Bill O’Hara stands as a seasoned veteran in the automotive industry, currently serving as the VP & GM of Operations for Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates and Sprinter of Hoffman Estates. His journey, marked by decades of experience and a deep understanding of customer service, makes him a key figure at this premier dealership. Before joining the esteemed Zeigler Auto Group, O’Hara had already carved a successful path, including owning his own dealership from 1994 to 2012 and holding various management roles.
Bill O'Hara VP and GM of Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Hoffman Estates, a leader at Zeigler Auto Group.
O’Hara’s automotive career began from the ground up, starting as a part-time porter in 1977 while still in high school. This early experience provided a foundational understanding of dealership operations. As he progressed through sales and management positions, he honed invaluable skills in customer service, recognizing its paramount importance for a thriving business. This dedication to customer satisfaction was instrumental in his success, culminating in his own dealership achieving a remarkable 2,000 unit sales year in 1999, encompassing both new and used vehicles. This achievement underscores his commitment to excellence, a principle he brings to Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates.
Today, Bill O’Hara’s leadership extends beyond Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter of Hoffman Estates. He also oversees INFINITI of Hoffman Estates and Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg, demonstrating the breadth of his responsibilities within Zeigler Auto Group. Prior to his promotion to this multi-dealership role in January 2020, O’Hara held significant leadership positions within Zeigler, starting with his arrival in 2013 as GM of BMW of Orland Park. His success in this role led to further expansion of his responsibilities. Following Zeigler’s acquisition of MINI of Orland Park, Zeigler Nissan of Orland Park, and INFINITI of Orland Park in 2015, Bill was elevated to VP and GM of Operations in Orland Park, a regional oversight position he held until December of the previous year.
A key aspect of Zeigler Auto Group that resonates with O’Hara is its culture of internal promotion. He experienced this firsthand at the Orland Park locations and is committed to fostering the same environment at Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. This philosophy is central to his leadership approach.
“To be a part of Zeigler Auto Group is very special,” O’Hara states. “It’s a family-owned and family-run operation. Aaron Zeigler is an amazing CEO and visionary! The culture he has created within our team and with our employees is addictive. We want our people to wake up and be excited to come into work. Promoting from inside our group is very important, it means a lot to me to see our employees grow within our company and reach their personal goals.” This commitment to employee growth translates directly to enhanced customer experience at Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates, as a motivated and skilled team delivers superior service.
Outside of his demanding role at Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates and other dealerships, Bill O’Hara resides in Orland Park, IL, with his wife Wanda of 32 years. They have three children: Courtney, Kelly, and Will. Interestingly, Will O’Hara follows in his father’s footsteps as the current GM of BMW of Orland Park, showcasing a family legacy in the automotive industry. In his personal time, this Michigan native enjoys family time, particularly with his grandson, and pursues hobbies like golfing, boating, and snowmobile drag racing, a 25-year tradition he shares with his son. Bill O’Hara’s extensive experience and dedication make him an invaluable asset to Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates and the wider Zeigler Auto Group.
