Meet Our Staff
We strive to revolutionize the Fixed Operations industry through our passion and enthusiasm. We help our clients prosper through strategic innovation and custom solutions for their improvement.
Lee Harkins – President and CEO
Lee began his career in the automotive industry as a parts truck driver and worked his way up through the ranks to parts manager, service manager, and service director to become one of the most desired management consultants in the industry. He brings 24 years of performance coaching and consulting experience, along with 10 years of retail management experience to our company. His client list reads like the “who’s who” of the auto industry from manufacturers to individual dealerships. His innovative approach to the enhanced performance of his clients has earned him a well-respected reputation. Lee is an innovative performance enhancement coach, implementation coach and speaker. Lee has been a featured speaker at the NADA national convention for the past 8 years.
Lee began his career in the automotive industry as a parts truck driver and worked his way up through the ranks to parts manager, service manager, and service director to become one of the most desired management consultants in the industry. He brings 24 years of performance coaching and consulting experience, along with 10 years of retail management experience to our company. His client list reads like the “who’s who” of the auto industry from manufacturers to individual dealerships. His innovative approach to the enhanced performance of his clients has earned him a well-respected reputation. Lee is an innovative performance enhancement coach, implementation coach and speaker. Lee has been a featured speaker at the NADA national convention for the past 8 years.
Dave Vaden – Executive Vice President
Dave has over 40 years experience in the automotive industry, with 17 years as a performance enhancement coach and implementation coach. Dave is a recognized speaker for many manufacturers and independent performance enhancement groups. His thought provoking presentations skills keep his audiences wanting more. He delivers with a touch of humor and plenty of “real world” experience. Dave’s enthusiasm and passion for helping his clients improve their business earns him a busy travel schedule.
Dave has over 40 years experience in the automotive industry, with 17 years as a performance enhancement coach and implementation coach. Dave is a recognized speaker for many manufacturers and independent performance enhancement groups. His thought provoking presentations skills keep his audiences wanting more. He delivers with a touch of humor and plenty of “real world” experience. Dave’s enthusiasm and passion for helping his clients improve their business earns him a busy travel schedule.
David Dietrich – Vice President
David Dietrich has been working in the automotive fixed operation field for his entire career. As a subject matter expert and trainer, David has been able to share his working knowledge of the automotive industry with both his clients and co-workers. Starting as a certified technician, moving to advisor, warranty administration, service manager, fixed operations manager, GM and owner operator of a dealership has allowed for a complete experience in dealership operations.Experiences include – consulting, interactive satellite training (Ford Motor Company), group seminars, dealership evaluations, 20 group presentations, training material development, and development of special operating techniques used by most of the automotive manufacturers today. His clients come from within the 50 states, as well as an international market. David has been able to prove that you can have the best customer service and be extremely profitable as well.Working with individual dealers as well as some of the largest consolidators in the industry as UAG, AutoNation, and Go Auto Group in Canada, David has up to date experiences in the current dealership environment that allows for the consideration of all possible opportunities. David has been part of the development of the “On the Lane Training” for service advisors, as well as program development and facilitation for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi. David has been the national service management trainer for Ford and Chrysler in the USA as well as Canada.
David Dietrich has been working in the automotive fixed operation field for his entire career. As a subject matter expert and trainer, David has been able to share his working knowledge of the automotive industry with both his clients and co-workers. Starting as a certified technician, moving to advisor, warranty administration, service manager, fixed operations manager, GM and owner operator of a dealership has allowed for a complete experience in dealership operations.Experiences include – consulting, interactive satellite training (Ford Motor Company), group seminars, dealership evaluations, 20 group presentations, training material development, and development of special operating techniques used by most of the automotive manufacturers today. His clients come from within the 50 states, as well as an international market. David has been able to prove that you can have the best customer service and be extremely profitable as well.Working with individual dealers as well as some of the largest consolidators in the industry as UAG, AutoNation, and Go Auto Group in Canada, David has up to date experiences in the current dealership environment that allows for the consideration of all possible opportunities. David has been part of the development of the “On the Lane Training” for service advisors, as well as program development and facilitation for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi. David has been the national service management trainer for Ford and Chrysler in the USA as well as Canada.
