Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Aquino.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I unknowingly started my career straight out of high school. I was a teenage girl who loved to talk on the phone for hours on end. One day, my brother said to me, “If you could find someone to pay you to talk on the phone, you’d be rich” and so, it began. I started as a part-time call center representative for GE Capital in Canton, Ohio. I thought I’d just stay there long enough to graduate from college and then my country music stardom would strike or I’d start my real career as a psychologist. I had not expected to love the work and continue to grow into leadership roles that would allow me to travel, meet amazing people, lead large scale projects and find my passion for developing others. The leadership training and development I received in my 11 years with GE strongly prepared me for my 27-year career in the financial services industry.
After GE, I spent the next 16 years running call centers of all sizes for HSBC Auto Finance in Dallas and San Diego, Westlake Financial Services in Los Angeles, California Republic Bank in Irvine and I am currently the Vice President of Servicing for CIG Financial in Irvine, CA.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not easy but worth it, nonetheless. The financial services industry, auto finance specifically where I’ve spent the last 16 years, is primarily a man’s world. I have had my share of being passed over while less qualified male co-workers were promoted. I’ve been patronized and dismissed. I even had a male boss physically pat me on the head in front of my peers and say to me, “Don’t think, just do” after I made a suggestion. You’re saying to yourself, “Times were different back in the 90’s right? Wrong. That happened in 2010. I was mortified and I’ve never forgotten how that moment made me feel. I am fortunate that I am in a place now where the work culture is inclusive and respectful.
It never even dawned on me growing up that I couldn’t do something just because I was a woman. My parents were very disciplined workers their whole life. I didn’t know it at the time, but they set an amazing example for me on a daily basis. They ingrained in me from a very young age that I could be anything or do anything I wanted. I was taught to give 100% even when others don’t and to always do what’s right, even when no one is looking. I credit my parents for my success as a businesswoman today.
My advice for other women is twofold.
One – Respect yourself. Believe that you are worth it. You are good enough, smart enough, and you deserve a seat at the table. No one will believe it if you don’t.
Two – Encourage and lift up other women. Too often, I see women harshly judging or putting down other women. We should be celebrating every woman’s accomplishments and successes and challenging others to do the same.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My career has entailed running service centers all over the country for the financial services industry. I’ve worked on both the technology and operations side of the business over the years. My current company, CIG Financial, helps consumers obtain financing for their vehicles and my role is to run the service center to assist those consumers throughout the life of their loan. What sets us apart from other finance companies is our passion for the customer. We care about people and treat everyone with respect and compassion. We want each customer to feel heard and get the answers to their questions quickly. I’m proud of the work we’re doing and I’m confident we’re making a difference.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I feel that women need to believe that they are deserving of a seat at the table and that they are capable of anything. They need to give themselves permission to pursue their dreams no matter who tells them they shouldn’t. So many strong women before us have shattered that glass ceiling. Now, let’s go climb that ladder all the way to the top!
Contact Info:
Image Credit:
Eddie Bojorquez Photography Studio 512 www.studio512.com
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