Life at OPENLANE: Q&A with Amy Para, Market Relationship Manager, AFC
Amy Para is passionate and dedicated in all aspects of her life, especially in her role as Market Relationship Manager at AFC. In addition to her current role, she recently began leading the AFC Culture Collective, a group of cross-functional employees appointed by AFC leadership to create a groundswell of support for AFC culture. Read more about her exciting career growth and journey at AFC in the Q&A below.
What has your journey at AFC looked like?
I began my journey with AFC in September 2014 as a branch manager and was promoted to my current position of Relationship Market Manager of the South Carolina branches in early 2021.
What is something you are most proud of during your time with AFC?
I have been encouraged to venture out of my “comfort zone.” Personal growth often comes through challenges and challenges can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable. I have always felt supported and great satisfaction when I pushed through uncertainty or self-doubt. AND we do have the most amazing and supportive leadership team.
What do you like the most about working at AFC?
I love the positive impact we make on the lives of those we work with, inside and outside of the company. So many of the dealers we work with are small business owners that have dreams of creating something more for themselves and their families and/or employees. We can help them achieve those dreams and support their endeavors. This also goes so far beyond the transactions of flooring a dealer’s inventory. We are an ever-evolving company that is always seeking ways to ease some of the burdens on the dealer’s day-to-day operations by streamlining processes.
We offer so many programs that to help team members when they need it. I have seen team members pull together for those that have struggled with natural disasters or family emergencies.
What’s a piece of advice for newcomers to the company?
Speak up! Don’t be afraid to share your ideas or questions. This is everyone’s opportunity to grow and sometimes the best questions and ideas come from a fresh set of eyes.
