MIGHTY AUTO PARTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Marketing
Ashley joined Mighty as Vice President of Marketing in October 2021. Prior to that, she was on the executive leadership team for a national financial technology company serving retailers in the furniture, automotive, jewelry and optical verticals.
Originally from Columbus, Georgia and before moving to Atlanta, Ashley ran the Marketing and Public Relations department for St. Joseph's School for the Blind in Jersey City, New Jersey. She partnered with big names such as the New York Yankees, Tiffany's, UPS and Conair to support charitable contributions for the not-for-profit organization.
Ashley loves giving back to her community, and serves as the President of her HOA and Web/Email Coordinator for her daughters' elementary school.
Job Titles:
- Programmer Analyst
- Vice President of Franchise Operations
Carmen joined Mighty as a Programmer Analyst in 1993. Today, she serves as the Vice President of Franchise Operations. Her responsibilities include onboarding new franchises, working with existing franchises and leads our IMPACT groups (20 group). She has worked in IT and Product Department during her long career with Mighty.
Prior to joining Mighty, Carmen was a Licensed Optician for Pearle Vision Center. She worked in the optical industry since a junior in high school. Carmen received her Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems.
Carmen volunteers with the American Diabetes Association on their Tour de Cure fundraiser. She is a die-hard "Roll Tide" fan.
Job Titles:
- Chief Revenue Officer
- Vice President, Franchise Development & Operations
Chris joined Mighty as Vice President, Franchise Development & Operations in January 2020. As the Chief Revenue Officer, Chris works with Sales, Franchise Development and Franchise Operations to help drive revenue growth throughout the Mighty system.
Prior to joining Mighty, Chris spent 16 years in several senior-level roles at GreatAmerica Financial Services, one of the largest independent equipment financing companies in the US. As Vice President & General Manager for the Healthcare team, Chris was responsible for all aspect of growing the Healthcare division, including the successful integration of financing into the product sales cycle with Fortune 500 companies. Chris started his GreatAmerica career in the Automotive division helping franchise systems launch new automotive services and signage initiatives with complementary financing programs.
Before joining Mighty, Chris and his family spent two years on an epic 50 state road trip in an RV with his wife and two girls. He would be thrilled to talk about his "Once in a lifetime" adventure.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Product Strategy
Gary started his career with Mighty as a salesperson in Northern Virginia in 1975. In three years, he rose to the top 5 in the country in sales. In 1979, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where as General Manager, he guided the Company Operations there to dramatic growth.
In April of 1981, Gary joined the Mighty Home Office team where he has had several responsibilities including selling Mighty franchises, national and regional account sales as well as general sales and marketing management. Known for his creativity and enthusiasm, over the years Gary has championed many new product introductions, service innovations and new technology adoption.
Gary and his wife Gayle have 5 children and 10 grandchildren. He would be happy to show you pictures of them if you have awhile! Gary loves to tackle new projects, enjoys reading and continuing to learn. His motto: "Try and get a little better each day." He enjoys golf and would be better at it if he had time to play it more.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Leader
- President
- Vice President, Business Development
Josh joined Mighty as Vice President, Business Development in 2016. Today, he serves as President and CEO with responsibilities for the Sales, Franchise Operations, Franchise Development, IT, and Human Resources/Office Administration Departments. He also oversees the Atlanta Company Operation and competitive acquisitions.
Prior to joining Mighty, Josh was Director, New Business Development for Genuine Parts Company/NAPA AUTO PARTS, a Fortune 250 company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. He focused on recruiting prospects for NAPA store ownership, competitive acquisitions, and managing a $250 million loan program guaranteed by Genuine Parts Company.
Josh has served as a volunteer leader in several community organizations, such as: the Inman Park Cooperative Preschool's Board of Directors, Congregation Shearith Israel, the Advisory Committee for Camp Barney Medintz, and VP, Fundraising, for the Midtown High School Parent-Teacher-Student Organization.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Product Management
As an automotive enthusiast, Keith was destined to spend his professional career in the automotive industry. At a young age, he began learning the mechanical side of automobiles and built his first engine at age 16.
