| Speaker Information |
| Ray Abraham President and Operating Partner Drive Now Auto Credit, Inc Ray Abraham is the President and Operating Partner of Drive Now Auto Credit, Inc and its related finance company. Ray graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in accounting and subsequently received his CPA. After college Ray joined Arthur Anderson as an auditor. Ray later accepted a position as Assistant Vice President with a publicly traded third party logistics broker. Prior to opening his dealership and related finance company, Ray worked was the Community President and Commercial Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Mississippi. | |
| Shelly Attila Principal Les-Cota Design Group Shelly Attila is the principal of Les-Cota Design Group, a firm specializing in independent auto dealership design nationally. A registered interior designer, she is NCIDQ certified , a LEED Accredited Professional and an active member of the International Interior Design Association. She has worked on projects throughout the United States, Mexico, India and the UK. Her career began in bio-containment laboratory design and transitioned into corporate and retail design. It is this unique background that gives her the ability to design spaces that create the emotional response of a retail space, the functionality of a corporate space and executed with the technical mindset of a laboratory. She understands that independent dealership design is not about creating pretty buildings; it’s about designing environments that appeal to buyers, support business operational functions and ultimately increases sales through improved buyer experience. | |
| Mark Begley Regional Sales Director Autosoft Inc. Mark has worked in customer service positions, sales, and sales leadership at industry-leading companies and a dealership, bringing 30 years of automotive industry experience to his role as Regional Sales Director at Autosoft. A passionate leader, Mark’s responsibilities include building a nationwide sales team and developing the people and processes that will allow Autosoft to better serve its clients and market. | |
| Bill Benac Partner and Owner PrimaLend Bill Benac is a partner and owner of PrimaLend. He has been Treasurer of EDS, president of four leasing companies and Verizon Finance, CFO of various public corporations and Chairman and CEO of a subprime credit card bank. He has raised over $30 billion in every major world market. Bill has an MBA, CPA, CMA and JD. Bill’s company, Primalend, has capital readily available to loan to dealers and finance companies anywhere in the country who want to retain, service and collect out their notes and leases receivable. PrimaLend offers great financing solutions for dealers and finance companies having trouble obtaining traditional bank financing. | |
| Chuck Bonanno National Director of Twenty Groups & Seminars NIADA Chuck Bonanno has been a nationally recognized speaker, author, industry trainer and consultant in the Buy Here Pay Here industry for 25 years. He began his automotive career as a senior officer for a BHPH dealer in Florida that was chosen NIADA National Quality Dealer Of The Year in 1991. He was responsible for a portfolio of over $7-million. He was instrumental in securing one of the first lines-of-credit made available to BHPH dealers by FINOVA Capital Corporation in 1994. Chuck was an integral part of Suncoast Auto Brokers profitable growth from one lot in 1991 to four BHPH locations and one conventional location by the end of 1995. In 1996 his organization merged with three other large independent dealers to create a publicly held company known as Smart Choice Automotive Group. As Executive Vice President, Chuck was given the responsibility of managing and profitably growing the loan portfolio. He grew the portfolio from $15-million to over $130-million in just three years. He was responsible for a staff of ninety people including a team of fifty collectors. He was also responsible for a $100-million Line of Credit and a $4-million Floor Plan. Chuck consistently exceeded industry standards for charge off and delinquency. Chuck joined Leedom and Associates, LLC. In 2001. He was an Independent Dealer Twenty Group Executive Conference Moderator for 14 years. His twenty group members portfolios ranged from $1 to $200 million He has provided on site consultation and on site training to hundreds of BHPH dealers throughout the United States. Chuck’s industry articles have been published in the Dealer Business Journal and in the Used Car Dealer as well as in several state publications. He has served as a keynote speaker and led educational workshops at Buy Here Pay Here World conferences, NIADA and at state conventions. Most recently, Chuck was instrumental in the opening of a large lease-here-pay-here operation. Within seven months, sales volume placed Car Today in the top twenty car dealerships in Florida selling/leasing used cars. He now serves as National director of Twenty groups for NIADA. | |
| Darla Booher Owner Deal Depot Darla Booher, owner and CEO of Deal Depot, Inc. opened her first location at 740 E. Wade Hampton Blvd. Greer, SC in 2001. Darla began the company with 1 employee and only 12 vehicles. During the first year of business, she sold 300 cars and added 2 additional staff members. Now 15 years later she has 24 employees with 3 locations serving the Upstate of South Carolina. Deal Depot primarily offers buy here pay here but also the next levels of credit financing. In addition to her automotive retail dealerships, Ms. Booher owns and operates a related finance company, (Elite Capital Inc.) and a towing and recovery company (Three Sons Towing, Inc.). Ms. Booher’s 28 years of automotive experience began back in 1988 when she first entered into the car business as a sales person. In 2015 Darla was nominated for the NIADA Quality Dealer of the Year. Darla won this honor in June of 2015 at the NIADA Dealer Convention in Las Vegas. Darla has served on the CIADA Executive Board for 5 consecutive years. | |
| Bill Bower CAR division (Commercial Auto Receivable Financing) Oak Street Funding Mr. Bower organized and leads Oak Street Funding’s CAR division (Commercial Auto Receivable Financing). This group specializes in lending money to Buy-Here, Pay-Here dealers nationwide with borrowing needs up to $50.0MM. Prior to joining Oak Street, Mr. Bower ran the Commercial Specialty Finance group for BMO / Harris Bank in Indianapolis, IN. Mr. Bower also previously worked for J.D. Byrider Systems securing financing for its franchisees, and was owner of Smart / Ford / Mercury in Danville, IN. Oak Street Funding is the specialty lending arm for First Financial Bank. Oak Street’s primary focus is on Buy-Here, Pay-Here dealerships, Insurance Agencies, Registered Investment Advisors, and other licensed professional practices. Oak Street takes a unique approach in its working capital lines to Buy-Here, Pay-Here dealers, based around a unique technology platform that reconciles each individual consumer loan to a matching cash receipt. This modeling is providing a level of insight on portfolio performance that had previously not been available to internal and external bank examiners to help ensure integrity of a borrower’s loan portfolio, improving access to capital for our customers, all while adding very little cost to the client. | |
| David Brotherton 20 Group Moderator & Training Consultant NIADA David is a Moderator/Consultant and Trainer with NIADA Dealer 20 Groups. He moderates several Buy Here – Pay Here Dealer 20 Groups as well as providing on-site dealership evaluation, training and consulting services and leads several industry-specific training seminars as well. David regularly contributes to industry publications and speaks at national and regional events supporting the Buy Here – Pay Here industry. After graduating from Purdue University, David began his career as a collector and rapidly expanded that role to include sales and management including 12 years in the J.D. Byrider system. In all, David brings a passion for the business as well as over 20 years of operational and managerial experience in sub-prime consumer finance, sales, collections and Buy Here – Pay Here operations. | |
| Jason Brown Franchise Sales Director U-Save Auto Rental of America Mr. Brown joined U-Save Auto Rental of America on June 15th 2014 as their Franchise Sales Director. Jason has over 15 years’ experience in the automotive industry ranging from sales, F&I and franchise dealership management. Jason spent 5 years with Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group/Thrifty Car Sales, Inc. as their Franchise Sales & Operations Manager before joining the U-Save team. | |
| Scott Carlson Owner AutoZoom Scott Carlson has an extensive background in buy here-pay here. Mr. Carlson’s family founded Mike Carlson Motor Co. in 1969 with $500 dollars of borrowed money. During his 20-year career with the company, he was responsible for the origination of 35,000 buy here-pay here installment contracts that the company carried to term. In 1988 Mr. Carlson founded Consumer-Dealer Auto Credit Corp., Inc. which subsequently became a NASDAQ company (Search Capital Group, Inc.) that raised in excess of $70 million dollars in publicly traded asset-backed securitizations and $23 million in a public equity offering. Mr. Carlson retired from his company in March of 1996. After retiring, he provided consulting services to independent used-car dealers. As Mr. Carlson consulted with various dealers, it became apparent that there was a demand for affordable standardization and automation of the underwriting and originating processes that buy here-pay here dealers typically employed. He has since founded Autozoom. | |
