We’re thrilled to shine a well-deserved spotlight on Anissa Collins, our VP of Sales and Marketing, as she’s recognized as a 2025 AutoSuccess ‘Women at the Wheel’ honoree. Anissa’s extensive experience and dynamic leadership have made an undeniable impact at Dealer Teamwork and across the automotive industry. We sat down with her to discuss her journey, accomplishments, and vision for the future.

A Career Forged in Automotive

Anissa’s career spans over three decades in the automotive sector. She’s spent 20+ years on the vendor side and almost 10 years in retail, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the industry from multiple angles. When asked what initially drew her to automotive, her answer was refreshingly direct: money. 

But what kept her here and ultimately led her to Dealer Teamwork? “Product first, people second, and culture, plain and simple,” she states. The opportunity to work again with a co-founder with whom she shared a successful track record sealed the deal. What followed  has been a path forged through relentless curiosity, problem-solving prowess, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

More Than Just Revenue: A Legacy of Mentorship

While Anissa readily acknowledges her contributions in revenue as a top producer, she considers her legacy to be rooted in something deeper: mentorship and transformation. “Some of my most significant accomplishments have been those of clients solving a problem by utilizing advice, products, or knowledge shared by me,” she says. “Watching them become more successful always felt very rewarding.”

Coming up in an era with fewer formal mentors, Anissa learned by being “a sponge 24/7,” constantly pushing boundaries and embracing a “if they can do it, I can do it” mentality. She recalls a pivotal piece of advice from an early manager: to replace “I feel” with “We should” to be taken more seriously when speaking. A seemingly simple change that, as she laughs, “changed the dynamics in that role.” This foundational experience fueled her passion for guiding others.

Fueling Innovation at Dealer Teamwork

Anissa’s impact at Dealer Teamwork began organically, by identifying and filling a critical gap. Her compass has always been the product, and she felt Dealer Teamwork’s innovative solutions were underestimated. She instinctively viewed the challenges through a dealer’s lens, asking, “How fast do you want your entire inventory to be made relevant to search engines? For in-market shoppers to find it? My answer is INSTANTLY.”

She recognized that Dealer Teamwork’s technology addressed crucial needs, from quick inventory turns to sophisticated, automated digital marketing of inventory – a complex and ever-changing area that often lacks detailed strategies. The adaptive nature of Dealer Teamwork’s patented in-house built technology captivated her. “I knew I had to be a part of it!” she exclaims.

Championing Women in Automotive

Throughout her career, Anissa has been a quiet but powerful force in advocating for women in the automotive world. She recounts leading a predominantly all-women team in an early leadership role, where they were not only top producers but also juggling demanding roles as mothers and wives. “It was something special to be a part of and lead,” she reflects. 

While she believes in choosing the “best person for the role”, she says she often finds that person happens to be a woman and celebrates the increasing recognition women receive. Her current marketing department at Dealer Teamwork is also all women, a dynamic team that fosters creativity and mutual support. She’s quick to acknowledge all the powerful women she’s been able to work with along the way, adding, “Here at Dealer Teamwork, we have some wicked smart women making tremendous impacts across the board.”

Balancing Career and Life’s Greatest Project

When asked about her proudest project, Anissa’s answer is immediate and heartfelt: “The project of being a Mom is my most challenging and rewarding.” She firmly believes that no career accomplishment compares if she doesn’t “get that right.” Beyond motherhood, the satisfaction of seeing someone apply her teachings and succeed brings her immense joy. In leadership, she sees herself as a “coach, mentor, cheerleader, and, most days, all three.”

​​Advice for Aspiring Women in Automotive

Anissa’s advice for women considering a career in automotive, especially in roles like hers, is simple and direct: “DO IT! There is lots to accomplish and plenty of work to be done and very rewarding if you put your head down and do the work!”

Facing challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry is something Anissa acknowledges, though she doesn’t dwell on specifics. Her focus remains on the work and the impact she can make. She credits a strong network of mentors and supportive individuals for her journey. While many may not know the influence they’ve had on her, she’s committed to expressing her gratitude more frequently, adding that she finds daily inspiration in her highly seasoned team at Dealer Teamwork.

Anissa Collins truly embodies the spirit of an Empowered Woman of Dealer Teamwork and beyond. We wish her another CONGRATULATIONS on being named a 2025 AutoSuccess Women at the Wheel honoree. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to curating the next generation of talent are, in turn, an inspiration to us all.

For more information about the Women at the Wheel, please visit AutoSuccess Online HERE.

Connect with Anissa 👉 HERE! 👇