• Automobile Dealerships
• Automobile Finance
• Automotive
• Banking
• Business
• Driver Behavior
• Human Resources
• Lost Profits
• Repossession
• Sales

Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:

A: Certified Master Dealer (CMD), NIADA / Northwood University, May 12, 2016. Held by fewer than 1% of U.S. dealers.

B.S., Management, Northern Illinois University. Associate of Arts, College of Lake County.

Arizona Motor Vehicle Dealer License. Arizona Property & Casualty Insurance Producer License. Arizona Notary Public and Loan Signing Agent.

SEAK Expert Witness Training. F&I training, JM&A Group / Resource Group. Sales and management training, Jim Ziegler, Sandler Institute, and Joe Verde.Certified Master Dealer (CMD), NIADA / Northwood University, May 12, 2016. Held by fewer than 1% of U.S. dealers.

B.S., Management, Northern Illinois University. Associate of Arts, College of Lake County.

Arizona Motor Vehicle Dealer License. Arizona Property & Casualty Insurance Producer License. Arizona Notary Public and Loan Signing Agent.

SEAK Expert Witness Training. F&I training, JM&A Group / Resource Group. Sales and management training, Jim Ziegler, Sandler Institute, and Joe Verde.

Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:

A: National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), Certified Master Dealer. NIADA Dealer 20 Group / CMD Master Dealer Group.

Subject-matter expert engagements through GLG, Coleman, Guidepoint, AlphaSights, and Tegus.

SEAK. JurisPro. CMD Master Dealer Group chair.

Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:

A: Industry instructor, TIADA and dealer-forum training, on sales, F&I, special finance, and compliance.

Guest, Sean Kelley Automotive Leadership Podcast.

Junior Achievement volunteer instructor, 2003–2020, including JA BizTown.

Industry Training & Professional Development Instructor
Provided internal and external training in automotive sales, finance & insurance (F&I), management, and compliance best practices. Drew from certifications and hands-on experience with programs including JM&A Group/Resource Group (F&I), Jim Ziegler (advanced sales/management), and Joe Verde (sales/customer relations). Recognized in industry publications (e.g., Auto Dealer Monthly) as an expert in effective dealership training regimens to drive performance and ethical standards.

Guest Speaker & Panelist – Automotive Industry Forums
Participated as a featured panelist and speaker on national dealer panels for hedge funds, investment firms, and peer groups (e.g., topics including special finance, retail operations, and subprime lending strategies at events like TIADA Conference sessions). Shared insights on scaling dealerships, compliance, F&I practices, and operational excellence with peer dealers and industry professionals.

Podcast Guest & Thought Leadership
Appeared as a guest on several podcasts, including Sean Kelley's Automotive Leadership Podcast (discussing career-long strategies for success in independent used car dealerships, from family business roots to multi-million dollar revenue operations, finance integration, and customer-focused excellence).

Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)

A: No.

Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?

A: More than 40, including consulting and testifying engagements, in federal and state matters. Roughly evenly split between plaintiff and defense. About 25 expert reports. Deposed 7 times. Trial testimony once. No Daubert challenges or exclusions.

Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?

A: Automobile dealership operations and industry standards of care. Policies, procedures, training, and supervision.

Auto financing and compliance: TILA, Regulation Z, ECOA, Fair Lending, Red Flags Rule, state sales-finance acts, improper disclosure.

F&I product sales and disclosure, including GAP, service contracts, menus, deal checklists, and rescission agreements.

Advertising and pricing, including MSRP and above-MSRP pricing, and market conditions affecting negotiation.

Customer-satisfaction measurement and post-sale consumer behavior.

Key control, lot security, dealer theft, and employee misconduct. Negligent hiring, retention, and supervision. Wrongful termination.

Title, power of attorney, conveyance, and risk of loss. Captive finance, BHPH, and repossession.

Warranty administration, trademark, and consumer confusion. Lemon law limited to dealership process, not mechanical failure analysis.

P&L, lost profits, and dealership financial-statement analysis. Individual executive responsibility versus store-level practice.

Diminished value.

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?

A: Approximately 50%. My engagements have been balanced roughly equally between plaintiffs and defendants across federal and state cases.

This even split reflects my commitment to impartial, evidence-based analysis grounded in 35+ years of real-world dealership leadership, ethical standards (as a NIADA Certified Master Dealer), and flawless compliance in auto operations, finance, and regulatory matters.
I provide the same objective, data-driven opinions regardless of retaining party—focusing on industry standards, facts, and applicable laws (e.g., TILA, ECOA, Red Flags Rule) to assist triers of fact in resolving disputes fairly.
This balanced retention history supports my credibility as a neutral expert in areas including dealership operations, F&I practices, auto financing compliance, diminished value, employment disputes (wrongful termination), fraud prevention, and related litigation.