Lisa Dennis – Comptroller
Lisa has over 24 years experience in accounting and office management. She managed her family business for 8 years and has spent the last 3 years as Accounting Manager in the automotive consulting industry. She is a team player and always willing to go the extra mile to get the task at hand accomplished. She and her family reside in the Birmingham area. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family at their lake home.
Lisa has over 24 years experience in accounting and office management. She managed her family business for 8 years and has spent the last 3 years as Accounting Manager in the automotive consulting industry. She is a team player and always willing to go the extra mile to get the task at hand accomplished. She and her family reside in the Birmingham area. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family at their lake home.
Tim Harkins – Brand Manager
Tim studied Graphic Design in college and then moved on to founding a successful hobby website that evolved into the the largest of it’s kind in North America. Since that time Tim worked for the largest telecommunications company in the US as a Support Supervisor. He now oversees most of M5’s technology needs including our website, newsletter, video production, photography and graphics, and IT support for the entire staff. When an issue comes up Tim can “figure it out”, as the team often says.
Tim studied Graphic Design in college and then moved on to founding a successful hobby website that evolved into the the largest of it’s kind in North America. Since that time Tim worked for the largest telecommunications company in the US as a Support Supervisor. He now oversees most of M5’s technology needs including our website, newsletter, video production, photography and graphics, and IT support for the entire staff. When an issue comes up Tim can “figure it out”, as the team often says.
Joe Carroll – Division Manager
Joe started in the automotive industry in a parts department while attending high school. He graduated Wyoming Tech and was hired as a technician helper at Sewell Cadillac in 1985. Joe has worked as a technician, shop foreman, service advisor, service manager, collision manager, and service director. Joe was the first manager at Sewell to be nominated and win the “Extra Mile” award as a manager. He has worked at Cadillac, Buick, Hyundai, GMC, Chevrolet, Infiniti, Porsche, VW, Audi, and Saturn dealerships. Joe was living in New Orleans when Katrina hit; he was the last to leave the dealership and one of the first one back to rebuild and re-staff. Despite several offers from other dealerships outside the state, he stayed to help others rebuild and get back on their feet. Joe brings 30 plus years of automotive experience to our team.
Joe started in the automotive industry in a parts department while attending high school. He graduated Wyoming Tech and was hired as a technician helper at Sewell Cadillac in 1985. Joe has worked as a technician, shop foreman, service advisor, service manager, collision manager, and service director. Joe was the first manager at Sewell to be nominated and win the “Extra Mile” award as a manager. He has worked at Cadillac, Buick, Hyundai, GMC, Chevrolet, Infiniti, Porsche, VW, Audi, and Saturn dealerships. Joe was living in New Orleans when Katrina hit; he was the last to leave the dealership and one of the first one back to rebuild and re-staff. Despite several offers from other dealerships outside the state, he stayed to help others rebuild and get back on their feet. Joe brings 30 plus years of automotive experience to our team.
Kemp Evans – Division Manager
Kemp began his career in the automotive industry in 1985 as a Technician Apprentice in a General Motors dealership where he was promoted to a Line Technician just one year later. Over the next 15 years he progressed as an ASE and GM Master Certified Technician. In 2000, he worked as a Service Consultant at Capitol Chevrolet in Nashville, TN where he received numerous awards for exceptional Customer Satisfaction and GM’s Mark of Excellence. In 2003, Kemp was promoted to Commercial Truck Service Manager where he spent the next four years developing a successful business that exceeded six million dollars annually in labor and parts sales. In 2007, Kemp was promoted to Service Manager and remained at the same dealership for the next three years becoming the most profitable Service Manager within their automotive group. In 2010, he took the position as Fixed Operations Director for a Chevrolet-Cadillac store in Clarksville, TN. During his time there he received multiple awards from General Motors for outstanding performance in numerous areas. After three years Kemp was recruited by one of the largest automotive groups in North America as their Fixed Operations Director at one the largest General Motors dealerships in middle Tennessee. He spent the next several years growing their business which became one of the most successful fixed operations departments in the region. What makes Kemp unique is that he has worked his way through every position of a Fixed Operations department and brings 31 years and a wide range of knowledge and experience to the M5 team. He resides in Pensacola Florida along with his wife, Corina and daughters, Isabelle and Charli.
