Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates is proud to introduce Bill O’Hara, the Vice President and General Manager of Operations, to its leadership team. Bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the automotive industry, Bill O’Hara’s arrival signifies a continued commitment to excellence at the Mercedes-Benz dealership located in Hoffman Estates, IL. His journey in the automotive world is marked by dedication, starting from the ground up and culminating in leadership roles at prestigious dealerships.
Bill O’Hara’s career in the automotive sector is a testament to his passion and hard work. Even while in high school in 1977, he began his journey as a part-time porter. This entry-level position was the starting point of a remarkable ascent through various roles in sales and management. Through each step, Bill cultivated invaluable skills in customer service, recognizing its paramount importance in building and sustaining a thriving business. These foundational skills were instrumental in his success, eventually enabling him to achieve an impressive 2,000-unit sales year for both new and used vehicles at his own dealership in 1999. This achievement underscores his deep understanding of the automotive market and his commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Before joining Zeigler Auto Group, Bill had already established himself as a seasoned professional with years of experience in diverse management positions. Notably, he owned and operated his own dealership from 1994 to 2012, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and comprehensive understanding of dealership operations. This experience provided him with a unique perspective on all facets of the business, from sales and service to customer relations and overall management.
Currently, Bill O’Hara holds the esteemed position of VP and GM overseeing not only Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter of Hoffman Estates, but also INFINITI of Hoffman Estates, and Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg. His promotion to this expanded role in January 2020 followed a successful trajectory within Zeigler Auto Group, where he held various leadership positions since joining in 2013. His initial role at Zeigler was as 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, Bill’s responsibilities grew, and he was promoted to VP and GM of Operations in Orland Park. He served in this regional leadership role until December of the previous year, consistently demonstrating his ability to manage and elevate dealership performance across multiple brands.
One of the key factors that Bill highlights as a major draw to Zeigler Auto Group is the strong “promote-from-within” culture. He experienced this firsthand at the Orland Park locations and is enthusiastic about further implementing and nurturing this approach at Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. This philosophy resonates deeply with Bill, who believes in fostering employee growth and providing opportunities for advancement within the company.
“To be a part of Zeigler Auto Group is very special,” Bill 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 dedication to employee development translates directly to enhanced customer service and a more positive experience for everyone who interacts with Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates.
Residing in Orland Park, IL, with his wife Wanda of 32 years, Bill is a family man with three children: Courtney (29), a Sr. Business Process Associate at Help at Home; Kelly (26), an ERP Business Systems Analyst at Viega LLC; and Will O’Hara (31), who currently serves as the GM of BMW of Orland Park. Outside of his demanding professional life, Bill, originally from Michigan, enjoys spending quality time with his 8-month-old grandson, pursuing hobbies like golfing and boating, and continuing a 25-year tradition of professional snowmobile drag racing with his son. This well-rounded personal life complements his professional dedication and underscores his commitment to building strong relationships, both within his family and within the Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates team.
With Bill O’Hara at the helm, Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates is poised to continue delivering exceptional service and maintaining its position as a premier destination for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and Sprinter vans in the Hoffman Estates and greater Chicago area. His leadership, grounded in years of experience and a genuine passion for the automotive industry, promises an exciting future for the dealership and its valued customers.
