Women in Remarketing: Laura Dunn of Proficient Auto Transport - Auto Remarketing

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CARY, N.C. -

Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2021 Women in Remarketing honorees in the March issue of the magazine, and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website.

Next up is Laura Dunn, who is director of auction sales and logistics and Proficient Auto Transport.

Auto Remarketing: What do you enjoy most about working in the remarketing industry? But, also, what aspect(s) of the business would you change — and how?

Laura Dunn: In my industry, I love meeting people and providing an essential service that they need. Every week, I have an opportunity to meet someone new, and with that new someone … I learn something new!

The auction industry has always been exciting and intriguing to me. It is loud, fast-paced, high energy — just complete organized craziness. Before COVID, dealers bought digitally and in-person, which I thought was a good balance.

Digitally is ideal for the managers that can’t take the time to travel. And live for the buyers who purchase vehicles for multiple dealerships! I believe the networking of the dealers from all across the country being in one place every week was a huge asset for them to keep on top of the market. I have seen how that has greatly affected the flow of vehicles from auctions to dealerships since the pandemic. What used to be full loads shipping from one location are now pieces from many locations.

AR: What are some improvements that need to be made in the industry from a diversity and inclusion perspective? What are some examples you've seen of D&I programs that have worked?

LD: To be conscientious of your team’s diversity is just knowing them, spending time with them and supporting them. Every individual will have certain strengths in their types of diversity but a good team will represent them all. The seven pillars of inclusion is a no-nonsense way to achieve building a successful, prosperous, happy team. Access-Attitude-Choice-Partnerships-Communication-Policy-Opportunities. We all want to be welcomed, valued, have meaning in our jobs and in our lives. Team building is key!

AR: Describe a time when you were either a mentor or a mentee, and how that has shaped your career.

LD: My parents were my mentors. My father retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and my mother was a teacher. I was raised on a farm, which at times was hard work, but very rewarding. My brother and I had chores before and after school, along with our sports activities. My father, especially, instilled the mentally to work smart so that hard work was completely doable.

My parents also taught us to be accountable, because the people and animals on the farm depended on us, but that also we depended on them. That life lesson has always blessed me with the integrity to give everything I can concerning others so they can do the same.

AR: Describe a time in your career where you were challenged and how you overcame that challenge.

LD: I have been doing this business for over 30 years and there have been many, many challenges. This is going to sound so very cliche, but my father used to tell me the rickety bridge to cross life story.

And it that it will seem like it will not hold me when I try to cross but I have to cross to get to the other side, otherwise, I will not go anywhere. Once I do, it is a great feeling of accomplishment only to have many others to follow. My point is that if you always put your best self forward, meaning integrity, trust, communication, work ethic and you will have the great relationships and skills that overcome those challenges.

AR: What is the top trend/storyline in the remarketing industry that you're watching this year?

LD: The COVID pandemic. Reading and listening to podcasts almost every day on how this industry is adapting and pivoting on the way they are doing business during this time. Things are changing so quickly, by the week, that it is of the utmost importance to stay on top of it.

AR: What is something you would tell your younger self if you could go back to when you started your career in remarketing?

LD: I would just say enjoy your journey, build great relationships and listen and learn from others. Things are constantly changing so read, evolve and give your best self at all times

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