Influential Woman · Automotive finance

Susan Park

Finance/ Sales manager, Huggard & Ewing

Lakeville, MA

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Northeastern University Degree Associate's degree Degree Finance and insurance school Cert Finance and insurance school certification

Her Story

About Susan

I've been in the automotive finance industry for over 20 years, and it's still my main area of expertise today. My journey started when I was working as an after-sale girl at a dealership, selling products like locks and Rusty Jones. I did so well that the owner sent me to finance and insurance school, which is how I ended up getting into the finance office. I worked at that same company for 13 years. In my role, I handle all aspects of customer financing, getting them approved for vehicles by working with lenders and banks. I go over all kinds of protection for the vehicle including warranties and gap insurance. I work closely with general managers and sales managers to help get customers in the right vehicle with financing that best fits them, making it a nice, smooth experience. Throughout my career, my numbers have always been very, very good, exceeding everybody else's, and I've maintained very high customer satisfaction scores (CSIs), which are really important for getting customers to give 5-star reviews. I attended Northeastern University where I earned an associate's degree, just shy of a bachelor's, and I also went to finance and insurance school way back in the day.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Susan

01What do you attribute your success to?

I contribute my success to a lot of hard work over the years. You build up skill after doing it for so long, I think. And just really being motivated, you know? It takes dedication and persistence to keep going in this industry.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received would be to be yourself, and to not sell, but help. In the sales business, you know, selling cars, selling finance, selling warranties, whatever you're selling, instead of trying to sell it to the person, you're actually trying to help them get the best fit for themselves. When you're helping others, everything comes together.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would tell young women entering this industry that it's a really tough grind, and you really have to love it to make it through. The hours could be excruciating, the work can be very draining. And if you're in the right place, you know, it's non-stop. So you really have to love it to make it work for you. It's grueling, and you're dealing with so many different factors. You're dealing with the salesmen, you're dealing with the sales managers, you're dealing with customers, you're dealing with banks, you're dealing with owners. So many factors, and you know, it's not always easy, it's very difficult at times.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me would be honesty, compassion, and loyalty. These are the principles I try to live by both professionally and personally.

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