YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN THE AFTERMARKET SPOTLIGHT: CANDICE JAMES

Carfax helps people buy and sell used cars with confidence by accurately valuing the vehicle in question. Candice James, who has been with Carfax for five years, thinks properly valuing your work/life balance is essential to longterm success. Finding that confidence to accurately value oneself is something she hopes to share with others through the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) Committee.

Name: Candice James

Company: Carfax Canada

Title: Senior national data acquisition manager

Number of years in the aftermarket: 5

How long have you worked in the automotive industry? How many of those years are in the automotive aftermarket?

I come from an automotive family — my uncle has operated Chrysler dealerships for over 25 years — but I did not take the plunge until five years ago. After a year in dealer sales, I invested my time into business development and the aftermarket sector.

What company do you currently work for? What is your position?

I work for Carfax Canada as a senior national data acquisition manager. In my role, I engage with industry leaders to bring them increased brand awareness, driving repeat business and optimizing their customer experience. My career at Carfax started in our sales department where I provided car dealers products that helped them earn customer trust by providing transparency to the buy and sell process and optimize profit by valuing the cars they buy and sell accurately. My next move was to our business development team where I held the position of data acquisition specialist for dealer service. When Carfax Canada prioritized the fast-growing aftermarket industry, I leaped to the opportunity of my current role focusing on aftermarket service in September of 2021.

What is one of your proudest moments in your career so far?

One of the highlights of my career to date has been overcoming my stage fright and being a guest speaker and a keynote speaker in 2022. I am looking forward to following on this path in future years and provide value to our aftermarket industry colleagues.

What is one of the biggest and/or most difficult lessons you have had to learn as a young professional?

Establishing routines is essential to create high performance habits, increased productivity, my personal well-being, and most importantly work/personal life balance. I have learned success is not achieved in a singular moment but rather a collection of moments and routines, so it was critical to look at the long road and find the time daily for the things I love. You can excel at your career without sacrificing your personal time.

What advice would you give someone either starting in the industry or looking to transition into the industry?

Be inquisitive, network and build on those relationships. Your attitude and character will allow you to enter rooms that experience may not; believe in yourself and have the confidence you will learn and figure it out as you go. As you grow and continue to network, seek mentorship; but always be patient and kind to yourself.

About the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket

Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) is an Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) committee comprising of young executives, of 45 years or younger, in the Canadian auto care sector. The Committee’s mandate is to ensure the future growth and prosperity of the aftermarket industry.

July 12 - 14, 2023

Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City

Participate in Latin America’s international tradeshow for the automotive aftermarket, OE manufacturing and service industry.

25th Anniversary Edition

The Future

SHOW IT. 10+ PRODUCT CATEGORIES. Covering every segment of the industry, showcase your range of tools, equipment and products

TEACH IT. 75+ SEMINAR SESSIONS. Share your business and technical knowledge in the Automechanika Academy taught by experts like you

TRAIN ON IT. UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES. From diagnostics to electric vehicles, offer hands-on training demonstrations in your booth or as a part of our demo areas to increase your brand expertise

SELL IT. PRICELESS CONNECTIONS. Reaching more than 15,000 qualified buyers, meet, build and strengthen relationships with distributors, shops, retailers and more - all ready to buy