Candace Blanchard, MBA

Explore my professional journey and achievements.

Skills

Leadership

Marketing

Sales

Strategic Planning

Experience

My Journey

Director - Client Partnerships

Ansira Partners

I lead strategic marketing campaigns that have contributed to over $4 million in revenue growth by aligning marketing, sales, and enablement teams to achieve ambitious revenue and retention targets. My focus centers on building and expanding client relationships that drive long-term engagement while developing comprehensive go-to-market proposals designed to maximize campaign ROI and incentive alignment. Through close collaboration with cross-functional teams and strategists, I consistently deliver results that exceed client benchmarks and drive sustainable business growth.

Senior Manager Dealer Operations
Senior Manager Financial Service

Nissan North America

I oversaw operations across 21 dealerships, driving a remarkable 47% year-over-year sales increase through strategic partnerships with dealership executives and management to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities. My approach focused on enhancing Return on Sales (ROS) by conducting thorough financial performance analysis and optimizing key profit levers, while simultaneously leading revenue continuity strategies that maintained momentum despite supply chain challenges. Additionally, I provided comprehensive OEM product training to frontline teams, ensuring improved performance and customer engagement across all locations.

Manager Digital Marketing Consulting

CDK Global

I delivered comprehensive consulting services to over 52 dealerships, significantly improving key performance indicators and digital ROI through strategic guidance and implementation. My expertise encompasses directing OEM digital marketing operations, including web content development and targeted advertising campaigns, while creating detailed performance dashboards that provide actionable strategic insights for sales uplift. I strengthened OEM-dealer partnerships by implementing process improvements and refining success metrics, and regularly share industry expertise as a keynote and breakout speaker at national automotive conferences.

About Me.

I am a results-driven Marketing & Client Strategy Leader with over 10 years of experience in the automotive industry. As a former dealership owner with an MBA, I bring unique operational experience and strategic business acumen to OEM partnerships, business development, and digital transformation initiatives.

Throughout my career, I have led strategic marketing campaigns contributing to $4+ million in revenue growth, oversaw operations across 21 dealerships achieving 47% year-over-year sales increases, and delivered consulting services to 52+ dealerships to improve KPIs and digital ROI. I excel at building executive partnerships, creating performance dashboards, and leading revenue strategies that consistently exceed targets even during challenging market conditions.

As a recognized industry thought leader, I regularly speak at national automotive conferences. In my free time, I enjoy sewing, which allows me to express creativity and attention to detail in a completely different medium.

Education

MBA

Anderson University

I earned my MBA through an executive program, allowing me to enhance my strategic business acumen while continuing to lead operations and drive results in real-time business environments. This experience provided me with advanced frameworks for decision-making and leadership that I immediately applied to transform both my own dealership operations and the businesses I consulted with across the automotive industry.

Bachelor in Business Minor Accounting

Lenoir Rhyne Univeristy

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Business with a minor in Accounting, providing me with a strong foundation in core business principles and financial analysis. This educational background equipped me with essential skills in financial reporting, budgeting, and profit optimization that proved invaluable when I later became a dealership owner and began analyzing performance metrics across multiple business units.

Certification in Public Leadership

Harvard University Business School

2025

I recently earned a leadership certification from Harvard Business School, furthering my commitment to continuous professional development and advanced leadership methodologies. This prestigious program enhanced my ability to navigate complex organizational challenges and implement strategic leadership frameworks that drive sustainable growth across diverse business environments.