If you ever get the chance to meet Donna Holt, Service Manager at America’s Car-Mart, you’ll quickly discover her passion and commitment to Car-Mart and her Sapulpa, Oklahoma customers. A green 1993 Ford Thunderbird sparked Donna’s career journey with a V8 engine.
One day, over 20 years ago, Donna spotted a must-have car driving through town with her husband, Timothy. She made a deal with Timothy that if they bought the car, she would find a job to help pay for it! They purchased the car, and then one year later, during another drive into town, she saw the Car-Mart marquee sign advertising an open position. Excited, she thought, “I can pay off my car and work there, too!”
Donna began her journey at Car-Mart in 2005. She seized every opportunity that came her way, appreciating every position, the training, and the hands-on experiences that shaped her career. Before long, she became Assistant Manager. Each role taught her something new, and her passion for Car-Mart deepened with every challenge.
Donna opted to take on the Service Manager role again when no one was running the Service department. “Service is an important part of the operation,” says Donna. As Service Manager, she oversees everything from running the shop smoothly to managing customer service contracts and getting cars and parts delivered to the dealership.
Additionally, Donna has trained other Car-Mart Service Managers, sharing her expertise. Her contributions were recognized with the company’s prestigious Pacesetter Award for going above and beyond.
The Start of Something Great
Donna recalls the early days when she had to prove herself in a male-dominated environment, showing that women can be just as knowledgeable about cars. Tinkering with cars as a teenager alongside her dad and working on her vehicles—particularly brakes and water pumps—helped prepare her for this role.
“It’s about earning trust,” she emphasizes. “I had to prove I knew what I was talking about.”
Hitting her five-year mark was Donna’s most proud moment at Car-Mart. “Our Area Operations Manager came to award me. He shook my hand and said, ‘I hope many more to come.’ Then 10 years came, then 15 years,” says Donna. “We all have our ups and downs, but hitting those milestone marks means everything to me! It’s an accomplishment for me and myself. I did this!
An Empowering Journey
Donna advises women aspiring to thrive in the automotive industry: “Be confident! Don’t give up. Stay strong. Listen. Show respect. And always be willing to learn.”
Now celebrating her 20-year journey at Car-Mart, Donna reflects, “I’ve enjoyed every minute! Car-Mart has been good to me! I appreciate Car-Mart giving me the opportunity and the advancements. Car-Mart is a great place to work!”
Here’s to Donna, a true trailblazer in the automotive field, marking 20 years of excellence at Car-Mart—a journey that began with a beautiful Thunderbird and led her to an unexpected, fulfilling career.
“That Thunderbird was a beauty,” concludes Donna. Just like her Car-Mart career!
Join our team!
If you’re like Donna and want to work at a company where you can make magic happen, consider America’s Car-Mart. Go to Car-Mart.com/careers to learn about job opportunities at Car-Mart in our 12-state area.
Drive Your Dream Car Today
At America’s Car-Mart, we’re dedicated to making your car-buying experience seamless and enjoyable. Get pre-qualified now with no credit hit and you’ll be on your way to car ownership in no time.
