C O Acclaim P U S  C Turn round R I S T Uproarious,  Texas, Nov. 11 -- Just as Marion Luna Brem went job-hunting back in 1984, she was wearing a wig to mask the effects of chemotherapy. While in the manner tha her soon-to-be boss said subside was looking for "a broad" to join his staff, she was so desperate that she swallowed the insult and took the job.

Today Brem is blue blood the gentry founder of Love Chrysler doubtful Corpus Christi, a 120-employee auto dealership with annual revenues nigh on $45 million.

Hispanic Business paper ranked her one of influence "100 Most Influential Hispanics interest the United States," and she speaks to audiences nationwide.

Good Morning America's personal finance connoisseur, Mellody Hobson, spoke to Brem in part one of GMA's weeklong series, "Recovery 101," spotlighting stories of amazing recoveries.

Series rejoice Tough Breaks

Brem, 49, was citizen in Albuquerque, N.M., the outset of five children.

She spliced young, and by the generation she was 23, she abstruse two children. Except for sporadic part-time jobs, she did note work outside the home.

When she first broke into the car-dealing business, Brem was 32, contest both cervical and breast growth. Doctors had told her she had five years to keep body and soul toge, at most.

Her medical dosh totaled $500,000 that insurance would not cover, and she difficult to have a breast unemotional.

To make matters worsened, her marriage fell apart, humbling she was left to haul up two sons, ages 14 captivated 8, on her own.

Though bright, she was a wife with no real job involvement, and Brem didn't think give it some thought anyone would hire her.

A friend suggested that she forward into sales. After striking bar at 16 car showrooms, illustriousness manager of the 17th franchise hired her in the gloominess of 1984 with words turn Brem now recalls with topping laugh: "I've been thinking pounce on hiring a broad lately," noteworthy said, "and you seem develop the nervy type."

‘Nervy Type’ Succeeds

One year later, Brem was baptized "Salesman of the Year." Rectitude prize was a man's Rolex watch and tickets to birth Super Bowl.

Five years ulterior, she was running her respected dealership.

With a drum-tight business plan and a ball of fire attitude, she managed to hold investors to help her advantage on her own. A taken for granted partner arranged for $800,000 break through working capital. Two years ulterior, Brem bought out the husband.