Keith's professional career in the automotive field began in 1984 when he joined Brake Check in Houston, Texas. There, he gained experience managing multiple retail locations. In 1987, Keith became the first in-field brake trainer for Meineke Car Care Centers, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this role, he was responsible for helping over 700 Meineke franchise locations add brake repair to their service offering. Keith became Director of Training for Meineke in 1990. After six years at Meineke corporate, he acquired two Meineke franchises in Atlanta, Georgia. A third location was added shortly after beginning operations.
In 2003, after ten years of successful operation, Keith sold the business and started a new career with Mighty Auto Parts as Director of Undercar Programs. This role included managing all aspects of product program development. He also took responsibility for Mighty franchise product training. In January 2019, Keith was promoted to his current role. As VP of Product Management, his responsibilities include managing product lifecycles, supplier relationships, quality control, and brand integrity.
Job Titles:
- Vice President and General Manager - Mighty Product Center
Job Titles:
- Director of Franchise Development
Lamar Russo is a highly accomplished professional with over 30 years of invaluable experience in the franchise industry. Currently serving as the Director of Franchise Development, Lamar possesses a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in franchise operations, making him a trusted leader in his field.
Starting his career with Coca-Cola, Lamar honed his skills in selling consumer products to a variety of franchise systems. He developed a deep understanding of the retail franchise landscape. Lamar joined GreatAmerica Leasing Corp. as a National Account Manager. In this role, he demonstrated exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills, successfully leasing equipment to franchisees across the nation. For over 9 years, Lamar worked at Reynolds and Reynolds, a renowned company specializing in software solutions and print marketing for franchise brands. Most recently, Lamar held the position of VP of National Accounts with a prominent digital marketing firm exclusively focused on providing solutions for the franchise sector.
Lamar resides in Charlotte, NC with his beautiful wife and two children. During his free time, Lamar enjoys golf, basketball, coaching his children's various sports teams, and cheering on the Dawgs in Athens during the fall months.
Job Titles:
- Director of IT
- Senior Systems Analyst
Mark joined the Mighty team in 1994 as a senior systems analyst supporting the computer systems and IT needs of the company's nationwide franchise network. Since that time, he has expanded his role and responsibilities to meet the challenge of directing all areas of Mighty's technology. His past experience developing accounting software, specializing in inventory and purchasing systems for a financial services company, has uniquely equipped him with the skills to benefit Mighty's inventory management and distribution business model.
Mark has enjoyed working with technology ever since the early days of personal computers. He still finds himself craving the latest gadget, reading about scientific progress and new discoveries, and enjoying a good sci-fi movie. When taking a beak from technology, he can be found playing with his dogs, taking a hike, or playing in his church band.
A car guy in the truest sense, Matt has owned over 70 cars, from muscle cars to European brands. He is extremely passionate about the automotive industry.
Matt's professional career began in 2000 with the franchise system Big O Tires in Evergreen, Colorado. He managed multiple locations and at age 24, was the youngest franchisee in Big O Tires history in Thornton, Colorado. Matt later partnered in multiple locations, including Des Moines, Iowa. In 2012, he worked as a Service Manager at Ken Garff car dealership group, gaining valuable experience in the dealership arena.
In 2015, Matt moved back to Colorado, and this is where his Mighty Adventure began. He was Director of Sales for the Colorado Mighty Franchise, Valvoline, Shell, Petro Canada, and Carbright brands for West Direct Oil for five years.
Matt moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to join the Mighty Home Office in 2019, as the Director of Sales, emphasizing the Chemical Business and U.S. Sales. Matt was promoted to his current role as Vice President of Sales in January 2023. His responsibilities include U.S. Sales, Training Curriculum, and National & Regional Account management for key accounts.
