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, marked by decades of dedication and a deep understanding of the car business, showcases a career trajectory built from the ground up. From his early days as a part-time porter to owning his own dealership and now leading multiple franchises under the Zeigler Auto Group umbrella, O’Hara’s story is one of consistent growth and leadership within the automotive sector, especially within the Mercedes-Benz Hoffman market.
Bill O'Hara, VP & GM of Operations at Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates, Zeigler Auto Group
O’Hara’s automotive career began in 1977 while he was still in high school, taking on a part-time porter position. This entry-level role was the starting point of an impressive climb through the ranks. As he advanced through sales and management positions, he cultivated essential skills in customer service, recognizing its pivotal role in business success. This customer-centric approach was instrumental in his achievements, notably leading his own dealership to sell 2,000 new and used units in 1999. This early success laid the foundation for his future leadership roles, including his current position overseeing Mercedes-Benz Hoffman Estates.
Joining Zeigler Auto Group in 2013, O’Hara initially took the helm as GM of BMW of Orland Park. His role expanded significantly in 2015 after Zeigler’s acquisition of MINI of Orland Park, Zeigler Nissan of Orland Park, and INFINITI of Orland Park. He was then promoted to VP and GM of Operations in Orland Park, managing this regional cluster until December 2019. In January 2020, O’Hara’s responsibilities grew further, encompassing his current multi-franchise role which includes Mercedes-Benz Hoffman and Sprinter, alongside INFINITI of Hoffman Estates, and Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg.
A key aspect of Zeigler Auto Group that resonates with O’Hara is its commitment to promoting from within. He experienced this firsthand in Orland Park and is keen to foster the same culture at Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. “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 philosophy is central to his leadership at Mercedes-Benz Hoffman Estates, aiming to build a motivated and upwardly mobile team.
Outside of his demanding professional life, O’Hara resides in Orland Park, IL, with his wife Wanda. They have three adult children: Courtney, Kelly, and Will, with Will following in his father’s footsteps as the current GM of BMW of Orland Park. A Michigan native, Bill enjoys family time, especially with his grandson. His leisure pursuits include golfing, boating, and a long-standing tradition of professional snowmobile drag racing with his son, showcasing a well-rounded individual at the helm of Mercedes-Benz Hoffman.
In conclusion, Bill O’Hara’s extensive experience and leadership at Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates are built on a foundation of automotive passion and a deep understanding of customer and employee satisfaction. His commitment to Zeigler Auto Group’s values and his impressive career trajectory make him a driving force in the Mercedes-Benz Hoffman market and the wider automotive industry.