| William Carr Regional Training Manager Warrantech Automotive, Inc William Carr is a Regional Training Manager for Warrantech Automotive, Inc. He came to Warrantech’s Training department in March of 2013 after many years of writing Sales and Finance Management, and Sales for Sales People training for some of the nation’s top training companies. Mr. Carr started in the automobile business selling cars at his father’s dealerships. He spent 15 years developing training as Vice President of Training for Pat Ryan and Associates and for the last 15 years as Director of Training for The Van Tuyl Dealer group. In addition to selling cars Mr. Carr’s retail experience includes Sales Management, and Finance Management. Carr also was a Platform Manager for five of the Red McCombs stores in San Antonio and General Sales Manager for Keyes European in Los Angeles, California. | |
| Ray Curry Director of National Accounts AutoZone, Inc. Ray has more than 30 years in sales and service. He has held his current position since 2010 after serving 29 years as Vice President of Sales for Office Max. | |
| Marcus C. Dame Senior Director, Product Management Cox Automotive Media Marcus brings more than 10 years of experience as a business leader within the Cox Automotive portfolio. He has held multiple positions including Sales Management, General Management, as well as acting Business Owner for various lines of revenue. His responsibilities have included establishing long-term strategic direction to the daily oversight of operations while leading various teams including sales, business operations, customer operations, technology, and product. His priority and general accountability has always specialized in creating exceptional value for dealer clients, while delivering an effective online experience to automotive shoppers and enthusiasts. Prior to joining Cox in 2004, Marcus owned several businesses including a regional publishing company and a small retail store offering consignment motorcycles for sale along with related parts and accessories. With over 20 years of experience leading the growth and development of people and businesses, Marcus brings a broad perspective to the automotive industry. He is currently focused on expanding the values and capabilities Cox Automotive offers Independent and Specialty Dealers. Marcus currently supports the following lines of business within Cox Automotive Media Group: • Independent Dealer • Buy Here Pay Here • Classic & Performance • Motorcycles & RVs • Services & Repair | |
| George Dans President George Dans Group Motivational speaker George Dans is fired up with passion and drive to help everyone he meets develop themselves to success. George speaks to companies who are looking for real world training solutions, backed with the motivational training to implement what they learn. George has studied human improvement for over 25 years and has read thousands of books on the subject. A published author himself, George has written many articles and books on what it takes to succeed in this market. He is a master of humor and powerful storytelling, bringing unparalleled energy and principals to every audience he speaks for. George had the privilege of serving our country as a ‘Fire Fighter’ and was honored as the ‘Academy Chief’ at the 62nd basic fire academy n Orange County, California. He has the ability to generate contagious energy, which results from his own rich life experiences. | |
| Roy Daves National Sales Director eBay Motors Roy Daves is the National Sales Director for ebay Motors. Roy joined ebay Motors in 2007 and has held several positions throughout his 8 years. Roy is a 25-year veteran of the car business and enjoys being in the showroom working with dealers and selling cars. Roy travels the country speaking with dealers helping create virtual car showrooms thru the internet and selling vehicles via eBay Motors. Roy is located in the Washington DC area and has worked as VP, GM, GSM as well as Used Car Director for major dealer groups in Maryland and Virginia since 1987. | |
| Rich DeLancey Director of Digital Marketing Team Velocity Marketing The Director of Digital Marketing at Team Velocity Marketing, Rich DeLancey is a digital advertising specialist who generates real leads for clients in the RV, Automotive, and Power Sports fields. Rich works with over 300 dealerships in the United States and Canada, including 10 of the RV Business Top 50. DeLancey has over 15 years of sales experience across traditional and digital mediums. | |
| Michael DeLorenzo Owner Fitzgerald Car Rental Starting with a fleet of 10 cars in 1969, DeLorenzo has overseen the expansion of the Fitzgerald car rental business to now include 16 corporate locations, 150 franchised locations, and a fleet of over 6,000 vehicles in 2016. DeLorenzo has built the car rental operations he has owned and managed on the principles of honesty, hard work and excellence in customer service. In his 44 years in business under multiple brands from Budget to Nextcar, Rent-A-Wreck and Priceless, DeLorenzo has established a reputation for providing complete customer satisfaction and honest business practices. Delorenzo and his companies are active members of a large number of business and community organizations including the American Car Rental Association, The Open Travel Alliance, The Yellow Ribbon Fund and are associate members of the National Independent Auto Dealers Association as well as both the Ohio and Georgia Independent Auto Dealers Association. | |
| Allen H. Denson Partner Hudson Cook Allen Denson is a partner in the Firm’s Washington DC office. His practice includes representing banks, licensed lenders, sales finance companies, auto dealers and other creditors in regulatory enforcement actions, including actions before the CFPB, FTC, and other federal and state financial regulatory agencies. He also advises clients concerning their compliance obligations under federal and state laws. Prior to joining Hudson Cook, Allen was a Senior Attorney with U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Enforcement & Compliance Division. Allen was previously Judicial Clerk to The Honorable Virginia Emerson Hopkins, Federal District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Allen received his law degree, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, in 2008 from The University of Alabama and his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from The College of William and Mary. | |
| Allen Dobbins CEO Ignite Consulting Partners Allen Dobbins is one of today’s most sought-after experts in buy-here-pay-here and auto finance operations. Allen is CEO of Ignite Consulting Partners, where he leverages custom technology and deep industry expertise to transform the futures of dealers and lenders across the country. He is also Founder and CEO of GoTech Software, which offers custom technology development and deployment, and President and CEO of SecureClose, a leading-edge F&I compliance software provider. Allen’s previous ventures include AutoStar Solutions, Sigma Payment Solutions, and INNOVATE: The Independent Dealer Industry Conference. | |
| Randy Dohse Senior Vice President of Field Operation NextGear Capital Randy serves as Senior Vice President of Field Operations for NextGear Capital. In this role, he is responsible for guiding the company’s field processes to maximize customer service levels and deepen dealer relationships. With 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Randy has been with the company since its inception as Dealer Services Corporation in 2005, holding multiple leadership positions within the company. Most recently, he served as Division Vice President-West. Prior to joining NextGear Capital, Randy spent time with AFC and AmeriCredit in a Branch Manager capacity. Randy holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics from University of Wisconsin. | |
| Allen Douglas Founder and President STARS GPS, LLC An Industry veteran since 2005, Mr. Douglas is Founder and President of STARS GPS. His educational background includes degrees in Business, Accounting, and Economics. These coupled with high level Sales, Marketing, and Behavioral Training, gives Mr. Douglas a complete foundational basis to understand, interpret, and apply key issues facing finance operations and dealerships in today’s automotive industry. As the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association’s (NIADA) first Exclusive, and longest running National Corporate Partner for GPS and Starter Interrupt technology, STARS GPS is also working diligently to assist operators with an understanding of today’s legislative climate within our industry. | |
