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 and Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg. His journey is a testament to dedication and a deep understanding of the car business, making him a key leader in the Mercedes Schaumburg area automotive scene. O’Hara’s extensive background, from starting as a part-time porter to owning his own dealership, provides a rich foundation for his current role overseeing these prestigious brands.
Bill O'Hara, VP & GM Operations, Zeigler Auto Group, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover Dealerships near Schaumburg
O’Hara’s automotive career began in 1977 while he was still in high school, working as a part-time porter. This entry-level position was the starting point of a climb through the ranks of sales and management. These early years were crucial in shaping his understanding of customer service, a principle he recognizes as fundamental to any successful enterprise, especially in the competitive mercedes schaumburg market. This hands-on experience culminated in a remarkable achievement in 1999 when his own dealership achieved 2,000 unit sales of both new and used vehicles, a clear indicator of his business acumen.
In January 2020, O’Hara took on his current leadership role at Zeigler Auto Group, overseeing Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter of Hoffman Estates, INFINITI of Hoffman Estates, and Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg. However, his relationship with Zeigler began in 2013, marking a significant chapter in his career. He initially joined as GM of BMW of Orland Park and subsequently took on broader responsibilities in 2015, becoming VP and GM of Operations in Orland Park after Zeigler’s acquisition of multiple dealerships in the region. This progression demonstrates Zeigler’s confidence in his leadership and operational expertise.
A key aspect of Zeigler Auto Group’s appeal for O’Hara is its commitment to promoting from within. He experienced this firsthand in Orland Park and is eager to cultivate the same culture at the Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg locations. This philosophy is central to his management style, as he believes in fostering an environment where employees are motivated and see opportunities for growth within the company.
“Being part of Zeigler Auto Group is truly special,” O’Hara states. “It’s a family-owned and family-run business, and Aaron Zeigler is an exceptional CEO with a clear vision. The culture he’s built within our team is infectious. We want our employees to be excited about coming to work each day. Promoting from within is a priority for me; seeing our people advance and achieve their personal goals within our company is incredibly rewarding.” This emphasis on employee growth and satisfaction is likely to translate to enhanced customer experiences at dealerships under his leadership, including those serving the mercedes schaumburg area.
Outside of his professional life, Bill resides in Orland Park, IL, with his wife Wanda. They have three adult children: Courtney, Kelly, and Will. Interestingly, Will O’Hara is following in his father’s footsteps as the current GM of BMW of Orland Park, showcasing 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 with his son – a tradition spanning 25 years. Bill O’Hara’s blend of extensive industry experience, commitment to employee development, and passion for the automotive business positions him as a driving force behind the success of Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter of Hoffman Estates and Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg, serving customers in and around mercedes schaumburg.
