Meet THE PEOPLE BEHIND DEALERBUILT
At DealerBuilt, our greatest asset isn’t our technology, it’s the talented, passionate people driving it forward every day.
That’s why we created this blog series to shine a light on the team members who power our company. Through candid conversations and personal stories, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at their roles, career journeys, and the real impact they make on our customers, our culture, and each other.
Let’s dive in!
With over three decades of automotive experience under her belt, Valerie Gerard is no stranger to the fast-paced world of dealerships. As an Implementation Specialist at DealerBuilt, she brings that real-world wisdom to every client interaction, helping teams transition smoothly, get trained effectively, and feel confident using their new DMS.
From the Front Lines to Behind the Scenes
Valerie’s role is all about setting clients up for long-term success. She partners with dealerships to configure their DealerBuilt system and trains employees to navigate it with ease. But her support doesn’t stop at setup—she stays hands-on to ensure everything works the way it should.
Her day-to-day focus includes:
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Configuring and setting up dealership systems
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Training employees across departments
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Creating documentation and offering continued support post-launch
“I work well with dealers because I understand their world, and I love helping them do their jobs better with our software.”
From Dealership Life to a New Kind of Challenge
After 34 years in the dealership environment, Valerie made the move to DealerBuilt looking for a different kind of challenge, one that lets her stay in the industry she loves, without the high-stress pace of dealership life.
“I still have stress, but it’s not the same. Working at DealerBuilt keeps me connected to the auto industry, which I know and love.”
It was the perfect shift, one that allowed her to use her expertise in a fresh, meaningful way.
Problem-Solving That Feels Personal
What fuels Valerie? Helping clients solve issues and watching the lightbulb moments happen.
“Solving problems and issues with clients is the most rewarding part of my job.”
Her calm demeanor and practical knowledge make her a go-to resource for clients navigating change, and her presence often brings clarity in the middle of complexity.
Why DealerBuilt? Because the Fit Just Made Sense
Valerie didn’t just pick DealerBuilt for the job – she chose it for the lifestyle. It’s a place where she can contribute her expertise, stay grounded in an industry she knows inside and out, and enjoy a more sustainable rhythm.
Advice for New Hires: Stay Open and Keep Learning
Valerie’s guidance for new team members reflects her balanced, no-nonsense approach:
“Soak it all in and learn as much as you can. And remember, there’s more than one way to run a dealership.”
She encourages flexibility, curiosity, and an open mind, qualities that serve both clients and teammates well.
Outside the Office: Gardening, Cooking, and a Taste of Home
When she’s not guiding clients through software setups, Valerie finds joy in life’s simpler pleasures:
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Gardening, especially spending time outdoors with her hands in the dirt
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Recreating flavors from home in the kitchen—while she wouldn’t call herself a foodie, she loves chasing those familiar, nostalgic tastes
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Embracing the little moments that bring balance and peace
With her depth of industry experience, problem-solving instincts, and down-to-earth energy, Valerie plays a crucial role in making DealerBuilt feel both knowledgeable and approachable.
Do you want to be part of the DealerBuilt team? Check out our current openings today!