| Mark Dubois President Dealer Performance and Consulting Mark Dubois has more than 35 years of experience in the automotive business ranging from sales, dealership management, recruiting and training, e-business, marketing, and Buy Here - Pay Here management. Mark joined CarBiz Auto Credit in 2004 as Regional Manager for the Florida operations. In this role Mark was responsible for overseeing the day to day operation of the business. In addition he started and managed three of the Buy Here - Pay Here car lots from inception, which included hiring staff, buying inventory, reconditioning, advertising and promotion, deal structure, underwriting and collection of loans, managing delinquency and charge offs, and building the customer account base. Mark is now President of Dealer Performance and Consulting and is the Moderator for Buy Here - Pay Here Performance Groups. Performance Groups are designed specifically for BHPH dealers who want to increase profitability through detailed analysis of their operation in a non-competitive, group environment. Mark graduated from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan with a BA in Business, and an Associate Degree in Automotive Marketing. He earned his certification as a Sales Trainer from Xerox Corporation, Leesburg, Virginia. He also earned designation as a Certified Analyst from Walter V. Clark and Associates, Chicago, Illinois. Mark is a frequent guest speaker, workshop presenter and panel member for BHPH dealer education and training at several national and state independent dealer association conventions. He is also a writer for several industry publications with articles on business analysis, operations, training, and industry trends. | |
| William C. Dunkelberg Chief Economist National Federation of Independent Business Dr. Dunkelberg is a nationally known authority on small business, entrepreneurship, consumer credit and government policy. He was reported by the New York Times to be one of four final candidates for Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in 1981, served as an advisor to the Secretary of Commerce, and was appointed to the Consumer Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve System in 1989 [2 year term]. He is a past president and a Fellow of the National Association for Business Economics [NABE] and was awarded the Abramson Award for a best paper in 2009 and 2013. He was appointed to the Census Advisory Committee representing the American Economic Association in 1992 and again in 1995 (serving as chair) and served on the board of The National Bureau of Economic Research from 1996 to 1999. He is an elected member of the Conference of Business Economists (and chairman in 2003) and the National Business Economic Issues Council and the first recipient of the Small Business Administration’s Research Advocate of the Year award. In 2008, the Haas School of Business (Center for Executive Education) at the University of California Berkeley honored him with their Leading Through Innovation Executive Award. Dr. Dunkelberg served as a regional judge for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year program for 14 years, a national judge in 2001 and 2003, and as a member of the board of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He served as a member of the Quality of Markets Committee for the Philadelphia Stock Exchange until its sale to NASDQ in 2008. His board service includes Liberty Bell Bank (chair), Advanta, Independence Realty Trust, Wireless Energy Solutions, Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg.,NCO Group, Ensoniq and the Global Interdependence Center (chair). | |
| Heidi Eddy-Dorn Assistant General Counsel Cox Automotive Heidi Eddy-Dorn is an accomplished attorney with deep expertise in advertising and data compliance. She currently serves as Assistant General Counsel for Cox Automotive, a world class automotive services company, where she serves as the lead lawyer for Media and Advertising, advising on advertising compliance, data usage, and marketing across all of the Cox Automotive businesses. She has extensive experience advising on matters involving state and federal advertising compliance and disclosure requirements, unfair business practices, and online data collection and use. In addition, Ms. Eddy-Dorn works closely with her business clients on a variety of dealer advertising opportunities and issues. Ms. Eddy-Dorn is a member of the IAB Legal Affairs Council and IAB Data Council and is a member of the State Bar of California. She holds a J.D. From UCLA School of Law and a B.A. From the University of California. | |
| Bryan Esposito Managing Partner Key Advocates For the past seven years, Bryan Esposito has supported advocacy efforts of the Firm by creating and serving industry advocacy coalitions, working on electoral campaigns, and researching strategies and potential funding sources. A graduate of both the New York Film Academy and George Mason University, Bryan brings a unique and creative aspect to the field of advocacy. He utilizes his expert communications skills to form strong relationships with key decision-makers in the Congress and Executive Branch; while also creating compelling video productions to advance grassroots lobbying campaigns. His legislative and regulatory writings can be found in various infrastructure industry publications. | |
| Sante Esposito President Key Advocates For the past thirty-seven years, Sante Esposito has been immersed in politics and public policy. With over thirteen years as an advocacy expert after a twenty-four year career in Congress, he is lauded as a bonafide expert in all processes of the Federal government. He represents clients seeking strategic planning and legislative campaigns in various issue areas including highways, rail, transit, transportation safety and research, aviation, energy, water resources, and information technology. As a result of his long and successful career on the Hill, Sante enjoys long-standing working relationships with numerous decision-makers in the Congress and Executive Branch. He maintains strong personal relationships with House and Senate Leadership, committee chairs and ranking Members, key Administration (White House) staff, etc. Esposito served as Democratic Chief Counsel of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the United States House of Representatives (1981-1998). He also served as Counsel for the House Committee on Budget (1977-1981) and the Congressional Budget Office (1974-1976). | |
| Eric Fifield Senior Vice President, Agency & Independent Services EFG Companies Eric Fifield brings more than 25 years of automotive industry experience to EFG Companies. As the senior vice president of the company’s Agency Services division, he is responsible for dealer development through a network of independent dealers and top-tier agents. Eric drives an agenda of building business through acquisition strategies, training, award-winning product innovation, and F&I development. Prior to EFG Companies, Eric worked with the Penske Corporation as the Director of Training, as well as the Resource Group, where he rose from a Training Instructor and Curriculum Designer to the Vice President of Training and Consulting, and Great American Insurance as the Regional Sales Manager and Vice President of Sales. His clients have included organizations such as AutoNation, Ford Motor Company, Honda Motor Company, Chicago Automobile Trade Association, and hundreds of dealers across the country. Eric is AFIP Certified, and holds a current Property and Casualty Insurance License. | |
| 0 | Michael Frazer President Frazer Computing |
| Frank Fuzy Owner Century Motors of South Florida Frank has been in the automobile business for 28 years. He was the 2006 Florida Quality Dealer for the Florida Independent Auto Dealers Association. He has been a board member and has served as Secretary, Senior Vice President, Regional Vice President and President of FIADA. He currently is President of NIADA. | |
| Billy Graham Owner Graham Auto Sales, Inc. Billy Graham is the owner of Graham Auto Sales in Loganville, Georgia. He is currently serving as the President of the Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Association, his 2nd term in the last 3 years. As President of GIADA, he chaired the the State Presidents Council for NIADA in 2015. He is also serving as a Trustee on the Board of the NIADA Foundation. Billy has had several high honors bestowed upon him such as being names Georgia's 2011 Quality dealer of the year. He was the recipient of GIADA's Bob Corbet Award in 2015 for dedication to the Association and commitment to dealers. He regularly participates as a dealer contributor on Dale Cardwell's exclusive "Trust Dale Certified" radio and TV show to discuss issues with the used car industry and consumers. Billy has the honor of having been appointed by the Governor of Georgia to serve as the Vice Chair of Georgia's used car board overseeing dealers in the state. | |
| Todd Hoagey Owner Auction Direct CEO, Auction Direct, has over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. The last ten years were spent helping grow Auction Direct into the chain of superstores that you now see in Rochester, NY, Jacksonville, FL and Raleigh, NC. Prior to coming to Auction Direct he was Vice President of Finance at John Holtz Automotive Group and was Director of Operations at AutoNation. | |