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?

A: Approximately 50%. My engagements have been balanced roughly equally between plaintiffs and defendants across federal and state cases. This even split reflects my commitment to impartial, evidence-based analysis grounded in 35+ years of real-world dealership leadership, ethical standards (as a NIADA Certified Master Dealer), and flawless compliance in auto operations, finance, and regulatory matters. I provide the same objective, data-driven opinions regardless of retaining party—focusing on industry standards, facts, and applicable laws (e.g., TILA, ECOA, Red Flags Rule) to assist triers of fact in resolving disputes fairly.

This balanced retention history supports my credibility as a neutral expert in areas including dealership operations, F&I practices, auto financing compliance, diminished value, employment disputes (wrongful termination), fraud prevention, and related litigation.

Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?

A: 8 occasions (5 within the last 4 years).
These depositions occurred in federal and state cases where I was retained as an expert (balanced between plaintiffs and defendants), covering matters such as dealership operations standards, auto financing compliance (TILA, ECOA, Red Flags Rule), F&I practices, diminished value appraisals, wrongful termination in automotive settings, fraud prevention, and related disputes. In each instance, I provided clear, factual, and data-supported testimony based on 35+ years of C-suite dealership experience, NIADA Certified Master Dealer (CMD) ethical standards, and flawless regulatory compliance.

This limited but recent deposition experience demonstrates my ability to handle rigorous cross-examination effectively while maintaining impartiality and delivering jury-friendly explanations of complex automotive and financial concepts.
Full details, including case types (redacted as appropriate), opposing counsel references, or transcripts excerpts, are available upon request to support my credibility and expertise.

Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?

A: July 28, 2026. This was my most recent deposition, taken in a federal civil matter in the Northern District of Illinois involving automotive dealership operations, F&I practices, advertising/pricing, and finance/compliance issues (consistent with my primary areas of expertise). It was a video-recorded remote deposition. It falls within the depositions taken in the last four years and reflects ongoing, active expert-witness work without a volume that raises availability concerns.

In all depositions—including this one—I have provided clear, factual, evidence-based testimony grounded in 35+ years of C-suite dealership experience (salesperson to Dealer Principal/CEO), NIADA Certified Master Dealer (CMD) ethical standards, and flawless regulatory compliance (e.g., TILA, ECOA, Red Flags Rule). My limited but recent deposition history (approximately 4 total) reflects selective, high-quality case involvement—balanced between plaintiffs and defendants—ensuring focused preparation, impartial analysis, and effective handling of cross-examination on complex topics like F&I practices, diminished value, wrongful termination, fraud prevention, and dealership standards.

Full details (case type redacted as appropriate), transcripts excerpts, or references available upon request to support my expertise and courtroom readiness.

Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?

A: Once. August–September 2025, Las Vegas, personal-injury matter, as a retained expert. While I have been retained as an expert on approximately 50 occasions (balanced ~50/50 between plaintiffs and defendants) and deposed 8 times (most recently July 28, 2026), my cases have typically resolved prior to trial—through settlement, summary judgment, or other pre-trial dispositions—without requiring formal court qualification or trial testimony.

This reflects the nature of many automotive/compliance/finance disputes, where strong, impartial expert reports and depositions often facilitate efficient resolutions. Should a case proceed to trial, I am fully prepared to undergo voir dire, be qualified as an expert, and provide clear, evidence-based testimony—drawing from 35+ years of C-suite dealership experience (salesperson to Dealer Principal/CEO), NIADA Certified Master Dealer (CMD) ethical standards, flawless regulatory compliance (e.g., TILA, ECOA, Red Flags Rule), and advisory roles (e.g., GLG, AlphaSights).

My deposition performance and balanced retention history demonstrate courtroom readiness, effective cross-examination handling, and the ability to deliver jury-friendly explanations of complex topics like dealership operations, F&I practices, auto financing compliance, diminished value, wrongful termination, fraud prevention, and related matters. References, redacted case summaries, or deposition excerpts available upon request to affirm credibility and expertise.

Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?

A: Once (same Las Vegas trial). No Daubert exclusions. Although retained as an expert on approximately 50 occasions (balanced ~50/50 plaintiffs/defendants) and deposed 8 times (most recently July 28, 2026), my cases have consistently resolved pre-trial—via settlement, summary judgment, mediation, or other dispositions—without advancing to live testimony in court or arbitration. This pattern is typical in many automotive, finance, compliance, and employment disputes, where thorough expert reports, strong depositions, and objective analysis often drive efficient resolutions and avoid the need for trial/arbitration testimony.