Kemp began his career in the automotive industry in 1985 as a Technician Apprentice in a General Motors dealership where he was promoted to a Line Technician just one year later. Over the next 15 years he progressed as an ASE and GM Master Certified Technician. In 2000, he worked as a Service Consultant at Capitol Chevrolet in Nashville, TN where he received numerous awards for exceptional Customer Satisfaction and GM’s Mark of Excellence. In 2003, Kemp was promoted to Commercial Truck Service Manager where he spent the next four years developing a successful business that exceeded six million dollars annually in labor and parts sales. In 2007, Kemp was promoted to Service Manager and remained at the same dealership for the next three years becoming the most profitable Service Manager within their automotive group. In 2010, he took the position as Fixed Operations Director for a Chevrolet-Cadillac store in Clarksville, TN. During his time there he received multiple awards from General Motors for outstanding performance in numerous areas. After three years Kemp was recruited by one of the largest automotive groups in North America as their Fixed Operations Director at one the largest General Motors dealerships in middle Tennessee. He spent the next several years growing their business which became one of the most successful fixed operations departments in the region. What makes Kemp unique is that he has worked his way through every position of a Fixed Operations department and brings 31 years and a wide range of knowledge and experience to the M5 team. He resides in Pensacola Florida along with his wife, Corina and daughters, Isabelle and Charli.
Jeff LaMott – Division Manager
Jeff has spent his entire adult life in the car business. He began mounting tires for Montgomery Ward as a high school job and was eventually promoted to Service Advisor. It was there that he realized his passion for the business. In 1988 Jeff moved into his first dealership job as a Dispatcher for a large Chevrolet store in Burnsville Minnesota. It was there that he realized the effect that structure and organization could have on shop productivity. Since then, Jeff has held positions as Service Advisor, Service Manager, Service & Parts Director and Corporate Service Director. He has experience with Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW. Jeff served as President of the Twin Cities Service Managers Group in Minneapolis & St. Paul Minnesota, he served as Business & Education Committee Chair for Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) programs in both Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota, he worked on the Advisory Committee for Osseo High School’s Automotive Program and has been asked to speak multiple times for the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Automotive Program. Jeff lives in the suburbs of Minneapolis Minnesota with his wife Amie and three sons. Jeff enjoys riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, fishing, hunting and camping. Jeff brings over 30 years of Fixed Operations experience to the M5 team.
Jeff has spent his entire adult life in the car business. He began mounting tires for Montgomery Ward as a high school job and was eventually promoted to Service Advisor. It was there that he realized his passion for the business. In 1988 Jeff moved into his first dealership job as a Dispatcher for a large Chevrolet store in Burnsville Minnesota. It was there that he realized the effect that structure and organization could have on shop productivity. Since then, Jeff has held positions as Service Advisor, Service Manager, Service & Parts Director and Corporate Service Director. He has experience with Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW. Jeff served as President of the Twin Cities Service Managers Group in Minneapolis & St. Paul Minnesota, he served as Business & Education Committee Chair for Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) programs in both Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota, he worked on the Advisory Committee for Osseo High School’s Automotive Program and has been asked to speak multiple times for the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Automotive Program. Jeff lives in the suburbs of Minneapolis Minnesota with his wife Amie and three sons. Jeff enjoys riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, fishing, hunting and camping. Jeff brings over 30 years of Fixed Operations experience to the M5 team.
Adam Wright – OEM Project Manager / Consultant / Coach
Adam began his career in the automotive industry as a file clerk in 1995 and worked his way up through the ranks. Spending time as a lot porter, assistant service advisor, service advisor and customer relations manager he has experienced all aspects of a dealership. Working through school while attending the University of Central Florida where he graduated summa cum laude earning a BSBA in Economics, a BSBA in Finance and a Masters in Business Administration he gained a thorough understanding of how a dealership runs. He also spent several years as a service manager for Cintas, bringing an expertise of the uniform industry to M5. Adam brings a high level of intensity and a broad spectrum of experience to the M5 team.
Adam began his career in the automotive industry as a file clerk in 1995 and worked his way up through the ranks. Spending time as a lot porter, assistant service advisor, service advisor and customer relations manager he has experienced all aspects of a dealership. Working through school while attending the University of Central Florida where he graduated summa cum laude earning a BSBA in Economics, a BSBA in Finance and a Masters in Business Administration he gained a thorough understanding of how a dealership runs. He also spent several years as a service manager for Cintas, bringing an expertise of the uniform industry to M5. Adam brings a high level of intensity and a broad spectrum of experience to the M5 team.
