Bill O’Hara stands as a highly respected figure in the automotive industry, currently serving as the VP & GM of Operations for Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates, IL. His journey is one marked by dedication, starting from a part-time porter position in high school to overseeing multiple dealerships within the prestigious Zeigler Auto Group. O’Hara’s extensive experience and commitment to customer service make him an invaluable asset to the Mercedes-Benz Hoffman Estates team.
O’Hara’s automotive career began in 1977, and even before joining Zeigler Auto Group, he had already established himself as a seasoned professional. He spent years honing his skills in various management roles and even successfully owned his own dealership from 1994 to 2012. This entrepreneurial experience provided him with a deep understanding of all facets of dealership operations and the critical importance of customer satisfaction in building a thriving business. Notably, in 1999, his dealership achieved an impressive 2,000 unit sales year, a testament to his leadership and business acumen.
Today, Bill O’Hara’s responsibilities extend beyond Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter of Hoffman Estates. He also oversees INFINITI of Hoffman Estates, and Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg, showcasing the trust and confidence Zeigler Auto Group places in his leadership. Prior to his promotion to this expanded role in January 2020, O’Hara held significant leadership positions within Zeigler, demonstrating consistent growth and achievement within the organization.
Joining Zeigler Auto Group in 2013, O’Hara initially took on the role of GM of BMW of Orland Park. His success and leadership capabilities quickly became apparent, leading to further responsibilities. In 2015, following Zeigler’s acquisition of MINI of Orland Park, Zeigler Nissan of Orland Park, and INFINITI of Orland Park, Bill was promoted to VP and GM of Operations in Orland Park. He effectively managed this region until December of the previous year, consistently driving operational excellence and team success.
One of the key aspects that Bill O’Hara appreciates about Zeigler Auto Group is its strong “promote-from-within” culture. Having experienced this firsthand in the Orland Park locations, he is committed to fostering the same environment at Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. This internal growth philosophy not only motivates employees but also ensures a consistent level of expertise and customer service across the dealerships.
“Being part of Zeigler Auto Group is truly special,” O’Hara states. “It’s a family-owned and family-run operation, and Aaron Zeigler is an exceptional CEO and visionary. The positive culture he has cultivated within our team is infectious. We want our employees to be enthusiastic about coming to work each day. Promoting from within is a priority for us; it’s incredibly rewarding to witness our employees develop and achieve their personal goals within the company.” This commitment to employee growth translates directly to a better experience for customers at Mercedes-Benz Hoffman Estates, as knowledgeable and motivated staff are better equipped to meet their needs.
Outside of his demanding professional life, Bill O’Hara resides in Orland Park, IL, with his wife Wanda, with whom he has been married for 32 years. They have three adult children: Courtney, Kelly, and Will. Interestingly, Will O’Hara follows in his father’s footsteps as the current GM of BMW of Orland Park, highlighting a family legacy in the automotive industry. In his leisure time, Bill enjoys spending time with his grandson, golfing, boating, and participating in professional snowmobile drag racing, a 25-year tradition he shares with his son. His well-rounded life and dedication to both his family and career exemplify the qualities that make him an outstanding leader at Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates, IL.
