Kailey Hatfield-Odero, a fourth-generation member of the Hatfield family, has carved an impressive path in the automotive industry, blending her heritage with innovative leadership.
With a decade of experience, she’s revamped the dealership’s internet sales and HR processes, making onboarding smoother and ensuring regulatory compliance. Graduating from the prestigious NADA Academy, she is also the first woman from her family to lead the dealership, co-managing the business alongside her sister, Crista. Their goal is to preserve the family legacy while modernizing operations for both employees and customers.
Growing up in the dealership, Kailey’s passion for the business was evident from a young age. Her early experiences, shadowing her father and interacting with the sales team, fueled her ambition to join the family business. After earning her degree in Business Administration, she gained additional leadership experience at Target, which taught her valuable team management skills. When she and her sister eventually joined the dealership, Hatfield-Odero brought a unique approach, emphasizing a family-oriented culture that makes each team member feel valued, a hallmark of family-owned dealerships.
Hatfield-Odero’s dedication to the industry is further exemplified by her role as Chair of the CNCDA’s NextGen Steering Committee, a position she has proudly held for two terms. This role allows her to advocate for franchised dealerships, ensuring that both employees and customers are represented and protected.
Looking ahead, Hatfield-Odero envisions running a successful, community-focused dealership with her sister, continuing to prioritize customer and employee satisfaction. She also aims to deepen her involvement with the CNCDA, contributing to the future success and resilience of the industry.