Taking a backward glance as we continue our drive forward

Five years ago this month I was training to be a Chrysler Capital credit analyst. I’d already been an analyst for our parent company, but this was different. We had signed an agreement with FCA US LLC (formerly known as Chrysler Group), and a new division was about to be born – Chrysler Capital.

I remember feeling so lucky and so nervous at the same time. I knew how to buy deals, but this was different. This was big. And I wanted to do the best possible job I could for the people that believed enough in me to make me a part of it.

Of course, I wasn’t alone – either in the process or what I was feeling at the time.

Another credit analyst, Mindy, was one of the first to approve a deal. In order to test all of the new systems that had been built, we onboarded a few dealers at a time to approve and fund deals before our official kickoff on May 1, 2013. She recalls feeling honored to be part of such an important chapter of our company’s history and that “it was crucial to ensure Chrysler Capital got off the ground running and was a success.”

Today, Mindy takes pride in what she does every day. “My favorite part of what I do is the day-to-day interaction with team members, offering help and guidance, and hopefully, showing them they are important in making the company successful.”

Jordan, then part of the funding team, enjoyed the challenge of learning new processes. She wanted to perfect her skills so she could then help others do the same. “A notable personal achievement with Chrysler Capital has been mastering my understanding of our lease product and taking that knowledge to new heights in another department. It has helped me create better training resources.”

Behind the scenes, there are programmers, developers, designers and countless others, working hard to get systems programmed and updated.

Mark, my fellow copy editor, remembers it being “all hands on deck” in the Marketing Department in the weeks leading up to the kick off of Chrysler Capital. These days, he’s amazed at “how far we’ve come with FCA US LLC and Chrysler Capital, while ensuring our core business is well-served.”

While those in the office do their part, there is a large team of people spread across the country as well. In many ways, the face of Chrysler Capital, these are the people who visit the dealerships, building relationships and working hand-in-hand with them.

Jennifer remembers the flourish of activity in the rush to get everything done five years ago. “It’s a great feeling looking back now and knowing we did it!”

Likewise, Nate recalls being the “new guy in the market” and the encounters that it presented. “I enjoyed the challenge of stepping foot into my new market, building relationships and ensuring dealers knew we were for real – that we were, and are, their partner.”

Chrysler Capital is so much more than an auto finance company. We are a family from all walks of life, composed of customers, dealers and associates. We learn and grow, from and with one another.

Looking back, I think I can safely say we’ve all learned a lot. And thank goodness we have, because we wouldn’t be where we are today without those lessons.

Thank you to everyone who played a role – our customers, our dealers and our associates. Here’s to the next five years and beyond!