Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2022 Women in Retail honorees in the current issue of the magazine and at Used Car Week this fall in San Diego. 

With these awards, we specifically recognize top leaders on the retail side of the auto industry, including honorees from dealerships, dealer groups and third-party providers/vendors

Over the next few weeks, AR will be posting Q&As with each of the honorees on this website.

Next up is Tara Kasica, senior vice president of sales at Polly.

Auto Remarketing: What do you enjoy most about working in retail automotive, and what would you change?

Tara Kasica: It is exhilarating working with automotive dealers, providing products to help stay on the cutting edge of delivering solutions to car buyers. The pandemic has compelled unprecedented, high velocity change in almost very aspect of the car buying journey and their relationship with their dealer. My expectation is that the U.S. automotive industry embrace this “new normal” and remain the global leader of innovation and exceptional car buyer solutions.

AR: What is the top trend you’re watching in retail automotive this year?

Kasica: A fascinating trend most of us are watching is the convergence of consumers’ growing preference for a fully online retail car buying experience with the traditional in-showroom buying process. The best dealers are way ahead of the curve in delivering their car buyers easy, tailored, seamless experiences and often seeing higher front-end/back-end gross along with selling more F&I products via the online retail purchase.

And, given where I’ve focused over the last 10 years, another important trend is the continued growing awareness both with dealers and car shoppers to have that last frontier solution available to them when they are purchasing their new vehicle: multiple, competitive auto insurance quotes from well-known carriers, all at their fingertips with a quick, hassle-free binding experience. And of course, enabling dealers to unlock the power of commissions on these policies — not only when they are first sold, but every time they renew!

AR: What piece of career advice would you give your younger self?

Kasica: Don’t take it too seriously. Have fun!

AR: What has been the top key to your success in retail automotive?

Kasica: First and foremost, having fun. Secondly, being fully authentic with the people with whom I work, mentor and those who mentor me. Authenticity and humor are the foundation to being a successful leader, and as these attributes are refined over time it helps set the example for those who follow in my footsteps.