I am fully prepared and qualified to testify if required: undergo voir dire, deliver clear and compelling live testimony, and handle cross-examination effectively—leveraging 35+ years of C-suite dealership experience (salesperson to Dealer Principal/CEO), NIADA Certified Master Dealer (CMD) ethical standards, flawless regulatory compliance (e.g., TILA, ECOA, Red Flags Rule), and advisory expertise (e.g., GLG, AlphaSights). My deposition track record and balanced retention history affirm strong courtroom/arbitration readiness, with the ability to provide jury- or arbitrator-friendly explanations of complex topics such as dealership operations standards, F&I practices, auto financing compliance, diminished value appraisals, wrongful termination in dealership settings, fraud prevention, and related matters.
References, redacted case summaries, deposition transcripts/excerpts, or opposing counsel contacts available upon request to verify credibility, impartiality, and performance under scrutiny.

Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?

A: Approximately 10 years (since the mid-2010s). My expert witness practice began in the mid-2010s, building directly on 35+ years of hands-on automotive dealership and finance experience (from salesperson to Dealer Principal/CEO), including scaling multi-location operations to $30M+ revenue, executing turnarounds, and maintaining flawless compliance. This timeframe aligns with my documented activity: approximately 50 retentions (balanced ~50/50 plaintiffs/defendants), 8 depositions (all within the last 4 years, most recent July 28, 2026), and ongoing advisory roles in legal/consulting networks (e.g., GLG, AlphaSights).

Throughout, I have provided impartial, data-backed reports, deposition testimony, and trial preparation/support in federal and state cases—focusing on automobile dealership standards of care, auto financing/compliance (TILA, ECOA, Fair Lending, Red Flags Rule), F&I practices, diminished value appraisals, wrongful termination in dealership settings, fraud/theft prevention, financial/P&L analysis, and related disputes. The selective nature of my engagements (resolving many cases pre-trial) and NIADA Certified Master Dealer (CMD) ethical foundation ensures high-quality, defensible contributions to the legal process—delivering clear, jury-friendly explanations grounded in real-world C-suite expertise.

References, redacted case summaries, or further details on start date/first retention available upon request.

Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)

A: As a NIADA Certified Master Dealer (CMD) with 35+ years in automotive dealership operations and auto finance (from salesperson to Dealer Principal/CEO), I provide the following expert services to attorneys in federal and state litigation, pre-litigation consulting, and related matters. All services are impartial, data-driven, and grounded in industry standards, regulatory compliance (e.g., TILA, ECOA, Fair Lending, Red Flags Rule), and real-world C-suite experience.

Core Expert Witness & Litigation Support Services:
Expert Witness Testimony — Deposition and trial testimony (prepared for voir dire qualification; 4 depositions to date, most recent May 9, 2023).
Expert Reports & Affidavits — Comprehensive, defensible written opinions and analyses on case-specific issues (e.g., dealership standards, compliance violations, F&I practices, diminished value calculations, wrongful termination, fraud prevention).
Case Evaluation & Strategy Consulting — Initial case reviews, merit assessments, strategy recommendations, rebuttal of opposing experts, and preparation for depositions/cross-examination.
Diminished Value Appraisals & Valuation Reports — Market-based assessments of vehicle value loss post-accident, damage, or other events (often resulting in 20-30% higher payouts in resolved claims).
Document & Record Review/Analysis — Thorough examination of dealership records, P&L statements, contracts, disclosures, financing documents, employment files, and compliance materials.
Advisory & Consulting Services — Pre-litigation or non-testifying consultation on automotive/finance matters, including risk management, policy/procedure development, and compliance audits (leveraging advisory roles with GLG, AlphaSights, and similar networks).

Additional Notes: No vehicle testing or forensic examinations are offered (e.g., no crash reconstruction or mechanical diagnostics)—focus is on operational, financial, compliance, and standards-of-care expertise in independent/new/used auto retail.

Services are provided nationwide, with reasonable rates and availability for quick-turn reviews or consultations.
Balanced retention (~50% plaintiffs / ~50% defendants) across ~30 retentions ensures objective, unbiased contributions.
Full CV, redacted sample reports, references, deposition excerpts, and initial case discussion available upon request.

Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?

A: Initial consultations are free—feel free to reach out for a no-obligation discussion about your case, potential merits, or how my expertise in dealership operations, auto finance/compliance (TILA/ECOA/Red Flags Rule), F&I practices, diminished value, wrongful termination, fraud prevention, and related areas could assist. I offer balanced, impartial insights based on 35+ years of C-suite experience and the NIADA Certified Master Dealer (CMD) designation.

