From Subprime to Superstar: The Inspiring Story of Crissy the Car Fairy

Nearly eight years ago, Crissy Burton, a single mother of two young children, walked into a Nissan dealership with a credit score below 400 and little hope of getting financing for a car. What happened next would transform her life and launch her into a remarkable career in the automotive industry.

Turning Adversity into Opportunity: How One Woman Defied the Odds and Became a Trailblazer in Auto Sales

A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything

Crissy Burton's journey to becoming a nationally-renowned auto sales leader, affectionately known as "Crissy the Car Fairy," began with a visit to Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers in Indiana. Despite her low credit score and limited financial resources, a dedicated salesperson at the dealership was able to secure the financing she needed to purchase a new Nissan Altima, which she proudly named "Cherry." This positive experience inspired Burton to share her story on social media, and in return, she sent five new customers to the salesperson who had helped her.

From Customer to Colleague: A Surprising Career Transition

The salesperson, impressed by Burton's referrals, invited her back to the dealership, where he introduced her to the sales managers. To Burton's surprise, she left the dealership that day with a job offer. With no prior automotive experience, she started as a sales assistant, scheduling appointments and following up with customers. However, her natural gift for customer service and her ability to build strong relationships quickly became evident. In her first week, she helped sell 13 cars, and it wasn't long before she was promoted to a salesperson, where she quickly became a top performer.

The Birth of "Crissy the Car Fairy"

Burton's dedication to her customers, particularly those with subprime credit, earned her the nickname "Crissy the Car Fairy." She approaches each customer with the same level of energy and resources, regardless of their financial situation. "People come to me with interesting situations," Burton said. "If I can help them, I'm going to go hard to help them. If I can't, I'm going to give them a blueprint to figure it out." This commitment to her customers has led to long-term relationships, with one family buying eight cars from her in just three years.

Transforming Lives, One Car at a Time

Burton's impact on her customers' lives extends far beyond the sale of a vehicle. She has witnessed firsthand how the right financing can help individuals rebuild their credit and achieve their dreams. One customer, who initially purchased a car from Burton while going through personal bankruptcy, was later able to buy a house and a new Chevrolet Silverado, all with Burton's continued support and guidance.

A Mentor and a Role Model

Despite the success she has achieved, Burton remains humble and focused on her customers. She credits the salesperson who initially helped her as her mentor and best friend, and she believes that more mentorship opportunities for women in the automotive industry could help address the gender imbalance. Through her social media presence, Burton has built an online community of women in automotive retail, where she provides virtual mentorship and support.

Redefining Success in the Automotive Industry

For Crissy Burton, success is not measured by the number of cars she sells, but by the impact she has on her customers' lives. "If I sell one car this month, I'm still number one," she said. "Because I impacted someone's life." Her dedication and passion have not only transformed her own family's circumstances but have also inspired others to follow in her footsteps, proving that with the right mindset and support, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve remarkable success.