Julian Armijo – Consultant / Coach
Julian began in the automotive field in 1995 when he took a job as a call center phone tech for one of the largest aftermarket automotive retailers in the country while attending Devry University, Phoenix. After 2 years of working his way thru the ranks to call Center Manager and District Trainer he decided his career path was in management and the automotive industry fit the profile. He moved back to his home town of Albuquerque to be a Parts Counter Associate for the same company. Within a few months he was promoted again to management. After successfully stepping thru the management ladder and becoming one of the “fix it store manager” for the company he moved on thru to District Sales Manager positions both in Albuquerque and Phoenix. During a standard repair visit to a dealership he was offered a job as an advisor and accepted. But as it turns out he was once again promoted to management after 2 months of employment. After 1 year of growing the Quick Lane business over 300% he would spend the next seven years as Operations Manager and then the Service Manager of one of the largest Ford Dealers in the Phoenix Region. Julian is highly technical and enjoys teaching and helping others to achieve their goals.
Julian began in the automotive field in 1995 when he took a job as a call center phone tech for one of the largest aftermarket automotive retailers in the country while attending Devry University, Phoenix. After 2 years of working his way thru the ranks to call Center Manager and District Trainer he decided his career path was in management and the automotive industry fit the profile. He moved back to his home town of Albuquerque to be a Parts Counter Associate for the same company. Within a few months he was promoted again to management. After successfully stepping thru the management ladder and becoming one of the “fix it store manager” for the company he moved on thru to District Sales Manager positions both in Albuquerque and Phoenix. During a standard repair visit to a dealership he was offered a job as an advisor and accepted. But as it turns out he was once again promoted to management after 2 months of employment. After 1 year of growing the Quick Lane business over 300% he would spend the next seven years as Operations Manager and then the Service Manager of one of the largest Ford Dealers in the Phoenix Region. Julian is highly technical and enjoys teaching and helping others to achieve their goals.
Joe Keagy – Consultant / Coach
Joe has been an automotive industry professional for over 30 years. Joe started in the industry at the age of 20 as a Service Advisor for a large Automotive Group in Pennsylvania. There he earned top honors in CSI and built a large customer base by creating relationships and building trust with his customers. After ten years as an Advisor, Joe was promoted to Service Manager at the same store. At this store he developed advanced production techniques including but not limited to the four day workweek for both technicians and Advisors. This allowed for increased stall utilization and profits. Joe continued to grow his department for ten years until he decided to seek more challenges. Since then he has worked for two large dealer groups, excelling in the performance of each department. Joe is a graduate of NADA Dealer Academy and The Dale Carnegie Academy. Joe is looking forward to sharing his insight and best practices with you throughout evaluation, process improvement and training. Joe lives in the Philadelphia Suburbs with his wife of 25 years and two children. He enjoys Football and is an active Youth Leader in his church.
Joe has been an automotive industry professional for over 30 years. Joe started in the industry at the age of 20 as a Service Advisor for a large Automotive Group in Pennsylvania. There he earned top honors in CSI and built a large customer base by creating relationships and building trust with his customers. After ten years as an Advisor, Joe was promoted to Service Manager at the same store. At this store he developed advanced production techniques including but not limited to the four day workweek for both technicians and Advisors. This allowed for increased stall utilization and profits. Joe continued to grow his department for ten years until he decided to seek more challenges. Since then he has worked for two large dealer groups, excelling in the performance of each department. Joe is a graduate of NADA Dealer Academy and The Dale Carnegie Academy. Joe is looking forward to sharing his insight and best practices with you throughout evaluation, process improvement and training. Joe lives in the Philadelphia Suburbs with his wife of 25 years and two children. He enjoys Football and is an active Youth Leader in his church.
