SCACE Employer Spotlight Hayden Watkins 

Hayden Watkins is a Retail Sales Leader at AAA owned by the Auto Club Group, where he oversees six corporate branch locations throughout the state, two in the Charleston area, one in Columbia, one in Indian Land, one in Fort Mill, and his home base in Myrtle Beach. He shares responsibility for South Carolina alongside a fellow sales leader, who together serve over 2.5 million members across North and South Carolina.

AAA is best known for roadside assistance and towing, but Hayden is eager to share that the organization offers much more. AAA began writing insurance as a captive company for South Carolina in 2015 and has been steadily growing that side of the business ever since. AAA Carolinas is now also part of the Auto Club Group's Southeast region, encompassing North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida, expanding opportunities for both members and employees. What Hayden values most about the company is its promotion from within and its support for helping people reach their potential.

For students and job seekers, Hayden wants SCACE members to know that AAA has recently relaunched its internship program after a pause during COVID. Running approximately from early May through early August, the program offers placements across 11 cities in South Carolina, giving candidates the flexibility to intern near their university, return home for the summer, or explore a new city. AAA is actively recruiting candidates with a sales and marketing mindset, people who enjoy connecting in the community, whether through local chambers of commerce, professional networking groups, or beyond. "The opportunities are endless," Hayden said. Beyond the internship, AAA offers a range of full-time roles to suit candidates at different stages of their careers. From member representatives and customer service representatives on the insurance side to travel agents, life insurance specialists, and financial specialists across its branch locations.

Hayden has been lucky to have had mentors and managers who supported him throughout his career. One of the reasons he said that he is most passionate about being a leader is  “I like helping people grow because I've had people in my corner that have helped support me and get me to where I want to be. So, I like to return the favor and do the same.”

A proud SCACE Future Builder sponsor, Hayden is looking forward to attending this year's annual conference in Columbia and getting more involved with SCACE. He is particularly eager to discuss AAA's internship opportunities and to engage in conversation around one of the field's most pressing topics: how employers and career centers can work together to help students navigate an increasingly AI-driven hiring landscape. "We know that computers can't do everything," he said. "We need great people."

Hayden Watkins is an alumnus of the University of South Carolina, where he studied insurance and risk management. Hayden began his career with State Farm in Atlanta, GA, in October 2013. He spent about 5 years in a variety of roles before transitioning to his current role as Retail Sales Leader for AAA. He is also a proud husband and father to his son and daughter. To learn more about opportunities at AAA Carolinas, be sure to connect with Hayden Watkins at the 2026 Annual Conference in Columbia.