Bill O’Hara stands as a seasoned veteran in the automotive industry, currently steering operations as VP & GM for Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter of Hoffman Estates, INFINITI of Hoffman Estates, and Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg. His journey, marked by dedication and a deep understanding of customer service, began unconventionally while he was still in high school.
Bill O'Hara, VP & GM of Operations for Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter of Hoffman Estates
O’Hara’s automotive career launched in 1977 as a part-time porter, a role that laid the foundation for his future success. Ascending through sales and management positions, he honed invaluable skills in customer relations, a cornerstone of any thriving business. This expertise culminated in a remarkable achievement in 1999 when his own dealership achieved 2,000 new and used unit sales in a single year, demonstrating his business acumen and commitment to sales excellence.
Before joining Zeigler Auto Group in 2013, O’Hara had already established himself as a prominent figure in the automotive landscape, holding various management roles and successfully owning his own dealership from 1994 to 2012. His transition to Zeigler marked a new chapter, beginning with his appointment as GM of BMW of Orland Park. His leadership capabilities quickly led to further responsibilities.
In 2015, following Zeigler’s strategic acquisition of MINI of Orland Park, Zeigler Nissan of Orland Park, and INFINITI of Orland Park, O’Hara’s role expanded. He was promoted to VP and GM of Operations in Orland Park, overseeing the entire regional operation. He excelled in this position until December 2019, before taking on his current multi-dealership leadership role in Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg in January 2020.
O’Hara emphasizes that Zeigler Auto Group’s internal promotion culture is a significant factor in his job satisfaction. Having experienced this firsthand in Orland Park, he is committed to fostering similar growth opportunities at Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg locations, including the Hoffman Mercedes dealership. This philosophy reflects Zeigler’s family-owned and operated ethos, championed by CEO Aaron Zeigler.
“Being part of Zeigler Auto Group is truly special. Aaron Zeigler is an inspiring CEO with a clear vision. The positive and engaging culture he has cultivated within our team is infectious. We want our employees to look forward to coming to work,” O’Hara states. He further emphasizes the importance of internal advancement, “Promoting from within is a priority for me. Witnessing our employees advance within the company and achieve their personal ambitions is incredibly rewarding.”
Residing in Orland Park, IL, with his wife Wanda, O’Hara is a family man with three adult children. Beyond his professional life, this Michigan native enjoys family time, particularly with his grandson, and pursues hobbies such as golf, boating, and a 25-year-long tradition of professional snowmobile drag racing with his son. Bill O’Hara’s leadership at Hoffman Mercedes and across Zeigler Auto Group is built on a foundation of experience, customer focus, and a commitment to employee growth, driving success for both the dealerships and the individuals within them.
