I do something, I do it 100 percent. I may not win every time, but it will never be because I didn’t give it my all.

“I strive to uphold a motto I heard first in college in my sorority, Kappa Delta: Let us strive for that which is honorable, beautiful, and highest,” continued Rushing, a 2016 Women in Remarketing honoree..

Rushing had the opportunity to excel as she was given more responsibilities by the auction owners, who had interests in real estate, equipment as well as automotive. The owners — Wayne DeLoach, Tommy Childs and Danny Williams — steadily gave her more challenges, including going on the road and representing the auction throughout the region.

“I’ve always loved cars and trucks but didn’t know how much I would enjoy working in the car business, especially at an auction, until I began as a dealer sales representative traveling throughout the state of South Carolina,” Rushing said.

“I met so many different people visiting both large franchise dealerships and small independent car lots. Once I moved into remarketing our institutional accounts I really knew this was what I enjoyed,” she went on to say.

While she now has one of the most important positions at Southeastern Auto Auction of Savannah, Rushing still is striving for excellence — both within the organization and the auction industry as a whole.

“I enjoy both the challenges and the people,” Rushing said. “Every car has a different story and tackling the issues that each one brings is invigorating. I love learning new things so each time a problem arises and our team finds the solution the rush of enthusiasm and satisfaction is very fulfilling. I also treasure the different relationships I have with each client. The social interactions within the workplace fascinate me and I am intrigued by the different ways individuals communicate and work together.

“Always be open to new ideas and never settle with the way things have always been done,” she continued. “Our world is ever changing and we must be able to adapt quickly and efficiently. Accountability is key, if you tell someone you’re going to do something, follow through.

“Being a member of the IARA Education and Conference Management Committee has been very influential and beneficial to both my career and personal development,” Rushing added.

Beyond that industry organization, Rushing also mentioned the impact of her family, which “set wonderful examples of strong work ethic and accountability throughout my life and I strive to exhibit the same attributes as they have shown me.”

Rushing also reiterated the vital role DeLoach, Childs and Williams played in her professional career, “by believing in me and guiding me throughout my journey in the automotive business.”

She added: “They instilled in me the value of doing business the right way and doing the right thing. Their persistence in upholding positive values continues to inspire me.”