| Chris Hollingsworth Director Business Development Sales & Strategy AutoZone, Inc. • 2015 – Current: ALLDATA, LLC (An AutoZone, Inc. Company) o Vice President, Sales & Business Development – North America. Oversee all sales and business development efforts for ALLDATA North America • 2007 – Current: AutoZone, Inc. o Director, Business Development, Sales & Strategy. Oversee all national account, public sector and eCommerce sales teams. Responsible for $1BN+ in annual revenue • 2003 – 2007 – OfficeMax, Inc. o Senior Director of Sales – Vertical Markets. Responsible for $200MM in annual revenue. Developed and launched OfficeMax Partner Advantage ($100MM organic growth program) • 1996 – 2003 – Artesian Direct o President & Majority Shareholder. Founded and successfully sold 3 technology start-up companies • Fiber optic content services • PC and Web enablement services • Hardware value added integration services • 1992 – 1996 – Sears Holding Corporation o Division Manager – Appliances & Electronics • 1986 – 1992 – Lehman Brothers o Managing Director, Mergers & Acquisition Services o Mergers, Acquisitions and Institutional Brokerage Services University of Washington – Foster Business School - BA, Business Administration & Finance - BS, Financial Economics Vanderbilt University – Owen Graduate School of Management - Executive Development Program, Strategic Business Leaderships | |
| Thomas Hudson Partner CounselorLibrary.com/Hudson Cook, LLP Tom has practiced consumer financial services law since 1973. He has focused his practice on matters relating to vehicle financing and leasing. He is President of CounselorLibrary.com, LLC, and is the Editor-in-Chief of CARLAW®, a monthly subscription service that reports legal developments in the auto finance and lease business. He is included in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of Financial Services Regulation Law. He is a past Chair of the American Bar Association Consumer Financial Services Committee’s Personal Property Finance Subcommittee and serves as outside general counsel to the National Automotive Finance Association. He is a frequent writer and speaker on topics relating to vehicle sales, finance and leasing. His books include CARLAW® ~ A Southern Attorney Delivers HUMOROUS PRACTICAL LEGAL ADVICE on Car Sales and Financing, CARLAW® II – Street Legal, CARLAW® F&I Legal Desk Book ~ 360 Things to Know about Auto Dealer Finance, 4th Edition and CARLAW® III – Reloaded. | |
| Angelica Jeffreys Vice President-Dealer Leader Equifax Automotive Services Angelica brings more than 25 years of automotive experience to the Equifax auto leadership team. Starting her career as a hostess/greeter in a dealership while in college, she worked her way up through sales, F & I, sales management, and finally managing the sales and operations for the largest Honda Dealership in New England. She subsequently held several key sales leadership roles at Cox Automotive's AutoTrader, and most recently at DealerRater where she was responsible for driving growth through substantive strategic alliances. She has dedicated her career to helping dealers find innovative ways to solve real world pain points, drive growth and improve business performance, while remaining a passionate advocate for the industry and a trusted resource for her clients. | |
| Steve Jordan CEO NIADA Steve was appointed as Executive Vice President of the NIADA on July 1, 2013 after serving as its Chief Operating Officer for two years and as CEO / Executive Director of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association for the two years previous to that. As the NIADA EVP and chief executive, Steve is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the NIADA and serves as the president of the NIADA Services Board and the NIADA Foundation Board of Trustees. Steve is responsible for maintaining and expanding the association’s programs in governmental affairs, public relations, member services, association publications and coordinating activities with NIADA’s state affiliate organizations around the country. | |
| James "Jim" Kagiliery President JD Byrider/Drive 100 Companies Mr. Kagiliery is the Chairman and CEO of Drive100 Inc., a consortium of automotive related enterprises. The firm owns and manages retail automotive outlets, specialty auto finance companies, service centers, warranty companies, and property management and development companies in Florida and Georgia. Since its inception in 1999, the organization has become one of the largest and most successful of its kind in the region. Mr. Kagiliery also serves as the Chairman of the Florida legislature’s Automobile Lenders Industry Task Force. In addition, Mr. Kagiliery is the Chairman of the board of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers association. He also serves on the association’s membership committee and chairs its Executive Committee. Mr. Kagiliery also sits on the board of Hendricks Day School of Jacksonville, the Deercreek Homeowners Association, and the JD Byrider National Advertising Group. Mr. Kagiliery received a B.S. degree in Finance from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and an M.B.A. degree from Villanova University in Villanova, PA. Mr. Kagiliery and his wife, Aronson, have two daughters. They reside in Jacksonville, Florida. | |
| Dan Kelly Manager of Sales/Marketing Training Cooper Tire Adept business leader with over 20-years of experience in sales & marketing, training, pricing, commercial analysis and business development. Results-oriented, with experience in mentoring and leading professionals in sales, marketing, training and pricing disciplines. Distinguished career of achievement in consultative business-to-business sales, business administration and leadership management. I am astute at ascertaining market knowledge, research & assessment, tactical sales preparation, persuasive negotiations and intuitive management. I possess a dynamic track record in utilizing marketing and management expertise gained within the following positions: o Sales & Marketing Education Training Manager o Pricing & Program Manager o Account Executive o Professional Sales Consultant o Automotive Wholesale Marketing Manager I have excelled in increasing sales, expanding market share, strategic business planning, pricing and streamlining operations in a wide range of disciplines for several Fortune 500 companies. Professional Achievements: • Cooper Tire – Chairman’s Award 2015 • Hill-Rom – Rookie of the Year 2010 • Boehringer-Ingelheim – Rookie of the Year 2003 • Enterprise Rent-A-Car – Area Manager of the Year 2000 | |
| Randy Kobat Vice President & General Manager vAuto Kobat is vAuto’s vice president and general manager. In this role, Randy oversees all aspects of vAuto operations and performance to meet its goals for growth, product development and integration, and customer and employee satisfaction. Randy brings a unique blend of executive leadership expertise to vAuto that includes long-term planning, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, operations, sales management and strategy development. Prior to vAuto, Randy successfully held a variety of top-level leadership positions for automotive-related companies, including Service Repair Solutions Inc., Trilogy Enterprises and ADP. Randy has also served as a business leadership lecturer for the Smeal College of Business at the Pennsylvania State University, the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and other business schools. Randy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. | |
| Kathi Kruse Social Media Strategist, Marketing Expert, Consultant, Blogger, Speaker, Author and Founder Kruse Control Inc. Kathi Kruse is a Social Media Strategist, Marketing Expert, Consultant, Blogger, Speaker, Author and Founder of Kruse Control Inc. Born in the heart of Los Angeles to a family of “car people”, Kathi’s passion for the car business spans a 25-year career managing successful dealerships in Southern California. Kathi is the author of “Automotive Social Business – How to Captivate Your Customers, Sell More Cars & Be Generally Remarkable on Social Media”. Her Kruse Control Blog is the leading Automotive Social Media blog in the US and Canada. | |
| Kevin Kuhlman Director of Legislative Affairs National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Kevin Kuhlman is the Director of Legislative Affairs at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and is responsible for managing NFIB’s House of Representatives lobbying and advocacy team. Kevin focuses on healthcare and health insurance issues. Since 1986, NFIB members’ top concern has been the rising cost of health insurance. Kevin also closely follows the regulatory process and comments on regulations that impact NFIB’s membership. Prior to joining NFIB in 2011, Kevin handled healthcare, labor, education, and small business issues for Congressman Peter Roskam from Illinois. He started his career on Capitol Hill in 2006 as a support and research staff member for the Committee on Ways and Means. | |
| Angela Ledbetter Director of Operations NIADA Angela Ledbetter has served as the Director of Operations for NIADA since July 2013 after 17 years in various roles with the National Association. In her 20 years of professional and management experience, she has a unique perspective on business operations gained from being fully engaged in human resources, marketing and communications, event planning, board meetings, acquisitions, membership retention and a multitude of administrative functions. Angela's strong work ethic and long tenure are valued assets for the NIADA employees and members alike. | |
