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Marguerite Watanabe

Marguerite Watanabe

President, Connections Insights


Marguerite has worked in the auto and automotive finance industry for 30 years allowing her to understand
its strengths, weaknesses and, most importantly, opportunities. She devotes much of her time in sharing her
expertise and connections. Her company provides insights on where innovative product and service solutions
can be implemented to improve business processes and shareholder value. Marguerite’s strength is her unique
mix of experience in automotive manufacturing and sales, captive and non-prime auto financing, credit reporting,
lead generation and consulting—as well as her international experience with companies in Asia, Europe and
the Middle East. Prior to forming Connections Insights in 2006, Marguerite worked for Nissan North America
and Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation in the USA and Japan, Equifax, BarNone and BenchMark Consulting
International. Marguerite serves on the AFSA Vehicle Finance Board, AFSA Education Foundation, Women's
Leadership Council, Operations Regulatory and Compliance Committee and the Business Partner Board. She
facilitates the AFSA Independent Auto Finance Executive Group and Commercial Credit Committee. She also
sits on the National Auto Finance (NAF) Association Board of Directors. Marguerite earned her Bachelor of Arts
degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and her Masters of Business Administration
from Pepperdine University.


Areas I would like to learn more about: How to help the next generation navigate their paths to success.

(817) 917-5980

Marguerite Watanabe
May 02, 2019

President, Connections Insights


Marguerite has worked in the auto and automotive finance industry for 30 years allowing her to understand
its strengths, weaknesses and, most importantly, opportunities. She devotes much of her time in
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Elizabeth Webb
May 02, 2019

Chair Emeritus of Women's Leadership Council


Elizabeth was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas by deaf parents. She spent her entire career in the auto
finance industry and retired in November 2017. She was the Executive Vice President
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Valerie Tolhurst
May 02, 2019

Director, Human Resources Sun Loan/Brundage Management


Valerie is the Human Resources Director at Sun Loan Company/Brundage Management, reporting to the CEO.
She has been working in HR for 20 years with the last 16 at Brundage. Having started
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Darcy Locke
Apr 29, 2019

Chief Executive Officer, Gateway Financial Solutions

Darcy is a trusted advisor in Electronic Billing & Payments, specializing in the consumer lending markets. She has spent 15 years guiding organizations on how to elevate the… Read the rest

Anne Kline
Apr 29, 2019

SVP, Head of Commerical Services, TD Auto Finace

Anne is the Head of TD Auto Finance (TDAF) Commercial Services. She leads the team responsible for commercial credit lending for franchised automotive dealerships in the U.S. Prior to this … Read the rest

Amy Holbrook
Apr 29, 2019

Partner, Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A

Amy is a partner at Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. who manages Weltman's litigation practice in Cleveland, Ohio and focuses on collateral recovery and secured transaction.Read the rest

Ginger Herring
Apr 29, 2019

President & CEO, 1st Franklin Financial Corporation

Ginger is the President and CEO of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation, a family owned business started by her grandfather in 1941. She is a University of Georgia graduate with Read the rest

Julie Ausland
Apr 29, 2019

President & COO, Cashco Financial Services, Inc., Tigard, OR


In 1996, Julie was hired by Cashco Financial Services as the part-time bookkeeper. The company had three employees and less than $500,000 in outstandings. A few monthsRead the rest


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