Mark Guido – Consultant / Coach
Mark began his career out of technical school in 1992. He was recruited by the Goodwrench Quiklube Plus program at an Oldsmobile dealership. He progressed to be Line Technician, Service Advisor, and eventually became a Service Manager at the age of 24. Mark worked in Florida for most of his career and oversaw 7 stores as their Fixed Operations Director. Eventually Mark went to manage a Toyota dealership where he was asked to help rebuild the dealerships Fixed Operation structure and culture. After the first year there, the dealership received the President’s Award, Service Excellence, Parts Excellence, and Customer Service Excellence awards from Toyota. Eventually the store received the Owner First Award for outstanding Service Department and the President’s Cabinet Award which is one of only 12 in the nation and highest recognition a Toyota store can receive. Mark credits this to his team and their hard work to achieve this honor. Mark now lives in Greensboro, NC with his wife Melissa and daughter Olivia. When at home he enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid cyclist and follows Formula 1 racing.
Mark began his career out of technical school in 1992. He was recruited by the Goodwrench Quiklube Plus program at an Oldsmobile dealership. He progressed to be Line Technician, Service Advisor, and eventually became a Service Manager at the age of 24. Mark worked in Florida for most of his career and oversaw 7 stores as their Fixed Operations Director. Eventually Mark went to manage a Toyota dealership where he was asked to help rebuild the dealerships Fixed Operation structure and culture. After the first year there, the dealership received the President’s Award, Service Excellence, Parts Excellence, and Customer Service Excellence awards from Toyota. Eventually the store received the Owner First Award for outstanding Service Department and the President’s Cabinet Award which is one of only 12 in the nation and highest recognition a Toyota store can receive. Mark credits this to his team and their hard work to achieve this honor. Mark now lives in Greensboro, NC with his wife Melissa and daughter Olivia. When at home he enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid cyclist and follows Formula 1 racing.
Paul Wisner – Consultant / Coach
Paul Wisner began his career while in high school in 1987 as an apprentice body and paint technician. Continued into dealerships working for three different dealer groups starting as a reconditioning manager, then advancing to service advisor, assistant manager and service manager. In 2001 he switched roles and focus to enter the world of automotive aftermarket and franchising. Paul quickly progressed through the ranks from trainer to operations director. For a time period of 4 years Wisner was a franchisee and quickly learned how to be a successful owner. As a national operations director he took great pride in helping to develop and lead franchisee peer groups to help franchisees maximize all areas of operations. Paul Wisner has succeeded in many areas of automotive to include mechanical, collision, training, management, and operations. Wisner prides himself on building great relationships and helping all achieve their potential. Paul has been married for 23 years with one daughter who is student athlete at the college level.
Paul Wisner began his career while in high school in 1987 as an apprentice body and paint technician. Continued into dealerships working for three different dealer groups starting as a reconditioning manager, then advancing to service advisor, assistant manager and service manager. In 2001 he switched roles and focus to enter the world of automotive aftermarket and franchising. Paul quickly progressed through the ranks from trainer to operations director. For a time period of 4 years Wisner was a franchisee and quickly learned how to be a successful owner. As a national operations director he took great pride in helping to develop and lead franchisee peer groups to help franchisees maximize all areas of operations. Paul Wisner has succeeded in many areas of automotive to include mechanical, collision, training, management, and operations. Wisner prides himself on building great relationships and helping all achieve their potential. Paul has been married for 23 years with one daughter who is student athlete at the college level.
Paul Berman – Consultant / Coach
Paul Berman is a 1982 graduate of Dunwoody College of Technology where he graduated with an Automotive Repair degree. Paul soon started as a Technician for Morrie’s Automotive Group. After working there for 6 years and becoming a Mazda Master technician and Master fully ASE certified. He still wanted to grow more. Soon after, I worked as a store manager at an aftermarket shop called Precision Tune until he found his way back to dealership life. Berman worked for Kline Oldsmobile and Mitsubishi, in 1990 – 1996. Paul got several awards for making an impact on customers and refining our service sales processes. Soon after, he worked for White Bear Acura, Subaru and Isuzu as their Service Director, then Maplewood Imports a Mercedes-Benz and Porsche dealership. Paul worked as their Service manager for 11 years. He and his staff built a team of dedicated people who could not stop creating raving fans! We became #1 in our district for CSI and #6 in the region out of 112 dealers. Berman found it rewarding building a reputation for a fun place to work with awesome CSI. In 2010, Paul Berman worked for Minnetonka BMW for 6 years and then Burnsville Toyota for 2½ year as their Fixed Operations Director. The Burnsville Toyota Parts and Service departments won the 2017 & 2018 Management Excellence Award and many President’s Awards. Collectively Paul has been working at dealerships in one capacity or another for 32 years! Berman lives in the suburbs of St. Paul, Minnesota and has been married 22 plus years with two children in college.