My hourly rate for consulting with an attorney (e.g., case evaluation, strategy discussions, document review, or other non-testifying litigation support) is $500.00 per hour. This applies to professional services such as initial file reviews, research/analysis, conferences (phone/video/in-person), preparation of materials, and related work. All services are subject to the terms in my Expert Witness Retention Agreement and Fee Schedule, to be provided prior to retention.

Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?

A: As with consulting, initial discussions about your case (including a high-level overview of documents or potential issues) are free—no obligation. I'm happy to review a brief summary of a matter or key documents upfront to assess fit and provide preliminary thoughts.

My hourly rate for reviewing documents (e.g., dealership records, contracts, disclosures, financing agreements, P&L statements, employment files, discovery materials, or other case-related evidence) is $600.00 per hour. This falls under my standard professional services rate, which covers thorough review, research, analysis, and any related note-taking or summarization to form opinions or support reports/consultations.

Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?

A: My fee for providing deposition testimony is a flat rate of $5,000.00 per deposition. This flat fee covers preparation time, the deposition itself (regardless of actual duration), and any immediate follow-up as needed. If the deposition fee is the responsibility of opposing counsel (common in many cases), the rate is reduced to a flat $4,000.00, payable in advance or by presenting a payment check before the deposition begins.

For non-testifying trial attendance (e.g., on-location trial consulting, observing proceedings, advising on witness scripting/direct/cross-examination, strategy input, or supporting the attorney team in court), billing options include: $500.00 per hour (standard professional services rate), or $4,000.00 per day flat rate (often more cost-effective for full-day presence).

For depositions scheduled outside the Phoenix, Arizona, area, payment must be received before travel unless other arrangements are made in writing. All fees are subject to the terms of my Expert Witness Retention Agreement and Fee Schedule.

Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?

A: My fee for providing testimony at trial is a flat rate of $5,000.00 per day. This flat fee applies to each full or partial day of actual trial testimony (including any time spent on the stand, waiting to testify, or related immediate court appearances).

For non-testifying trial attendance (e.g., on-site trial consulting, observing proceedings, advising on witness scripting/direct/cross-examination, providing strategy input, or supporting the attorney team in court), billing options include: $600.00 per hour (standard professional services rate) or a $4,000.00 per day flat rate (often more cost-effective for full-day presence).

For depositions scheduled outside the Phoenix, Arizona, area, payment must be received before travel unless other arrangements are made in writing. All fees are subject to the terms of my Expert Witness Retention Agreement and Fee Schedule.

Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)

A: Additional Fees (beyond standard rates, retainers, deposition/trial flats, and rush/cancellation policies):
Travel & Expenses: Actual costs (airfare coach, lodging, meals, mileage, etc.) + 15% admin fee. Travel time: $250/hour (50% of standard rate).
Clerical Tasks: $200/hour (e.g., file copying/organization for testimony) + expenses.
Rush Services: 100% surcharge if due within 5 business days; 50% if 6–9 days. Must agree in writing.
Cancellation: Hours worked at $500/hour + 25% of remaining project value (min. $2,500); 50% of flat fee if within 30 days of deposition/trial.

Late Payments: 1.5%/month interest; law firm liable for collection costs.
Taxes: Applicable sales/use taxes added.

No per-page copy fees or charges for initial consultations/phone/video conferences (free). Full Retention Agreement & Fee Schedule provided upon contact. Governed by Arizona law.

John Shook
Principal at Shook and Stone
P: (702) 570-0000
E: johnshook@shookandstone.com
710 S. 4th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Brad Thies
Principal at Thies Cook, PLC
Direct Line: (602) 281-4997
Email: bthies@thiescook.com
1820 E Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225

Ben Kappelman
Partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP
E: kappelman.ben@dorsey.com
P: (612) 340-2600 and (612) 849-8892
50 South 6th St #1500
Minneapolis, MN 55402

David Jensen
Law Office of MacKay & Wallace
E: david.b.jensen@zurichna.com
P: (913) 339-1017
800 5th Ave., Suite 3810
Seattle, WA 98104

Stephen R. Marshall
Hunt Law Firm
P: (505) 954-4868
E: steve@huntandmarshall.com
518 Old Santa Fe Trail, Suite 501
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

Alex M. Beeman, Esq.
Reminger Co., LPA
E: abeeman@reminger.com
P: (317) 663-8570
8909 Purdue Road, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46268

Rick Woods
Taylor Law Partners
P: (479) 316-6300
E: rwoods@taylorlawpartners.com
303 E Millsap Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72703