The Women of MDNA: Meet Doris Toronyi

Welcome to “The Women of MDNA,” a series of posts where you’ll meet some of the remarkable women in our industry. Their contributions enhance our organizations and industries on a daily basis. That’s especially true for Doris Toronyi of Maynards Industries USA LLC. As one of the few women in the machinery and equipment appraisal business, she is always encouraging more women to join the field.
 
How did you get involved in the industry?
I was coming from an automotive manufacturing background. Back in 2009, after taking some time off to homeschool my son, I was looking for a way to get back into the workforce. A job came up at Liquid Asset Partners, which at the time did auctions and liquidations. It was part time with the opportunity to turn into something full time down the road, which worked well for me.
 
At first I did the accounting and the payroll, but having proved myself in that department, I earned the opportunity to transition to the newly formed appraisal department, started in 2010. I instantly took to the appraisal side of the business and found that I am very good at it. I joined the Association of Machinery and Equipment Appraiser (AMEA) in April 2015 to further my knowledge in this area, and in September of that same year began volunteering for the organization. Fast forward to 2024, and I now work for Maynards Industries as a Senior Appraiser, and I love my job and the industry.
 
How has your company benefitted from MDNA? 
I think that being one of the few women in the room gets attention on its own. That leads to the “where do you work and what do you do there” conversation, which in turn brings visibility to our company. Anytime I can bring up the possibility of working with another appraiser is an opportunity for both companies to win. I will also say that my social skills and ability to speak in front of others has increased dramatically since my involvement with the MDNA and AMEA.  There’s just a sense of self-confidence that has grown from the camaraderie and relationships that have been built by being a part of these organizations. It’s immeasurable.
 
How have you served with MDNA?
I’ve served on the AMEA Board of Directors since 2016. MDNA is the parent of AMEA. We handle the appraisal and valuation of machinery, equipment, and other business assets. I am currently the first vice president and am on track to be the first female president of the AMEA in mid-2025. Also, at the 2023 MDNA Convention, I was presented with the Dick Goldstein award for leadership and contribution to AMEA.
 
What is the value women bring to the industry? 
We can give the guys a different point of view in a topic of discussion. I think that when we talk, they listen to what we have to say (versus another male voice). Many of the men in the industry have been doing this for generations, so while we may not always be able to bring new knowledge, we can give them a different perspective. They listen and want to hear what we have to say. I also feel as if we’re able to bring people together better, that having women in a room can make it more comfortable—more of a family environment. I love to hear updates about people’s personal lives and families. I think just that alone makes the guys feel more at ease. They are willing to talk more easily and stress a little less. It’s business, but it’s also friendship.
 
What advice would you give other women in the machinery sales business?
It’s important to fit in, but it’s even more important to keep your individuality. Men (usually) work and think in a different manner than women. We have to accept that. When you do something differently, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong, it’s just different. Also, in the words of George S. Patton Jr., “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”  
 
What do you like best about the industry? 
I love learning new things, and the amount of information I get from other MDNA and AMEA members is incredible. There is so much I still don’t know, and they’re here to help with that. There’s always someone I can call when I have questions or if I just need to talk. It’s family and friends doing business, but it’s also being there for each other through whatever life brings us.

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