Speakers

Joe Lescota

Chair, Automotive Marketing, Northwood University –

Joe Lescota is an experienced automotive retail executive and training expert. Joe has filled all management positions within the variable departments of a dealership, including that of dealer operator. He has a reputation for developing innovative management techniques that lead to increased used vehicle sales and profits through the use of financially sound and time tested business practices and concepts. He is a recognized expert in the field and highly sought-after educator.

• Selected speaker for many automotive industry groups including state dealer associations, NADA convention workshops, management education seminars, and dealer 20 Groups.
• Frequently published in major industry and public publications.
• Industry speaker for the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association, National Vehicle Leasing Association, and the National Independent Dealer’s Association.
• The exclusive instructor for the National Independent Dealer’s Association Certified Master Dealer Program (NIADA CMD).
• Conducts seminars and training sessions for major automotive manufacturers including Chrysler, Ford, and Honda/Acura of Canada.
• Received the Northwood University Faculty Excellence Award in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, and was awarded “Man of the Year” by the Association of Insurance and Insurance Professionals (AFIP) in 2006 for his work in F&I education.

Ronald Vest

Business Consultant specializing in eBusiness/CRM/Retail Sales Operations, Reynolds and Reynolds –

With more than 23 years of automotive retailing experience, Ronald is passionate about the automotive industry. Serving the majority of his career on the front lines of dealership operations, he has driven real-world business success in a number of positions including finance and insurance manager, sales manager, general sales manager, and general manager. Along the way, Ronald has won numerous awards of distinction and developed an impressive resume.

• Played a key role in developing the “Next Generation BDC” with the Ford Motor Company.
• Reynolds’ Digital Marketing Consultant for Ford-Lincoln-Mercury.
• Conducts extensive sales department training that encompasses sales and lease training, Internet training, database management and marketing, management and leadership training, and more.
• Works closely with dealerships to help them achieve success.
• Received the Reynolds “Beyond the Call of Duty” award in 2007 for his outstanding commitment to dealers.
• Earned the Ford President’s Award and named to the “Sales Managers’ Guild” for both Honda and Nissan.