Paul Berman is a 1982 graduate of Dunwoody College of Technology where he graduated with an Automotive Repair degree. Paul soon started as a Technician for Morrie’s Automotive Group. After working there for 6 years and becoming a Mazda Master technician and Master fully ASE certified. He still wanted to grow more. Soon after, I worked as a store manager at an aftermarket shop called Precision Tune until he found his way back to dealership life. Berman worked for Kline Oldsmobile and Mitsubishi, in 1990 – 1996. Paul got several awards for making an impact on customers and refining our service sales processes. Soon after, he worked for White Bear Acura, Subaru and Isuzu as their Service Director, then Maplewood Imports a Mercedes-Benz and Porsche dealership. Paul worked as their Service manager for 11 years. He and his staff built a team of dedicated people who could not stop creating raving fans! We became #1 in our district for CSI and #6 in the region out of 112 dealers. Berman found it rewarding building a reputation for a fun place to work with awesome CSI. In 2010, Paul Berman worked for Minnetonka BMW for 6 years and then Burnsville Toyota for 2½ year as their Fixed Operations Director. The Burnsville Toyota Parts and Service departments won the 2017 & 2018 Management Excellence Award and many President’s Awards. Collectively Paul has been working at dealerships in one capacity or another for 32 years! Berman lives in the suburbs of St. Paul, Minnesota and has been married 22 plus years with two children in college.
Steve Maiolo – Consultant / Coach
Steve Maiolo began his automotive career in 1988 working as a technician for eight years. Steve moved up through the ranks of Dispatching, Warranty Administrator, Service Advisor, Service Manager and Service Director. Ultimately, he went on to work with General Motors, Hyundai, Kia and FCA Dealer Groups. His teams have consistently received top awards in Customer Satisfaction and retention, having climbed to and maintaining the number one spot in the district within his Hyundai and Kia markets for several years running. Steve also spent over five years on the Hyundai invitational Service Manager Advisory Council and in the Kia Top 25 Award rankings. Steve has always had a passion for the automotive business and believes in consistent process driven training to produce consistent results. “We plan though the financials, but we will always win though the mentoring, management and growth of our people”. Steve Maiolo enjoys spending time with his daughter, family and friends. He also enjoys skiing, off-road trail riding, and can usually be found on his motorcycle with his best friend and lifelong partner Lori whenever they have the chance to ride.
Steve Maiolo began his automotive career in 1988 working as a technician for eight years. Steve moved up through the ranks of Dispatching, Warranty Administrator, Service Advisor, Service Manager and Service Director. Ultimately, he went on to work with General Motors, Hyundai, Kia and FCA Dealer Groups. His teams have consistently received top awards in Customer Satisfaction and retention, having climbed to and maintaining the number one spot in the district within his Hyundai and Kia markets for several years running. Steve also spent over five years on the Hyundai invitational Service Manager Advisory Council and in the Kia Top 25 Award rankings. Steve has always had a passion for the automotive business and believes in consistent process driven training to produce consistent results. “We plan though the financials, but we will always win though the mentoring, management and growth of our people”. Steve Maiolo enjoys spending time with his daughter, family and friends. He also enjoys skiing, off-road trail riding, and can usually be found on his motorcycle with his best friend and lifelong partner Lori whenever they have the chance to ride.
Ashley Murray – Consultant / Coach
Ashley has worked in the automotive industry for 32 years. He started as a technician and held the status of BMW Mastertech for 10 years. Throughout his career he has held the positions of shop foreman, service advisor, service manager, and parts and service director. A multiple award-winning service director while with BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, Ashley brings his passion for the car business to other service managers as a consultant for M5. Ashley has also served as an automotive instructor for the AYES program and has been on the board of the Gwinnett Tech advisory board. Ashley has been married for 15 years to Kat who is a high school teacher in Florida.
Ashley has worked in the automotive industry for 32 years. He started as a technician and held the status of BMW Mastertech for 10 years. Throughout his career he has held the positions of shop foreman, service advisor, service manager, and parts and service director. A multiple award-winning service director while with BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, Ashley brings his passion for the car business to other service managers as a consultant for M5. Ashley has also served as an automotive instructor for the AYES program and has been on the board of the Gwinnett Tech advisory board. Ashley has been married for 15 years to Kat who is a high school teacher in Florida.
