A Recent College Grad’s View of the Tenth Digital Dealer Conference

I recently graduated college from the University of North Florida after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and began working for Duval Ford in Jacksonville, Florida. My father has been working in the automotive industry for 27 years and he loves it and I he is always happy. When I began my search for work after college he recommended that I apply at a dealership. This may have been one of the last places I anticipated starting my career. After working for several months and attending the 10th Digital Dealer Conference, I see a long and prosperous future for myself in this industry. There were thousands of people at DD10. Many attendees were business owners, vendors and very knowledgeable leaders within their respective fields. I had the opportunity select from over Eighty workshops. Some were designed to offer observations and counsel where the presenter would draw upon enormous levels of data and years of experience. Some presenters were vendors who would make available valuable tools to increase productivity, maintain records or stimulate business. I was amazed at how friendly these people were to a beginner in the industry. Every person I met greeted me with a smile and was willing to give me advice. All of the speakers took time to discuss their presentations with me and many sent me additional information as well. Attending DD10 showed me just how much opportunity and potential for growth there is within the automotive world for someone who is willing to work hard and is open to new ideas. This is not an industry that many recent college graduates flock to, but it is something that I would encourage any of them to try. It seems that any person who is willing to work hard will go far, very quickly. A common misconception is that if you get a job at an automotive dealership you have to be a salesperson, however, there are also many opportunities for those who do not wish to start out in sales. I started in the BDC and was promoted to the assistant in the commercial/fleet department,I have really enjoyed my experience and understand why my father is always smiling. Attending DD10 really got me excited to see where this industry will take my career in the future. I know that there is no shortage of opportunity!

Tia Saraceno
Administrative Assistant Commercial Sales
Tia.saraceno@duvalford.com