Bill O'Hara, VP & GM of Operations at Hoffman Benz
Bill O’Hara stands as a seasoned leader at the helm of Hoffman Benz, officially known as Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter of Hoffman Estates. Before steering operations at this key location, O’Hara had already carved out an impressive career within the automotive industry. His journey is marked by diverse management roles and a significant chapter as a dealership owner from 1994 to 2012, bringing a wealth of experience to Hoffman Benz.
His automotive trajectory began in 1977, working part-time as a porter while still in high school. Ascending through sales and management positions, Bill cultivated invaluable insights into customer service – a cornerstone for any thriving business, especially within the luxury automotive sector like Hoffman Benz. This dedication to customer satisfaction was instrumental in his remarkable achievement of selling 2,000 new and used vehicles in a single year at his own dealership in 1999, a testament to the principles he now brings to Hoffman Benz.
Currently, Bill O’Hara holds the 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 encompassing role in January 2020 was preceded by a series of progressively responsible leadership positions within the Zeigler Auto Group, demonstrating his growing influence and expertise within the organization and now specifically at Hoffman Benz.
O’Hara’s affiliation with Zeigler Auto Group commenced in 2013 when he was appointed as GM 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 expanded. He was elevated to VP and GM of Operations in Orland Park, a regional oversight role he held until December of the preceding year. This broad experience across various brands within the Zeigler network enriches his leadership at Hoffman Benz.
A key aspect of Zeigler Auto Group that resonates with O’Hara is the company’s commitment to internal advancement. He witnessed and fostered this “promote-from-within” culture during his tenure in Orland Park and is keen on further embedding this philosophy at Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. This approach is crucial for building a motivated and skilled team at Hoffman Benz, ensuring long-term success and stability.
“Being part of Zeigler Auto Group is truly special,” O’Hara states. “It operates as a family-owned and family-run enterprise. Aaron Zeigler is an exceptional CEO and a true visionary. The culture he has cultivated within our team and among our employees is infectious. We strive to create an environment where our team members are genuinely excited to come to work. Promoting from within our group is a priority; witnessing our employees’ professional growth and achievement of their personal aspirations is deeply rewarding for me.” This people-centric approach is a vital element of his leadership at Hoffman Benz.
Residing in Orland Park, IL, Bill shares his life with his wife Wanda of 32 years, and they have 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 continues the family’s automotive legacy as the current GM of BMW of Orland Park. Outside of his demanding professional life at Hoffman Benz and beyond, Bill, a Michigan native, cherishes time with his 8-month-old grandson. His leisure pursuits include golfing, boating, and a 25-year tradition with his son: professional snowmobile drag racing, showcasing a balanced life beyond the automotive world and Hoffman Benz.