David Wood – Consultant / Coach
David Wood started his 27-year career in the automotive industry in his early teens being the son of an owner of a small Ford and GM store northeast of Dallas. David began by putting up parts, cleaning the shop, washing cars, sweeping floors, and even drawing advertisements in junior high. David was not a stereotypical son of a dealer. David was looking at financial statements before he was in high school as he showed interest in the financial side of the business. His father once told him if he wanted to be in the automotive retail business, it wasn’t going to be an easy ride. His father advised him that fixed operations was the future of profitability and sustainability for dealers. This led to David becoming obsessed with fixed operations. Through hard work David earned his way through the dealership to becoming a parts manager in 2001 at the young age of 22.
After his father retired and sold the dealership in 2004, David moved through the ranks in the North Dallas Metro area as a sales consultant, sales manager, internet manager, service advisor, parts director, service manager, and finally fixed operations director. He has worked in many great organizations over his vast career including Sewell, Van Tuyl, Bob Tomes, Gilchrist Automotive, World Class Auto Group and a few family-held stores. Over the last 6 years as a VW Fixed Operations Director, his stores ranked highest CSI in the region and at times the nation.
David Wood started his 27-year career in the automotive industry in his early teens being the son of an owner of a small Ford and GM store northeast of Dallas. David began by putting up parts, cleaning the shop, washing cars, sweeping floors, and even drawing advertisements in junior high. David was not a stereotypical son of a dealer. David was looking at financial statements before he was in high school as he showed interest in the financial side of the business. His father once told him if he wanted to be in the automotive retail business, it wasn’t going to be an easy ride. His father advised him that fixed operations was the future of profitability and sustainability for dealers. This led to David becoming obsessed with fixed operations. Through hard work David earned his way through the dealership to becoming a parts manager in 2001 at the young age of 22.
After his father retired and sold the dealership in 2004, David moved through the ranks in the North Dallas Metro area as a sales consultant, sales manager, internet manager, service advisor, parts director, service manager, and finally fixed operations director. He has worked in many great organizations over his vast career including Sewell, Van Tuyl, Bob Tomes, Gilchrist Automotive, World Class Auto Group and a few family-held stores. Over the last 6 years as a VW Fixed Operations Director, his stores ranked highest CSI in the region and at times the nation.
Marc Harris – IT Director
Marc has been simplifying the process of building and maintaining websites for a wide range of clients since 1998. He made a transition from performing with country artists in the nineties, to building Keith Urban’s first website, producing an enhanced CD for Kenny Rogers and creating multimedia productions for DreamWorks Records. His solid start with digital media led to website design and consulting for businesses of all kinds. From Microsoft software partner Junction Solutions, to restaurants, real estate and the trucking industry, Marc enjoys learning the nuance of diverse companies and finding common denominators in design and functionality that create engaging digital media.
Marc has been simplifying the process of building and maintaining websites for a wide range of clients since 1998. He made a transition from performing with country artists in the nineties, to building Keith Urban’s first website, producing an enhanced CD for Kenny Rogers and creating multimedia productions for DreamWorks Records. His solid start with digital media led to website design and consulting for businesses of all kinds. From Microsoft software partner Junction Solutions, to restaurants, real estate and the trucking industry, Marc enjoys learning the nuance of diverse companies and finding common denominators in design and functionality that create engaging digital media.
Jillian Facella – Logistics Coordinator
Jillian has over 13 years of administrative experience in the areas of hotel management, human resources and higher education. She spent much of her career at the Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Jillian studied at the University of West Florida and Columbia College Orlando where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in 2010, graduating summa cum laude. She most recently moved to the Birmingham area in 2018 from Colorado Springs to be closer to family. Jillian resides in Hoover with her husband and son.
Jillian has over 13 years of administrative experience in the areas of hotel management, human resources and higher education. She spent much of her career at the Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Jillian studied at the University of West Florida and Columbia College Orlando where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in 2010, graduating summa cum laude. She most recently moved to the Birmingham area in 2018 from Colorado Springs to be closer to family. Jillian resides in Hoover with her husband and son.