| Christopher Leedom Founder and President Leedom Group Christopher Leedom (Chris) is the founder and President of the Leedom Group of Companies. The Leedom Group is well known for developing world-class products and includes PayMaxx Pro, LLC, an award-winning, total payment processing offering for auto dealers, TextMaxx Pro, a complete texting solution for marketing and collections, Dealer Advisory Group, a consultancy specializing in strategic consulting and guidance for auto dealers and AutoMaxx, a dealership serving “unbankable” customers in Sarasota, FL. He is a 20+ year industry veteran and respected industry leader in the automotive and related finance business. Chris was the founder of the original Independent Dealer Twenty Group program in 1995, which was acquired by NIADA in December 2015. Additionally, he has worked as an advisor and consultant for over 5,000 independent and franchise dealer. He has been published in numerous industry publications including Dealer Business Journal, World of Special Finance Magazine, Used Car Dealer Magazine and Used Car News. He is regularly featured as a key speaker at national and state conventions. Chris is unique in that he wears the hat of industry leader and is also a licensed dealer in Sarasota, Florida. He is a Past-President of FIADA (2012-2013) and was awarded the coveted Florida Quality Dealer of the Year (2014). Prior to founding the Leedom Group, Chris was a partner and Professional Twenty Group Moderator with NCM Associates (formerly Nichols Campbell Morrow). During his tenure with NCM, he formed numerous twenty groups and moderated the Independent Dealer Twenty Groups. Before NCM, Chris was the Chief Operating Officer of a holding company with twelve dealership locations and a wholly owned finance company. He has extensive experience in areas of operational management, finance and dealership development, and capitalization. | |
| Jon Leedom Director of National Accounts and Business Development Paymaxx Pro, a division of the Leedom Group Jon Leedom, CPP, is the director of national accounts and business development for Paymaxx Pro, a division of the Leedom Group, which provides automotive retailers and finance companies with an electronic payments system. His lengthy background in the financial industry includes a corporate credit analyst at Hershey Foods Corporation in Pennsylvania, and a manager with Citibank in its Credit Card Division. Jon is a twelve-year veteran of the Leedom Group, where he began as the general manager of the firm’s Buy Here-Pay Here dealership, AutoMaxx in Sarasota, Florida. | |
| Joe Lescota Director of Dealer Development NIADA Joe joined the national staff in 2012, after having been a professor at Northwood University since 1997. He has had a successful career in the retail automotive industry and continues to be recognized as a top consultant and expert for his extensive automotive knowledge and research. He is the exclusive Certified Master Dealer™ instructor for NIADA and serves as the moderator for the NIADA 20 Groups. He has conducted workshops and educational seminars for Ford Motor Co, General Motors, Chrysler Corp, Honda of Canada and Acura of Canada, and Proton Motor Cars of Malaysia. | |
| Steve Levine Chief Legal Officer Ignite Consulting Steve is a compliance expert and serves as a resource and speaker for various organizations in the automobile industry. Prior to his current position, he has served as legal counsel for Regional Acceptance Corporation, Dell Financial Services and maintained a private law practice for six years. He is a graduate of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. | |
| Scott D. Lilja Senior Vice President of Member Services NIADA Highly accomplished specialist in alliances development, new vertical market growth strategy, competitive positioning of products/services, P&L management strategy, new products/services development methodology, and corporate strategy execution. Responsible for all NIADA Member Services strategy, affinity partner development/management, new business development, marketing strategy, business plan development, due diligence, business terms negotiation, assessment of member services programs, ongoing review and development of new member services. | |
| Chris Macheca Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Passtime Chris Macheca completed his undergraduate studies at Regis University in 1997 with a degree in business administration while captaining the lacrosse team. He joined PassTime in 1998 and has been an integral part of the success ever since. During his career at PassTime, Chris has been involved in all areas including sales, development, IT, operations, and manufacturing and has managed all operations since 2003. He received his MBA in Operations from Regis University in 2007 graduating with honors. | |
| Jesse Martin Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Nowcom Jesse Martin is the Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nowcom, the makers of DealerCenter. Jesse oversees DealerCenter’s entire operation and is focused on collaborating with dealerships to create a dealer-driven DMS platform where innovative, relevant and value-added solutions meet the needs of the used car dealer. Under Jesse’s leadership, DealerCenter is committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience and services that enable dealers to thrive. | |
| 0 | Jeff McCurry Director of Engineering DealerSocket |
| Joe Mok General Manager Gmotorcars Joe started his career actually in cars. Directly after High School in 1995 he worked for one of the largest Chevrolet Dealers in that time. Joe consistently sold 20-25 cars a month and was always ranked in the top 3 volume salesman out of 30. In 2000 he made a career change and studied Information Technology and worked for some great companies such as Morgan Stanley, USFreightways and even a municipal village. When the economy took a turn in 2007 he felt it was the right time to start a new career. Dissatisfied with the way the car business was traditionally looked upon, he figured it would be a great time to make a difference. Gmotorcars is named after his daughter Gianna. Shortly after his Father and Brother in law joined forces. Joe was born and raised 3 miles from the store. Supporting him is his lovely wife and 2 wonderful children. | |
| Susan Moritz Vice President of Development NextGear Capital Susan Moritz serves as the Vice President of Development for NextGear Capital. In this role, she leads NextGear Capital’s advancement of new business and maximization of credit utilization while overseeing the company’s Auction Development, Business Development and Marketing departments. Susan began her career in the automotive industry in 1986 at a franchise dealership holding various roles from Finance Director to General Sales Manager. In 2001, Susan joined ADESA and AFC where she was responsible for developing salvage marketing initiatives and creating a department focused on retail finance solutions for independent dealers. Susan has spent the last 6 years with Cox Automotive managing relationships with Manheim’s largest dealer customers and developing remarketing strategies for commercial sellers. Susan was the recipient of the National Champion Award for Major Dealer during the 2012 Manheim National Sales Conference. Additionally, Susan was recognized as a 2016 Women in Remarketing honoree. She joined NextGear Capital in 2014, leveraging her experience to promote the companies’ growth. | |
| Paul Nadjarian General Manager of Used Car Listings CARFAX Paul Nadjarian is the General Manager of Used Car Listings at CARFAX. Paul has an extensive background in both the auto industry and the internet. Prior to CARFAX, he was the Founder & CEO of Mojo Motors, a next-generation marketplace for used cars. He started his career at Ford Motor Company selling inventory and programs to auto dealers and eventually ran the internet lead management group at Ford. After Ford, Paul joined eBay Motors to build and run the Parts & Accessories category, growing the business to $2B+ in sales, the largest category at eBay. Paul has also been on the founding team of GreenLeaf Auto, an auto recycling venture within Ford, and CombineNet, an advance sourcing & optimization platform. Paul earned his B.S. in economics from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. | |
| Matt Nazar Owner Aussie Auto, Inc. Matt Nazar, owner of Aussie Auto, Inc. in Los Angeles, is a hard-working, results driven retail automotive owner / operator who is recognized as one of the Top 5 automotive E-Dealers in the country with a proven track record of success. Over the last 15 years, he has built and managed some of the largest and most successful automotive E-Dealerships in the country. He is a training and process implementation specialist and has extensive experience managing and converting large volumes of sales and service leads into gross generating net profit. He works relentless to achieve sales objectives whilst improving C.S.I and E.S.I. Matt is also known as a dealership turn-around and re-structuring expert. He knows how to trouble shoot and identify the exact areas in need of re-alignment to generate the largest impact possible. Matt believes that there are no longer online sales departments, just E-Dealerships, and all customers now begin as online customers. | |
| Kris "Tanto" Paronto Former Ranger, 2nd Battalion, 75th Regiment; Security and Military Consultant; Hero of Benghazi Attack Keynote Speaker Sponsored by 
Kris Paronto - “Tanto” as he is affectionately known in security contracting circles - is a former Army Ranger from 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and private security contractor who has deployed throughout South America, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. He also worked with the US Government’s Global Response Staff conducting low profile security in high threat environments throughout the world.
