Bill O’Hara stands as a prominent figure in the automotive industry, currently serving as the VP & GM of Operations for Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter of Hoffman Estates. His journey to this leadership role is a testament to decades of dedication, starting from the ground up and encompassing every facet of dealership operations. Before joining Zeigler Auto Group, O’Hara had already cemented his status as an automotive veteran, bringing a wealth of experience gained from various management positions and even successful dealership ownership from 1994 to 2012.
Bill O'Hara, VP & GM at Mercedes-Benz Hoffman Estates, Zeigler Auto Group
O’Hara’s automotive career began in 1977 as a part-time porter while still in high school, providing a foundational understanding of the business from its most basic level. Working his way through sales and management roles, he cultivated invaluable skills in customer service, recognizing its pivotal role in building a thriving business. This customer-centric approach proved instrumental in his success as a dealership owner, culminating in an impressive 2,000-unit sales year for both new and used vehicles in 1999. This achievement underscores his expertise and deep understanding of market dynamics and customer satisfaction within the competitive automotive landscape.
Today, Bill O’Hara’s responsibilities extend across multiple dealerships within the Zeigler Auto Group, including INFINITI of Hoffman Estates, and Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg, in addition to his leadership at Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates. Prior to his promotion to VP & GM of Operations in January 2020, he held significant leadership positions within Zeigler, consistently demonstrating his ability to drive growth and operational excellence.
His tenure with Zeigler Auto Group began in 2013 when he was appointed General Manager of BMW of Orland Park. Following Zeigler’s strategic acquisition of MINI of Orland Park, Zeigler Nissan of Orland Park, and INFINITI of Orland Park in 2015, O’Hara’s responsibilities expanded. He was promoted to VP and GM of Operations in Orland Park, overseeing the regional operations until December of the previous year. This progression highlights Zeigler Auto Group’s recognition of O’Hara’s capabilities and their confidence in his leadership to manage complex, multi-brand operations effectively.
A key factor in Bill O’Hara’s satisfaction with Zeigler Auto Group is the company’s commitment to internal promotion. He experienced this firsthand at the Orland Park locations and is keen on fostering a similar environment at Mercedes-Benz Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. This “promote-from-within” philosophy is central to his leadership approach, aiming to cultivate employee loyalty and provide clear career paths for team members.
“Being part of Zeigler Auto Group is truly special,” O’Hara states. “It’s a family-owned and operated organization, and Aaron Zeigler is an exceptional CEO with a clear vision. The culture he has instilled within our team and among our employees is infectious. We want our people to be enthusiastic about coming to work each day. Promoting from within our group is incredibly important; it’s deeply rewarding to witness our employees develop within the company and achieve their personal aspirations.” This emphasis on employee growth and a positive work environment directly translates to enhanced customer service and a stronger dealership performance at locations like Mercedes-Benz Hoffman Estates.
Residing in Orland Park, IL, with his wife Wanda, Bill O’Hara is a family man with three children. His personal life reflects the same dedication and commitment seen in his professional career. Outside of work, this Michigan native enjoys spending quality time with his grandson, pursuing hobbies like golf and boating, and maintaining a 25-year tradition of professional snowmobile drag racing with his son. This well-rounded approach to life, balancing professional dedication with personal passions, further exemplifies Bill O’Hara’s leadership qualities and his ability to drive success at Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates.
