As Audi’s Corporate Sales Lead, Monique Pruitt handles sales outside the traditional channel. Pruitt manages sales to rental car companies, overseas military vehicles, and various commercial accounts. She recently joined us for a virtual interview about her sales and management roles.

Q: What is one of your best professional experiences?

A: Volkswagen Group of America’s Graduate Program was a unique experience that allowed me to rotate throughout various departments at the company. Within those two years, I was able to gain experience in distribution, sales, after sales, network development, and field operations.

Q: What interested you about being a corporate sales lead?

A: After nearly six years on the retail side of things, I was looking for a new challenge and opportunity that was still in the sales operations realm. Fleet fit perfectly. The automotive industry is so specialized so the more you know about different sectors, the better off you are. I knew about fleet, but not in detail. I am grateful to be able to learn a new sales channel that helps Audi grow.

Q: Why did you choose Audi as the OEM to work for? What makes Audi unique and appealing?

Audi is a large company, but with a small company feel. Many people are surprised when they learn how lean we run.  Every person on our team is extremely intelligent, has a lot of responsibility, and plays a crucial role in our business. Our company’s structure allows each team member to have direct input on key decisions. At the end of the day, the people I work with are what keep me around. They are great friends inside and outside of work--- and it doesn’t hurt that our products are exciting and fun to drive.

Q: What do you find most interesting about the work you do?

A: The variety in my job makes every day different and keeps me on my toes! No day is ever the same, which I love. Everyone from finance to marketing to the ports to my clients. Such variety makes every day different with plenty to learn and keeps me interested and intrigued.

Q: What are your preferred sales approaches and strategies?

A: Relationships are imperative, especially amidst the pandemic. It is important to keep an open line of communication and work through any unforeseen challenges. Building a mutually beneficial relationship that lasts over time is key.

Q: What advice would you give to other sales managers/reps?

A: Going into the automotive space, learn as much as you can and jump at every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and raise your hand for jobs that are out of your comfort zone. Gaining knowledge and experience is crucial to have a full understanding of how everything connects in this industry.

Q: Tell us about any new and innovative plans from Audi as we emerge from the pandemic.

A: Recently we had the world premiere of the Audi e-tron GT. I truly believe in the electric vehicle movement and hope more people will shift towards electric for their fleets. The Audi Q4 e-tron will also be coming out later this year, which is a fantastic entry point for aspirational consumers who want to drive an EV.

Q: What would you like fleet managers unfamiliar with Audi to understand about the brand and its products?

A: For Audi in particular, we always try to be on the cutting edge. We pride ourselves on quality, style, and comfort of the vehicles. We want our customers to pull up in an Audi and have people admire it. We pride ourselves on our customers driving a vehicle that’s new and innovative.

Q: Which Audi model do you like to drive the most?

A: Last year, I had the opportunity to drive the Audi e-tron for a few months. I loved driving it through Santa Monica and the Topanga Hills on my way to the office. It was a peaceful, quiet, and smooth ride. I really enjoyed the space and the technology features, such as the intuitive infotainment screens. For fun, I always love driving the Audi TT RS whenever I can get my hands on it because it’s such a dynamic performance model. The first time I drove the TT RS was actually at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin. After that experience, I was hooked and was able to drive a TT RS in one of our Audi exclusive colors, Kyalami Green. The unique color paired with the signature coupe design certainly attracted a lot of attention out on the road.

 

Meet Monique Pruitt
Title: Corporate Sales Lead
Location: Dallas, Texas
Hometown: Champion, Ohio
Education/Degrees: Clemson University, business degree with concentration in marketing, 2014
Past Roles/Positions: VW Graduate Analyst, Audi Field Operations Specialist, Audi Network Performance Specialist
Personal interests/hobbies: Yoga, traveling, true crime, documentaries, board games, puzzles (jigsaw, Rubik’s cubes, etc.)

<p>Audi Corporate Sales Lead Monique Pruitt works with commercial and fleet clients for the global luxury vehicle brand.</p>[|CREDIT|]

Audi Corporate Sales Lead Monique Pruitt works with commercial and fleet clients for the global luxury vehicle brand.

<p>One of Monique Pruitt’s favorite Audi models is the TT RS, shown here in Nardo Gray. She also drove a TT RS during a company event at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.</p>[|CREDIT|]

One of Monique Pruitt’s favorite Audi models is the TT RS, shown here in Nardo Gray. She also drove a TT RS during a company event at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.