Mr. Paronto was part the CIA annex security team that responded to the terrorist attack on the US Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya, September 11th, 2012, helping to save over 20 lives while fighting off terrorists from the CIA Annex for over 13 hours. Mr. Paronto’s story is told in the book “13 Hours” written by Mitchell Zuckoff and his five surviving annex security team members.
Mr. Paronto was born in Alamosa, Colorado and obtained his Associate Degree from Dixie College (now Dixie State University) in St. George, Utah, Bachelor’s Degree from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado and Masters Degree from The University of Nebraska at Omaha. He served 4 years in the US Army and an additional 4 years in the US Army National Guard reaching the rank of Sergeant then becoming a commissioned officer in 2003. He started contracting for Blackwater Security Consulting in 2003 and continued to deploy on various security contracts, to include the Global Response Staff until 2013.
Mr. Paronto has been involved in security operations in hostile environments for over 10 years. His team’s involvement with the September 11th, 2012 attack on the US special mission in Benghazi, Libya was paramount in the saving of US lives and assets. He is a proven leader, teammate and friend to those who have deployed with him, and a devout father to three children.
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| Chip Perry President and CEO TrueCar Chip Perry is president and chief executive officer of TrueCar, Inc. In his role, Perry is responsible for TrueCar's strategic direction, product vision and operations in the company’s Santa Monica headquarters and San Francisco and Austin, Texas, offices. Perry also manages TrueCar’s relationships with key external stakeholders, including dealers, dealer associations, automakers, consumers, regulators, affinity partners and investors. Perry joined TrueCar after serving as president and CEO of RentPath LLC, parent company of ApartmentGuide.com and Rent.com. Previously, Perry led AutoTrader.com in 1997, serving as its CEO from the company’s inception until 2013. While there he guided AutoTrader’s evolution from a one-person startup into the world’s largest online automotive marketplace, with $1.5 billion in annual revenue, 20,000 dealer customers, 16 million monthly unique visitors and 3,500 employees. Under his guidance, AutoTrader.com also created an array of transformative digital solutions that have helped thousands of dealers expand their presence online. Prior to starting AutoTrader.com, Chip was a vice president of new business development at the Los Angeles Times. In the early 1990s he led the team that launched TimesLink, one of the nation’s first major newspaper online services. It was this experience that gave him the insight that digitally powered automotive classified advertising on the Internet presented an enormous growth opportunity. His extensive career includes working as a management consultant in McKinsey & Co.’s Los Angeles office and business development and civil engineering positions for the Bechtel Group. Chip holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Harvard Business School. | |
| Mark Peters Vice President of Sales Skypatrol Mark Peters is Senior Vice President of Sales at Skypatrol (www.skypatrol.com), a GPS solutions provider offering innovative software solutions integrated with reliable GPS products. Mark is a veteran in the automotive and subprime lending business. He brings a unique combination of industry experience and GPS knowledge. He is a senior executive at Skypatrol and is heavily involved in product development and enterprise customer service. His expertise and extensive auto finance knowledge has been instrumental in minimizing risks and increasing cost-savings for his customers throughout the vehicle finance industry in North America. | |
| Shaun Petersen Senior Vice President of Legislative and Governmental Affairs NIADA NIADA Regulatory Counsel, concentrates his practice on assisting business within the automotive industry comply with consumer protection regulations. He has represented both franchise and independent dealers, finance companies and marketing firms. Prior to entering private practice he was Senior Deputy Attorney General and Chief of Consumer protection Section under former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro. | |
| Mike Platts Partner Development Manager CARFAX Mike Platts, Partner Development Manager with CARFAX. With more than a decade of automotive industry experience, Mike has key insight on how dealers can increase their success in today’s market. He has spent the last six years with CARFAX helping hundreds of dealer groups across the country utilize proven best practices that improve their used car and service operations. Mike Platts began his automotive career in 2004 selling cars for a high volume Dodge dealership in Pennsylvania. Within a short few months Mike was promoted to taking over the finance department where he delivered an average of 150 vehicles per month. In June 2006 Mike accepted the position of Dealer Development Representative with CitiFinancial Auto where he managed a monthly portfolio of $2.5 million dollars in originations that he was responsible for maintaining and expanding. With more than a decade of automotive industry experience, Mike Platts has key insight on how dealers can increase their success in today’s market. He has spent the last six years with CARFAX helping hundreds of dealer groups across the country utilize proven best practices that improve their used car and service operations. In 2008, when the automotive industry's resilience was being tested to the max, Mike made what turned out to be a tough but very rewarding career decision by taking a Regional Account Manager position with CARFAX Vehicle History Reports. In this position Mike was responsible for managing a territory of about 200 dealer partners where he was responsible for developing healthy working relationships while increasing VHR usage and revenue. In 2011, Mike was promoted to and still holds the position of Partner Development Manager where he is responsible for maturing already existing partnerships by presenting CARFAX's value proposition to our largest partners throughout the country. These partners include, but are not limited to, top automotive dealer groups, OEM's, various vendor partners, industry events and automotive associations. | |
| Howard Polirer Director, Industry Advancement Cox Automotive Howard brings more than 16 years of experience as a dynamic automotive sales educator to dealer audiences across the nation. As one of the nation’s premier automotive educators, Howard has taught thousands of dealers about effective online innovation and Internet advertising at hundreds of conferences for national, state and local dealer associations. He has also served as a dealership consultant for over 25 major dealer groups. Previously, Howard owned his own automotive sales training and consulting company and was also the executive vice president of an automotive training company serving clients, OEMs and associations. With over 30 years of experience in the retail automotive business, Howard has extensive dealership expertise, having grown from a salesperson at a Toyota dealership to sales manager and then to general manager for a Volkswagen, Subaru and Chevrolet dealership. Howard has been a featured presenter at: • National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Conventions • NADA 20 Groups • Digital Dealer • National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) Conventions • National Alliance of Buy Here, Pay Here Dealers (NABD) Conferences • Northwood University • GM Dealer business workshops & eSummits • and many more industry events | |
| Dan Reel Vice President / Owner Reel's Auto Sales Dan Reel is the Vice President / Owner of Reel’s Auto Sales in Orwell, Ohio. Dan joined the family car business in 2001 after his time in the US Army. Dan has been a member of his state and national association going on a decade servicing various board positions. He has served all board positions with the OIADA and now serves on the NIADA Member Services Board. Dan was nominated the 2016 Ohio Quality Dealer of the year. | |
| Ivette E. Rivera Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs National Automobile Dealers Association As recently named senior vice president of the National Automobile Dealers Association's (NADA’s) Legislative Affairs group, Ivette Rivera works to develop NADA's overall legislative and political strategy and oversees the day-to-day operations of the association's Capitol Hill office. Ivette serves as the primary voice for franchised dealers on Capitol Hill and helps lead NADA’s political action committee, the third largest trade association PAC in the country. Ivette has had increasingly responsible leadership positions with the NADA’s legislative office and is credited with a strong record of achievement on Capitol Hill. In a critical legislative victory for dealer rights, Ivette helped secure passage of a federal law that makes it illegal for automakers to force dealers to waive their rights under state franchise law. As the automobile industry was front and center during the financial crisis, Ivette was responsible for leading the strategy on high profile legislative issues, such as the $3 billion cash for clunkers program, the post-bankruptcy arbitration process for dealers affected by the GM and Chrysler bankruptcies, and the dealer exemption from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Ivette’s career also includes conducting legislative and strategic planning for a non-profit organization in Colorado. Spanning two decades, Ivette has fought for dealer rights and helped enhance NADA’s visibility on Capitol Hill. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado and a Master of Arts degree in Government from Johns Hopkins University. The retail automobile industry is “all in the family.” She is married to Michael Hayes, a former Ford dealer and current NADA Academy instructor and together they have three children. | |
