Celebrating the Life of Marla Moore

The automotive aftermarket community mourns the passing of Marla Moore, a true pioneer, mentor, and friend. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Marla’s professional achievements were matched only by the love she had for her daughter Madison—and the deep faith that guided her every step.

Marla was a trailblazer, a respected leader in marketing and business strategy, and a tireless advocate for women in the automotive industry. Her contributions shaped brands, empowered people, and left an impact that will live on for generations.

A Trailblazer in the Automotive Industry

Marla’s remarkable journey began in the early days of Auto Shack, the company that would later become AutoZone. Hired as an Art Director, she helped craft the visual identity of what would grow into one of America’s largest auto parts retailers. This early experience laid the foundation for her exceptional career in the automotive world.

She continued honing her marketing expertise with roles at Competition Cams and Hypertech, where she served as Advertising Director and played a pivotal role in creating a new category of high-performance engine tuning for computer-controlled vehicles. Whether it was branding, campaign strategy, or training sales teams, Marla approached every challenge with unmatched creativity and drive.

Later, as Director of Marketing for The Coker Group (Coker Tire), Marla’s leadership elevated some of the most recognizable brands in the automotive aftermarket. From The Great Race to Wheel Vintiques, she helped bring vintage automotive culture to a global audience. Her efforts were key to the company’s international expansion and its transformation into Legendary Companies. Marla also cofounded Autofluencer, a platform that connects automotive brands with content creators. Drawing on over 30 years of industry experience, she helped shape its strategy for authentic brand partnerships and influencer campaigns.

Championing Women and Mentorship

Beyond her corporate leadership, Marla’s heart beat for people—especially for the next generation of women in the industry. Through her involvement with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), she took on roles that gave women a stronger voice in automotive leadership.

As Chair of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), she led the groundbreaking SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women project, gaining national media attention. Her work earned her the prestigious SEMA Person of the Year award in 2012 and SBN Woman of the Year in 2013. In 2022, she was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy as one of the industry’s greats.

A Life Anchored by Love and Faith

While Marla’s professional accolades are impressive, they don’t fully capture the woman she was. At her core, she was a devoted mother to her beloved daughter, Madison. Her family was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in the young woman Madison became.

More than that, Marla’s life was rooted in her love for the Lord. Her faith shaped how she worked, how she served, and how she lived. Kindness, compassion, and integrity defined her relationships both inside and outside of the workplace.

Her Legacy Lives On

Marla Moore’s legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and unwavering heart. She leaves behind an automotive aftermarket industry that’s better because of her influence, a generation of women who were inspired by her example, and a family that will forever carry her memory.

As we reflect on her life and mourn her passing, we remember a woman who knew how to win in business without ever losing sight of what truly matters: faith, family, and lifting others up.

Rest in peace, Marla. Your light shines on.