Ronald Hope
PRESIDENT

Ron Hope is a native of Southern California and has been part of the automotive community for more than 40 years. Ron began his career at the Chrysler operated Los Angeles pre-delivery center, known as Nu Car Prep, eventually he managed pre-delivery centers for Chrysler Corp. in both Los Angeles and Chicago.  During Ron's tenure with Chrysler he was involved in various product improvement and warranty reduction programs as they relate to new and used Chrysler vehicles.  It was during the late 1970s and early 1980's that Chrysler began holding their CLC (Chrysler Leasing Corporation) auctions at the Chrysler prep centers.  The Chrysler prep center employed approximately 300 full-time employees and the center was used primarily for the preparation of new vehicles, zero mileage warranty and paint repairs

After relocating the family to Atlanta GA during the mid-1980s Ron was employed by Anglo-American Auto Auctions (later to become ADT) as their National Reconditioning Manager. Relying on experience gained from the Chrysler prep centers, standards and procedures for vehicle sale preparation were developed for Anglo-American. Later a promotion to Director of Client Services expanded responsibilities to include training of Factory sale operations, i.e.: inspections, paper flow, auction performance standards etc. These responsibilities extended to all auctions operated by ADT in North America. During the late autumn of 1995 Ron accepted a position as Vice President of Internal Audits and Reconditioning for ADESA Corp.  In 1996 he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations with responsibilities for day-to-day operations of all 26 locations operated by ADESA in the U. S. and Canada. Leaving ADESA in 1997 to accept a position with Insurance Auto Auctions as Senior Vice President of Business Development/Sales and Marketing. At I.A.A. Ron’s team developed Electronic Sales and Value Added Services for low value and salvage vehicles.

Because of a long association with British Car Auctions dating back to his days at Anglo-American Auto Auctions, in 1998 Ron formed a consulting company known as Global Automotive Solutions and accepted a challenge to implement Smart Repair methods / technology as a value added service for the European Auctions. In addition to British Car Auctions Global Automotive Solutions gained consulting agreements with Universal Automotive Services, Inchcape/Eurofleet and Global Auto Link. These companies represent market leaders in the USA, Canada and across Europe. During the winter of 2002, Ron, with Ken Cameron, formed Capital Automotive Reconditioning Services (CARS™), a service company that operates reconditioning centers for Auto Auctions.  CARS™ is a member of the NAAA and active in all aspects of vehicle reconditioning, which includes appearance detailing, paint and body repair, mechanical repair, and post sale inspections.

Ron Hope and his wife Dianne currently reside in Franklin Tennessee, in their more than 36 years of marriage they have raised 6 children and presently are active in motor sports, church and community affairs.

Jody Waits
SVP - Operations

Jody Waits’ career has been split between auto auctions and auto dealerships.  Jody joined CARS™ in 2005 to serve as a Location Manager before being promoted to Regional Management and his current position as Vice President / General Manager of Operations.  Jody has worked closely with many “highline” accounts such as Mercedes, BMW, and Audi where excellent quality ratings have been achieved.   From 1996 through 2005, Jody served as CFO at a large multi-line new car dealership.  Prior to that, Jody was with ADT Automotive where he worked as Reconditioning Manager, Regional Reconditioning Manager, and Assistant General Manager at Mississippi Auto Auction.  During his time with ADT, he was involved with the development of the “Extra-Step” reconditioning process for Ford.   Jody graduated in 1988 from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Business Administration.

Brian Hope
SVP – Finance & Admin

Brian Hope was an early member of CARS™ in 2003, taking the role of Location Manager in Las Vegas.  After Regional Management responsibilities in 2005, he was promoted to Vice President – Operations and focused on strategic diversification opportunities for CARS™ in related automotive markets.  In addition to new field assignments, Brian will lead CARS™ to the next level of finance and administrative support needed as CARS™ adds services and locations.  Prior to joining CARS™, Brian served four years in the Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate and Night Shift Supervisor.  After service in the Navy, Brian’s experience has included 16 years of management level positions with ADT Automotive (auto auctions), iMotors, and Hill Tire Co.  

Rick Guyer
Project Manager

Rick Guyer joined the CARS™ team in 2007, applying his depth of auction management experience (30 plus years) to varying needs as CARS™ grew to twelve locations.  Rick retired “young” from ADESA after many corporate and auction positions including General Manager at ADESA Jacksonville, Regional Manager, auditing, and auction construction / development.  

Sergio Garcia
Manager - Operations

For two years prior to joining CARS™ in 2003, Sergio Garcia was employed by Manheim’s Greater Nevada Auto Auction as a Detailer.   With CARS™, he moved to Lane Leader, then to Assistant Supervisor for the Night Shift and later became Location Manager.  Sergio’s new role for CARS™ includes special assignments at  new locations as well as new applications designed to enhance customer services.  

Erick Crawford
Manager - Operations

Erick began his employment with CARS Recon, Inc. in 2007. With experience spanning more than 20 years in the art of vehicle preparation, Erick Crawford began his career working as a Detailer with ADT Auction Group. His abilities were quickly recognized as he was promoted through various positions, ultimately serving as Reconditioning Manager. Erick held this position for approximately three years prior to begin promoted to Operations Manager of the ABC Nashville Auto Auction. Initially serving as a Location Manager his promotion came quickly to Regional Manager overseeing operations at eight CARS Recon, Inc. locations. Erick's current responsibilities include overseeing Paint and Body repair areas, Mechanical repair areas, and Detailing operations at those Auctions reporting to him. Further, Erick is responsible for finished vehicle quality and financial performance of those locations.

Katherine E. Hudson
Human Resource Manager

Kay Hudson’s career began working for a major restaurant chain for 13 years as an area supervisor that included duties of management and in dept training in human resources, customer and employee relations. In 1996 she began work for an Independent auction as a part-time sale day clerk and quickly was placed as the coordinator for the General Services Administration. Kay continued to increase her responsibilities as she moved into the position of Human Resource Manager for the auction. After 6 years in position, she took the challenge of the General Operations Manager that included supervision of Operations, Detail Shop, Mechanic Shop, and outside vendors. After a successful period as General Operations Manager she accepted the position of Fleet/Lease Manager and worked with local and national accounts. After 12 years with the auction; Kay joined the CARS Recon team in July of 2008. Her in depth knowledge of human resources and her time working at the auction, Kay has the skills that complement CARS Recon to handle the unusual aspects of the Reconditioning Industry and Human Resources.

Natalie Miller Accounting Manager

Starting as the cashier in the Service and Parts Department at a Honda dealership in Nashville. Natalie leveraged her prior management and bookkeeping experiences into a career path though all accounting areas, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General ledger and Payroll. Natalie joined the CARS Recon team in 2008 as the Accounting Manager.