CARY, N.C. -

Below is a Q&A with Cynthia Meyer, national sales with Dealers Auto Auction Group and a 2017 Women in Remarketing honoree. 

Auto Remarketing: What was your path to the automotive industry, and what do you enjoy most about working in the car business?

Cynthia Meyer: My path was totally by luck! I started in the industry not even knowing what the automotive industry was about. In 1994, my first position was with ADT Truck and Equipment, and then I held a variety of positions from marketing to sales on the auction side. What I enjoy most about the car business is the people. I have had some great mentors over the years and made some long-lasting friends that I have known for over 20 years.

AR: How is the remarketing/used-car segment of the business most different from when you first started out?

CM: To be honest, the biggest change I have seen is the amount of competition on the auction side and how different areas have evolved in the online space. I was privileged to work at ADT when the first Dealer Direct online sale was introduced, and we sent out diskettes with the sale information and ran everything off of a 486 processor. And our Redistribution Management inventory management system turned into what is known today as AutoIMS.

AR: How would you describe your leadership style and approach to problem-solving?

CM: Leading by example is probably the best way to describe how I interact with my team. I receive great satisfaction when my team succeeds and works well together. Accountability and dependability are two strengths that I think every person should aspire to achieve and will drive answers to solving problems.

AR: What have been some of the top keys to your success in the car business?

CM: Knowing what people want and how best to communicate with them has been one of my strengths in getting to where I am today. Understanding a customer’s needs and being able to influence their decisions is one of the areas I have focused on in recent years.

Many times I have walked into meetings with a set expectation and had to stop, listen to the consignor and adjust the overall goal in order to strengthen the relationship. I believe that relationships are still key to the success of this industry.

AR: Who are some folks, whether in the auto industry or not, that you admire professionally, and why?

CM: I admire anyone who loves what they do and are passionate about it. Whether it’s what they are involved with or their career, I admire that. So many people today have lost sight of really enjoying what they do. After 20-plus years in this industry, I can still say I am excited to come to work!

AR: When you are able to get away from the office or work, what do you enjoy? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.?

CM: I enjoy spending time with my daughter and family. She is a senior in high school this year and is a varsity swimmer and golfer. When I am not traveling for work, I am at the pool volunteering at the swim meet or walking the golf course during a match. I also live in the land of 10,000 lakes and enjoy spending time in and around the water.

Read about all of this year's Women in Remarketing honorees in the April 1 issue of Auto Remarketing.