Job Titles:
- Director of Chemical & Lubricant Programs
Mike joined Mighty in May of 2017. He has extensive experience in the Lubricants Industry and a sincere passion for the Mighty business. Mike's career includes 15 years with Quaker State, 6 years with ExxonMobil, 12 ½ years with McPherson Oil Companies and 3 years with Martin Lubricants. Mike holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Saint Leo University. Mike's experience includes: Fast Lube Trainer for the Northeast United States, Regional Coatings Manager for the Southeast along with Sales Manager and Regional Manager positions representing the Mobil, Quaker State, Castrol, and Kendall brands. He also has represented private label, and Independent Lubricant Manufactured branded products.
Mike's responsibilities at Mighty include building and ensuring we have best in class programs for both Mighty Engine Guard and VS7® Chemicals programs.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Warehouse and Warehouse Manager at MPC
- Director of Warehouse Operations - Mighty Product Center
Pam Hill joined in MPC team as a picker in 1999. Pam has been the Assistant Warehouse and Warehouse Manager at MPC during her tenure. While working at MPC, Pam received her BS in Business Management from Bethel University.
Pam currently oversees the packaging, shipping, and receiving departments at MPC. She handles all logistics, international shipments, shipping compliance, and special projects.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing and Communications
Rachel is a marketing and communications professional with more than ten years of experience in the aftermarket automotive parts market. Prior to her role at Mighty, she was an internal communications manager for a 500+ formalwear retail store chain. In 2007, that company was acquired by a larger brand and Rachel was retained to develop and implement the communications processes for the combined 1,000+ locations. Her previous roles included marketing manager, program development consultant and corporate trainer. Today, Rachel is the Director of Marketing and Communications for Mighty Auto Parts, where she is responsible for the strategic planning and alignment of goals with the sales and product teams to create and implement effective go-to market strategies for new and existing products, systems, programs, and services. She also manages internal and external communications for both digital and analog mediums and supports all content development for Mighty national sales and business meetings. Rachel graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of International Development & Strategic Accounts
Experience includes over 20-years in the automotive aftermarket and lubricant industry - seasoned sales background/experience in new account acquisition and market penetration coupled with new product launches, operational logistics and brand management. Responsibilities include international business development in Latin America and the Middle East, and U.S. based franchise development including National/Regional Accounts. Account base focus includes new/used car dealerships, quick lubes/service centers, tire dealers, fleets and independent automotive maintenance, in addition to strategic lubricant marketer alliances.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations
Sean Milligan joined Mighty Distributing System of America, LLC in January, 2021 as Vice President, Operations. Prior to joining Mighty, Sean spent 21 years with Genuine Parts Company/NAPA Auto Parts in various roles including Senior Director of Category Management, Product Manager, Sales Manager, Operations Manager, and Business Analyst.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Manager
- Leader
- Director of MPC Administration / General Manager of Mighty of Mid - South
Steven joined Mighty as the Human Resources Manager in 2016. Today, he serves as the General Manager of Company Operations and Human Resources Manager. His responsibilities include overseeing the local company-owned franchise, all available franchises territory, and Human Resources at Mighty's distribution hub - Mighty Product Center.
Before joining Mighty, Steven spent ten years as the Director of Operations for a Staffing/Security Guard company headquartered in Jackson, TN. He was responsible for all aspects of the company's financial growth, planning, and synergy between the two companies.
Steven has served as a volunteer leader in several community organizations, such as the Dream Center's Board of Directors, Leadership University Board of Directors, United Way's Finance Committee Chair, and head of Leadership Jackson's selection committee.
Introducing Tina, our new Director of Training at Mighty! With over two decades of experience in training and learning development, Tina brings a wealth of expertise to our organization. Her impressive track record includes her most recent role as the Director of Training and Development at US Auto Sales, where she excelled in customizing consistent training programs and evaluating their effectiveness across the entire organization.
Prior to her tenure at US Auto Sales, Tina spent a remarkable 19 years at National Vision, leading teams responsible for seamlessly onboarding up to 75 new locations each year. Her extensive knowledge of Learning Management Systems, content creation software, and Adult Learning Models is truly invaluable to the Mighty System.