| Bob Roeder Director of Sales IMETRIK Bob began working with IMETRIK in 2009 building their business in the United States. He brings over 30 years of automotive, cellular, GPS, and telematics experience with him. Bob started his career with General Motors and Electronic Data Systems in Detroit in their Dealer Systems Division implementing GM’s DMS system nationwide. He was promoted to Senior Product Manager in charge of Saturn’s DMS development. Working with GM and Hughes he was a key member of the multi-company development and implementation of PULSAT – then the world’s largest privately owned satellite network. Because of this experience Bob was asked to join the initial business development team for OnStar and solicited years later to be in charge of its roll out in the Midwest.. While still at EDS Bob was recruited by their Personal Communications Division to be the Argentina Country leader to deploy a customer support center, database center, and cellular billing system for GTE as part of the build out of Argentina’s cellular network. This led to also working with clients like Century Telephone (CenturyLink), Ameritech (AT&T) and Bell Atlantic (Verizon). Bob continues to use his experience of working with over 1500 car dealerships representing numerous OEM’s along with using his global business relationship and project management skills to assist IMETRIK with continuing their strong growth in their industry. Bob is a graduate of Central Michigan University and is a Six Sigma Green belt. He has been interviewed by the New York Times and appeared on Good Morning America for his volunteer work helping others to find employment. | |
| Paul Rosenthal Vice President of Automotive Telematics Solution Spireon Paul Rosenthal is the Vice President of Automotive Telematics Solution at Spireon, and has over 20 years of management in customer service and sales. Previously, Rosenthal managed customer accounts for both CalAmp and LoJack, before choosing to lead the market by joining Spireon’s efforts to redefine the GPS vehicle tracking industry. | |
| Majd Saboura Director of Wholesale Business Development vAuto Majd Saboura has been working in the automotive industry across various sectors for over 9 years. For the past several of years, Majd delved into the wholesale industry to fully understand how to connect buyers and sellers worldwide. Majd Saboura possesses a unique combination of experience, skill and drive that has led to profitable business growth. He is currently working with vAuto, as Director of Wholesale Business Development, helping dealers gain a better understanding of how to utilize today’s technology and analytics to acquire the right car at the right price. | |
| Joseph Schumacher Director of Partnership Development CARFAX Joseph has held various positions at Carfax since 2006.The last several years have been spent growing strategic partnerships in the automotive industry. Prior to coming to Carfax he was the General Manager for Auto Mart/automart.com. | |
| Johnathan Schwartz Senior Director, Inside Sales Cox Automotive Media As senior director of Inside Sales for Cox Automotive Media, Jonathan Schwartz leads all aspects of sales, client support and customer engagement across the Dealer Solutions Center, Specialty Sales and Consumer Seller teams for the Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book brands. Prior to joining Cox Automotive in 2015, Schwartz spent two years as the head of Buyer Development for Manheim’s International division based in the United Kingdom. In this role, Schwartz developed and led the strategic reorganization of the buyer engagement function while growing the national, franchise dealer and local buyer bases across the U.K. He also took a leadership role in a number of large-scale organizational projects including the launch of a sophisticated buyer analytics reporting suite capturing purchase behavior for Manheim’s top buyers while identifying customer profit opportunities across the business. Before joining Manheim in October 2012, Schwartz worked for Cox Communications holding various leadership positions. As part of the Marketing team, he led strategy development and execution of 14 organizational projects across three product lines while leading a national Accelerate Growth work stream. Prior to joining Cox Enterprises in 2007, Schwartz was a sales associate with the Staubach Company where he helped negotiate and complete 95 corporate real estate transactions valued at approximately $50 million on behalf of 100 commercial clients. Schwartz holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s of Business Administration from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. | |
| James Scott Senior Director of Business Development TransFirst James has 34 years of experience in new business development and accounts acquisition in a variety of industries. He has worked in the payment processing and partner acquisition space since 2004. James spent time in the United States Army and attended college at the University of Texas at Arlington. First beginning in the industry as a merchant account Sales Executive with Solveras Payment Solutions he advanced to a Senior Account Executive where he assisted on many projects specifically as lead to several association partner programs including the National Association of Home Builders, The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Field Sales Rep program for the National Federation of Independent Business. James earned many awards including multiple Sales Representative of the Month, Sales Representative of the Year, and Presidents Club. Solveras Payment Solutions was acquired by TransFirst in 2012 and James was promoted to Director of Business Development within the Association Partners division in Nashville, Tennessee. During his time in this position he has developed and signed significant partner opportunities such as the National Funeral Directors Association, Solar Energy Industry Association, Natural Products Association, and the National Apartment Association. James again received several awards including Presidents Club. | |
| Ken Shilson President National Alliance of Buy Here-Pay Here Dealers (NABD) Ken is known nationally for his expertise in subprime portfolio analysis services and BHPH issues in the automotive industry. He founded the National Alliance of Buy Here Pay Here Dealers in 1999, which has become the largest special interest group for the BHPH industry. | |
| Michele Shuster Partner Mac Murray, Petersen & Shuster Michele Shuster is a partner of Mac Murray, Petersen & Shuster. She has extensive experience in assisting clients involved in highly regulated industries. Michele managed the Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Crime Victim Services divisions from 1997 through 2004. She is a past President of the Ohio Women’s Bar Association, and is active on several non-profit and association boards. She was selected as an “Ohio Rising Star” by Ohio Super Lawyers magazine and was named by Business First as one of the outstanding 40 professionals in central Ohio under the age of 40 for business and community leadership in 2005. She is General Counsel for PACE (Professional Association for Customer Engagement), formerly the ATA (American Teleservices Association). Michele is a Certified Information Privacy Professional, which demonstrates her strong foundation in U.S. privacy laws and regulations. She has served as Chair of the Executive Advisory Board for The University of Akron’s Taylor Institute for Direct Marketing and Suarez Applied Marketing Research Laboratories. Since venturing into the private practice of law, Michele has established a solid record of assisting clients in teleservice audits, consumer protection matters before state attorneys general, matters before the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communication Commission, advertising compliance, and privacy issues. | |
| Rob Sickles Managing Partner Broad & Cassel Rob devotes his practice to litigation in Florida’s state and federal courts. He has substantial experience representing clients in all aspects of the automotive industry. He has served as counsel for more than 100 licensed motor vehicle dealerships throughout Florida, ranging from large publicly traded corporations to small, closely held family dealerships. He also works with finance companies and lenders affiliated with the automotive industry. He has defended claims arising under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Federal Truth in Lending Act. | |
| Matthew R. Simpson Attorney Fisher & Phillips LLP Matthew Simpson is an attorney in the Atlanta office of Fisher & Phillips LLP. He received his B.A. cum laude from Texas Christian University, and his J.D. with honors from Emory University School of Law. While in law school, Matt was a member of the Emory Law Journal, and was awarded the Georgia State Bar Labor and Employment Award. Matt is a member of the Firm’s Dealership Practice Group as well as the National Association of Dealer Counsel. Matt represents dealerships in all areas of labor and employment law in state and federal courts as well as before state and federal agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the United States Department of Labor, and the National Labor Relations Board. Matt also counsels dealerships and their managers on "preventive" employee relations. This includes advice on employee screening and selection, drug and alcohol testing, wage and hour compliance, harassment investigations, disciplinary strategies and terminations. Matt drafts employment applications, employee handbooks, arbitration agreements, confidentiality agreements, and non-compete, non-solicitation and severance agreements. He conducts regular employment and wage-hour audits for his dealership clients to ensure that they continue to be in compliance with changing laws and regulations. In 2015, Matt was one of five employment attorneys in the country listed as a Rising Star by Law 360. Matt has also been listed in Georgia Super Lawyers – Rising Stars every year since 2011. He is a frequent lecturer to dealership audiences at state and local ADA meetings, and recently presented with NADA on various labor and employment and dealership wage-hour issues at the NADC’s Fall Conference. Matt is co-editor of the Firm’s Dealership Labor Letter. | |
