Symphony Wills did not stumble into the car business. She chased it, fought rejection, and took on a two-hour commute to get her foot in the door and onto the sales floor. Now, Wills is the Finance Director at Rafih Auto Group’s BMW store in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Wills joins host Adam Marburger on this episode of Training Camp to talk about her journey, the grind, and what she is building next.
Shifting to sales and F&I
Wills has been with Rafih Auto Group for nearly five years, and she currently oversees the finance department at their BMW store in Michigan. But the road to the director’s office was filled with twists and turns.
Her family is rooted in healthcare. Her parents own nursing homes and assisted living facilities. At first, Wills was headed in that direction as well, but she soon felt a pull toward automotive sales. After talking with her aunt, who worked in the car business, Wills changed gears and took her career in a new direction.
At first, she faced a lot of rejection. Local dealerships turned her away because she didn’t have experience. Wills didn’t let that stop her. She expanded her job search and eventually landed on the sales floor at a dealership two hours away in Flint, Michigan.
"I felt like when I started, I had like a lighter in one hand and a fire hose in another."
She spent eight years in a hybrid sales and finance role. That experience shaped how she leads today. Rafih Auto Group acquired the BMW store and brought her on as finance manager. Within two years, she was running the department, while still spinning deals.
“The only way that I can actively train and mentor and have suggestions on structure is by actively doing,” Wills said.
Navigating challenges
Wills built her career on a simple principle: You are responsible for creating the life you want to live.
“Create what you want to be a part of. It’s not going to fall in your lap. If you want to sell 20 cars a month, then you’ve got to create it. If you want to be the best finance manager ever, you’ve got to create it,” Wills said.
Wills applies that mindset to the finance department and sees challenges as opportunities.
When sales slowed down during the first quarter of this year, Wills says her response was to keep her team focused on the process, engaged, and making the most of available time.
The road ahead
Wills has her eyes set on a goal beyond the finance office. She says she plans to own her own dealership within the next 10 years.
“It’s a non-negotiable for me. It’s been a dream since day one to really fly that plane and build a team from the ground up,” she said.
Marburger is convinced she will get there.
“I can tell in your demeanor, I can tell you’re committed and it’s going to happen,” he said.
Wills is one of CBT News’ 2026 Remarkable Leaders in F&I honorees.
