What is your role at AFC and how do you support the independent dealer every day?
I am a Product Owner with the AFC Business Technology team. The work that my team does is primarily focused on improving the efficiency of the system used by our Centralized Title Processing team. Our goal is to streamline the way most of our US dealer titles are housed and maintained so that our Relationship Managers at our branches have more time, freedom and flexibility to focus on supporting dealers and meeting their needs.
What is one of your favorite stories of working with an AFC dealer?
I recently came across an account that I signed up many years ago when I was at the branch in Birmingham, Alabama — where I began my career with AFC. At the time we signed him, the dealer only qualified for a $25,000 line of credit and required his grandmother to cosign for him. He was new in business, and needed a lot of guidance on how to operate his dealership and how to maintain his floorplan account. Fast forward to several weeks ago, and he now has a $300,000 line of credit! I was so proud that he has grown his business so much over the years. His journey embodies the spirit of how AFC helps to fuel the entrepreneurial dream in our community.
What is the best part about working for AFC?
Two words: the people! I have met some of the most important people in my life during my years at AFC. I definitely feel like I have a work family in addition to my home family.
How do you help our dealers achieve their goals?
The work my team does helps decouple the AFC field team from administrative work that isn’t a value-add for our dealers. This frees up our Relationship Managers and Specialists to spend time shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers and provide the support that really matters.
What are you most excited about as a part of the AFC team?
I’m excited to help bring additional technology to our AFC field and corporate staff. I spent so many years on the receiving end of technology and enhancements, and now I’m excited to help provide the technology and tools.
What is your best piece of advice for dealers to successfully work with AFC?
Communicate openly and honestly with your AFC relationship team. When dealers communicate their needs and goals–and especially their challenges–it helps drive success with their floorplans and in their business. Everything is figure-out-able!