Trey Watson went from photographing inventory to managing regional operations. The job in between taught him everything.
From solo lot photographer to Regional Operations Manager, every step added scope and every step was deliberate.
Trey Watson spent years working independently on dealership lots as a vehicle photographer. The accountability is total and the feedback is immediate.
“You get all the credit and all the blame. You manage yourself and make it happen.”
Trey Watson
In 2020, Trey and his wife relocated to Alabama to be closer to her family. He joined All-Pro Auto Reconditioning as a Lot Coordinator in Birmingham, a shift from solo work to production-line coordination that required a different way of thinking about the job. As a Lot Coordinator, he was responsible for keeping vehicles moving through the full reconditioning sequence: detail, wheels, paint.
“You've got to be able to communicate with your team, your customer, and the people above you. With All-Pro, you're part of a team. You're depending on the guy next to you to get that car through all the right steps. It takes a village.”
Trey Watson
He moved into an Area Operations Manager role, then into his current position as Regional Operations Manager. Each step added scope. Today he supports Area Operations Managers and Operations Managers across several markets, traveling regularly to meet with internal teams and dealership partners.
“Every step taught me something different. It became less about doing the task and more about helping other people do it well.”
Trey Watson
The daily work doesn't follow a pattern. Markets have different volumes, different dealership cultures, different problems.
“Every day looks different. You've got to be adaptable.”
Trey Watson
When he describes what All-Pro does well, he names two things: the company's ability to change course quickly, and something harder to explain.
“We're the most adaptable company I've ever been a part of. If something happens, we can change on a dime. And for a company our size, we've somehow kept the family vibe. I don't know how that's possible, but it is.”
Trey Watson
His approach to building the business mirrors how he approaches his team. Relationships are long.
“The salesperson you knew last year might be a used car manager somewhere else now. That's how you grow the business — by showing up and doing right by people.”
Trey Watson
For someone new to the industry, his advice doesn't have many moving parts.
“Wake up and work harder than the next guy. Be productive with your day. Don't waste time on the little things that don't matter. Just try to be better the next day.”
Trey Watson
Outside work, Trey spends most of his time with his wife and their son, Liam, who just started first grade. The family cruises. They've traveled through the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mediterranean. At home, he runs two saltwater reef aquariums with a third in progress.
“It's relaxing. You start with nothing and build something beautiful.”
Trey Watson
