Cathy Lynch C.E.O/ PRESIDENT

When I was offered a role in warranty administration with some accounting tasks, I was clueless about automotive warranty processing—my initial thought was, 'What, like toasters and small appliances?'. But once I got into it, I was hooked! It transitioned from just a job to a career I never anticipated. A decade later, my family began to nudge me towards starting my own business. For another five years, I resisted, content with not being in charge. There was always an excuse—my children's education, financial security, and so on. Eventually, I ran out of justifications and embraced the desire for a new path. That's how Absolutely Automotive Warranty Training came into existence. I recognized an unmet need in the market. While there was ample training for technicians, advisors, managers, and Fixed Operations, warranty administrators were largely overlooked. Let's chat—we can absolutely assist you.

Elenour Butler Business Manger

I began working in automotive warranty services in 2007. As a single mom with a teenager who needed my attention, I had held various customer service jobs, but none offered regular hours or holidays off. With strong people skills and work ethic, I was always eager to learn new things. I vividly recall the day I applied for this job in 2007, completely unfamiliar with the automotive warranty industry, lacking dealership experience, and unsure what 'outside service' meant. I started in one department, became proficient, and then accepted an offer to advance. Over the next decade, I absorbed knowledge like a sponge, embracing every learning opportunity. I managed daily operations, mastered accounts payable/receivable, navigated multiple DMS systems, and processed all Nissan and Chevrolet/GMC warranty claims.

(Photo of Elenour Butler w/ Jim Press at roundtable in Las Vegas 2020)

At A.A.W.T., we take pride in hiring the most reliable individuals! Our team possesses a combined experience of over 60 years in the automotive warranty business industry.

Presenting the true stars of Absolutely Automotive Warranty Training

Karen Reilly

I have always enjoyed doing puzzles and playing with numbers. Even in my early years of working in retail, I worked in the accounting field. After 10 years in payroll, I discovered automotive warranty. Like some of my co-workers, I had no prior experience—something new to learn! I have been in the automotive warranty business since 2008. During that time, I have worked my way through the reconciliation schedules department. I soon became a trainer for new hires in the schedules department. I take great pride in handling warranty receivable schedules and making accurate adjustments if needed. All the pieces of the puzzle must fit! In 2019, I had the opportunity to become part of the Absolutely Automotive Warranty training team. I could not be happier. We all work toward the same goals: customer service and accuracy.

Robert Medrano Jr.

I began exploring the world of automotive warranty administration in 2013, entering without knowledge of the differences between Hyundai, Mazda, or Subaru. That first year, I dedicated myself to learning as much as possible, starting with Hyundai, which I grew to love. After a year, I advanced and started training with Mazda, and soon after, Subaru. It was through hard work, tears, determination, and a drive to excel that I realized this knowledge could forge a career. As I learned about various manufacturers, I also became familiar with different dealership databases, often switching between Reynolds and Reynolds, Dealertrack, and ADP/CDK in a single day. Over eight years as a warranty administrator, I've absorbed as much information as possible, not only in my own training but also assisting colleagues with their car lines. My experience at A.A.W.T has taught me that we are an excellent team, working well together, capable of achieving anything we set our minds to.

Kimberly Sarkela

When I was a teenager, my mom purchased a brand-new Honda CR-V. After buying the car, they invited us back for a "New Owners' Seminar." This event covered maintenance requirements, warranty information, and included a thank you for our purchase, a tour of the dealership, and an oil filter for our first complimentary oil change. The sense of wonder I felt in that dealership was unforgettable. As I walked through the service department, I felt a strong sense of belonging and knew this was the career path for me. The joy was immense when I eventually became a service advisor at that very Honda dealership.Throughout high school, I was always in the auto shop managing the tool room. Post-graduation, I attended Universal Technical Institute and earned a degree in Automotive Technology. Initially, I worked as a Ford technician, but as I started a family, it became challenging to fulfill some technician duties while pregnant. For safety, I transitioned to the service drive. My experience spans several manufacturers, including Ford, Nissan, GMC, Hyundai, Subaru, Kia, and Honda, where I've taken on various roles from cashier to service advisor, assistant service manager, service drive manager, due bill coordinator, rental agent, and even assisting with accounts payable and receivable in the business office. I've always felt most at home in the dealership environment.Honda has been a significant part of my career and my first love, from that memorable day with my mom's CR-V to the present. About nine years ago, my parts and service director offered me the opportunity to learn coding and process warranties as we needed a new warranty administrator. I eagerly accepted the challenge, and it has been a rewarding journey ever since.