Employee Spotlight: Amanda Kroener – CFO

October 27th, 2022 by
Amanda Kroener - CFO at Van Horn Automotive Group

Amanda Kroener – CFO at Van Horn Automotive Group

At Van Horn Automotive Group, we take pride in being Wisconsin’s only employee owned automotive group. We would not be where we are today without our employee owners. Van Horn would like to acknowledge our current CFO, Amanda Kroener, for the vast contributions she has made to our organization. Amanda started her career at Van Horn as an Accounting Manager 5 years ago and has since climbed the ranks to CFO. Amanda is also a co-founder of Carbliss, an adult beverage company.

The following are questions we asked Amanda about her current role as CFO and what it means to be an employee owner.

What does it mean to you to be an employee owner?

The culture that is created by employee ownership is truly remarkable. Our team is comprised of like-minded individuals that are working towards one common goal. I am thankful to be surrounded by people that think and act like true owners on a daily basis. As a CFO, sharing the profits with the employees makes their jobs more impactful and our retention higher.

What does it mean to you to be a female CFO in a mostly male dominated industry?

The number of women holding the CFO role in businesses is at an all-time high and I am proud to be a part of that number. Thinking back, I have held leadership roles in all male-dominated roles throughout my entire career. Gender does not determine what you can accomplish but the dynamic of mixing teams consistent of male and female will always be more successful. Attributes of males vs. females are different at their core and the combination allows a broader perspective on problem solving and strategy.

What do you like most about working for Van Horn?

I enjoy growing businesses, no matter the product or industry. Van Horn has a hearty appetite for growth and I am thoroughly excited for the challenges behind achieving those results.

What was your role with Carbliss and how did it prepare you to be a CFO?

As the Co-Founder of Carbliss, the role is all encompassing covering all aspects of starting and growing a business. My entrepreneurship traits have always been forefront in every role throughout my entire career; knowing that I was in control of my area/department and giving up is not an option. As an owner, a CFO, or any leadership role people are relying on you to provide the tools and strategies to solve any challenges that arise. Thinking, acting and caring as if I was an owner, meaning no task is too big or too small, has always been important to me.

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