| Ariad Sommer CEO Ituran USA Ariad Sommer graduated Cum Laude with a major in Information Technology from the Arison School of Business in Herzliya, Israel. His career started using his high tech skills as a Business Analyst and Finance and Operation manager at SeeRun Corporation. He has been working in the US Automotive and Finance industry since 2004 where he was Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner of AFS Acceptance. During this time, his key responsibilities were operations and financial management of a full service auto finance company that specialized in Sub-Prime credit. He played a leading role in planning and executing a significant strategy and operational change to improve the company’s business model and better address the changing demands in the financial market. As an owner of both a Buy Here Pay Here dealership and floor planning company he speaks with real hands on knowledge. As CEO of Ituran USA, he brings a unique mix of proven business development skills in combination with technical experience in the market to fulfill the needs of clients. As a previous user of the Ituran USA products, he has a true understanding of the business needs and requirements. His background and leadership skills have led the Ituran USA team to increased productivity and product growth. | |
| Fredrick Stanfield Vice President, Wholesale Solutions Manheim Fredrick Stanfield brings 17 years of automotive experience to his role as vice president of Wholesale Solutions for Manheim. Fredrick leads the Manheim’s Assurance, Remarketing, Marshalling and Reconditioning businesses creating value adding products and services for our clients. Prior to his current role, Standfield served as vice president of Operations Strategy for Manheim, working collaboratively with RVPs and MVPs throughout the country to ensure our clients, internal business functions, and operation needs align to achieve organizational goals. Before that he was vice president of Reconditioning Operations for Manheim, a role focused on maximizing revenue and profitability in the reconditioning operating locations. Prior roles included vice president of planning & strategy 2008-2009 and director of Finance & Administration from 2005-2008 and director of Special Projects, Recon Services from 2001-2005. Fredrick has a long history with the Cox family of companies, having started with Cox Enterprises in 1994 before moving to Cox Newspapers in 1995 as an analyst. He served as director of Business Development for Autotrader from 1999-2001 before joining Manheim. Fredrick graduated with honors from Birmingham-Southern College where he majored in accounting. | |
| Jim Taylor President Auto Data Direct, Inc. Florida native Jim Taylor received a Bachelor's degree from Florida State University in Government and International Affairs and studied economics at the University of Basel Switzerland. An entrepreneur at heart, Jim Taylor has a passion for public/private business ventures that bring a common sense, small-business approach to complex regulatory processes at the state and federal level. In 1999, Jim founded Auto Data Direct, Inc. (ADD) and pioneered the use of internet-based access to driver license and automobile records maintained in government databases. At a time when the concept of processing business transactions online was groundbreaking, Jim recognized the impact that immediate access to accurate motor vehicle data could have for a wide range of auto-focused industries. Over the next 20 years, ADD became known for providing forward-thinking, industry-specific solutions delivered with responsive and personalized customer service. Today, ADD specializes in customized back-end tools designed to expedite and simplify business processes for a wide range of industries. At its core, ADD is a secure, web-based platform that allows qualified businesses access to timely, accurate motor vehicle records in 34 jurisdictions, with a suite of innovative products that utilize the real-time data to streamline corporate procedures and complete state and federal requirements. From processing title documents and notice of claim of lien letters, offering national title checks or state and federal salvage reporting, issuing or transferring auto tags and vehicle registrations to electronically recording liens, ADD's corporate values of integrity, honesty, and commitment to serving the customer remain the foundation on which ADD has expanded throughout the United States. | |
| 0 | Phillip Thomasson Author & Sales Manager MCMC Automotive |
| Tom Webb Chief Economist Manheim/Cox Automotive Thomas brings 40 years of automotive experience to his role as Cox Automotive’s chief economist. In this role, Webb is responsible for accelerating Manheim’s customers’ businesses and enhancing industry relationships by proactively providing data analysis, expertise and solutions. Webb serves as a resource for the industry, providing analysis of used car market activity based on data from all of Manheim’s operating locations and associated businesses, as well as industry research. Summaries of his findings are published annually in Manheim’s Used Car Market Report and in a mid-year version of the Report. He also publishes monthly commentary on www.manheim.com/consulting, produces the Auto Industry Brief monthly and hosts a quarterly conference call for industry analysts. In the fall of 2001, Webb introduced the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index. By applying statistical analysis to its database of more than 5 million annual transactions, Manheim developed a measure of used vehicle prices that is independent of underlying shifts in the characteristics of vehicles being sold. The Manheim Index is increasingly being recognized in industry circles as the premier indicator of pricing trends in the used vehicle market. Prior to joining Cox Automotive, Webb spent 26 years with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), where he served as a spokesman and analyst for the nation’s franchised new car dealers. In 1999, Webb left NADA to become a senior manager in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ automotive practice. There, he developed measures to assess efficiency levels in the retail distribution of vehicles. He joined Manheim as chief economist in 2000. Webb graduated with honors from the University of Wyoming, where he majored in economics. He did his graduate work in economics at Georgetown University. Follow Webb at www.twitter.com/TomWebb_Manheim and read his blog at www.manheimconsulting.typepad.com. | |
| Kerri Wise Vice President of Dealer Engagement and Communications TrueCar | |
| Karyn Wrye Senior Director of Government Affairs Cox Automotive Karyn Wrye is Senior Director of Government Affairs for Cox Automotive, a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, which includes Manheim North America and consumer-facing media properties Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book, as well as a suite of companies that provide software tools that help dealers and manufacturers manage their inventory and advertising online. Wrye assumed her current role in 2014 with the formation of Cox Automotive. Wrye’s career spans 20 years in the remarketing industry, joining Manheim through acquisition in 2000. Throughout her career, Wrye has served in various roles in multiple aspects of the business, including Industry Relations, Operational Excellence, Logistics and Strategic Alliances, and Compliance and Contracts. Wrye’s current role is a natural evolution from her prior operational and industry roles as she continues to work in ensuring alignment of regulatory obligations and operational processes, with a focus on legislative policy efforts on behalf of Cox Automotive and the automotive industry. Wrye is active in various segments throughout the industry, and currently serves on the Florida Automobile Dealers Industry Advisory Board and the Industry Advisory Board for the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, is a member of the AFSA National Title Solutions Forum, serves as Co-Chair of the National Auto Auction Association Legislative Committee and is an NAAA Warren Young Fellow recipient. | |
| Marshall Zoerner Co-owner and General Manager Freeman Motor Company Co owner and General Manager of Freeman Motor Company, a luxury European car dealership and service center. Marshall Zoerner is an established member of NIADA’s 20 Group and has been there since it’s inception. He is a two time CMD dealer and attends over 80 hours of training a year. Marshall started when Freeman had only three employees selling 30 cars a month. Now, with 50 employees, a full service center and autospa, the store sells over 100 cars and closes 500 repair orders a month. A strong believer, success is the result of consistent training. Marshall implements training throughout every department at Freeman. He has 16 years of experience in hiring, training and retaining the right people, growing a successful company. | |
