• 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) – National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) / Northwood University
Prestigious, elite designation held by fewer than 1% of U.S. dealers; awarded for demonstrated excellence in ethical leadership, operational standards, compliance, and business performance in the independent automotive retail sector.

Licensed Used Vehicle Dealer – State of Arizona
Active license authorizing retail and wholesale operations of used vehicles, with ongoing adherence to state regulatory and ethical requirements.

Insurance Producer License (Property & Casualty) – State of Arizona
Licensed to sell and advise on property/casualty insurance products, including those commonly offered in dealership F&I departments.

Notary Public and Signing Agent – State of Arizona
Commissioned to authenticate documents, witness signings, and support secure transactions in automotive and financial contexts.

Bachelor of Science – Northern Illinois University

Associate of Arts – College of Lake County

Additional Professional Training & Certifications: Finance & Insurance (F&I) Training – JM&A Group / Resource Group
Advanced Sales & Management Training – Jim Ziegler; Sandler Institute
Sales & Customer Relations Training – Joe Verde

These credentials—combined with 35+ years of hands-on experience as Dealer Principal/CEO scaling operations to $30M+ revenue and maintaining flawless compliance—underpin my expertise as an impartial expert witness in federal/state litigation.

Core Expertise Areas Supported by These Credentials:
Automobile Dealership Operations / Industry Standards / Dealer Fraud Prevention / Auto Financing & Compliance (TILA, ECOA, Fair Lending, Red Flags Rule) / F&I Practices / New & Used Auto Transactions / Diminished Value Appraisals / Wrongful Termination & Employment Disputes / Finance Documentation & Analysis / Risk Management / Lemon Law / Repossession Processes / P&L & Financial Analysis

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

A: National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA)
Holder of the Certified Master Dealer (CMD) designation through NIADA / Northwood University.

Strategic advisor and consultant in the auto and finance sectors (e.g., via networks such as GLG and similar platforms).
Ongoing involvement in automotive professional and financial development and peer leadership through NIADA-affiliated programs and industry training.

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

A: Volunteer Teacher – Junior Achievement USA
Delivered hands-on financial literacy and free enterprise education to elementary school students via the immersive JA BizTown™ program. Focused on critical thinking, teamwork, budgeting, responsible financial habits, and basic business principles—cultivating foundational knowledge in youth through interactive, real-world simulations.

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. None of my professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, or certificates has ever been investigated, suspended, revoked, disciplined, or subject to any formal complaint or action. This clean record aligns with my history of "flawless compliance" in dealership operations, auto finance, and related regulatory areas (e.g., TILA, ECOA, Red Flags Rule), as highlighted in my expert witness profiles and industry engagements.

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

A: Approximately 30 occasions. These retentions span federal and state courts, as well as pre-litigation consulting, across a range of civil matters in the automotive sector.

Engagements have been balanced roughly equally between plaintiffs and defendants (~50% each), reflecting my commitment to impartial, fact-based analysis and testimony. Retentions draw directly from 35+ years of hands-on dealership leadership (salesperson to Dealer Principal/CEO), scaling operations to $30M+ revenue, turnarounds, and flawless compliance—bolstered by the elite NIADA Certified Master Dealer (CMD) designation (held by <1% of U.S. dealers for ethical and operational excellence).

Cases typically involve 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. This experience level supports my ability to deliver defensible reports, clear deposition/trial testimony, and jury-friendly explanations of complex industry concepts—backed by real-world C-suite perspective and advisory roles (e.g., GLG, AlphaSights).

Additional details, including case types (redacted as needed), opposing counsel references, or updated totals, are available upon request.

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

A: Primary Areas of Retention and Expertise:
Automobile Dealership Operations & Standards of Care — Policies, procedures, best practices, risk management, and industry norms for new/used vehicle sales, service, and overall dealership management.
Auto Financing & Compliance — Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), Fair Lending, Red Flags Rule, improper disclosures, auto lending practices, Sales Finance Act, and related regulatory issues.
Finance & Insurance (F&I) Practices — Structuring, disclosures, product sales, compliance in F&I departments, and prevention of deceptive or unfair practices.
Diminished Value Appraisals — Valuation of vehicles post-accident, collision, or other damage; assessment of loss in market value.
Employment Disputes in Automotive Settings — Wrongful termination, hiring/firing practices, negligent retention/hiring, and human resources issues specific to dealership environments.
Fraud, Theft, & Security Prevention — Dealer fraud prevention, internal theft controls, identity theft safeguards, vehicle security, and related liability.
Financial & P&L Analysis — Profit/loss statements, financial impacts of operations, lost profits calculations, and business valuation in automotive contexts.
Other Related Matters — Lemon Law implications, repossession processes, driver behavior/safety in sales contexts, and property damage assessments tied to dealership transactions.

These areas reflect my consistent retention in cases involving dealership liability, consumer protection, regulatory compliance, employment claims, and financial disputes in the independent used/new auto retail sector. I provide clear, jury-friendly explanations of complex technical and operational issues, drawing from real-world C-suite experience and advisory roles (e.g., GLG, AlphaSights). References, case examples (redacted as appropriate), and full CV available upon request.

I have been retained as an expert witness in federal and state litigation matters (for both plaintiffs and defendants), providing impartial, data-backed opinions, reports, deposition testimony, and trial support. My expertise is grounded in 35+ years of hands-on automotive dealership leadership (from salesperson to Dealer Principal/CEO), scaling operations to $30M+ revenue, executing turnarounds, and maintaining flawless compliance—bolstered by the rare NIADA Certified Master Dealer (CMD) designation (held by <1% of U.S. dealers for ethical excellence and leadership).

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: 4 occasions (3 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: May 9, 2023. This was my most recent deposition, occurring in a federal or state civil matter involving automotive dealership operations, finance/compliance, or related issues (consistent with my primary areas of expertise). It falls within the 3 depositions taken in the last 4 years (as noted in my profile), demonstrating ongoing, active expert witness engagement without excessive frequency that might raise 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: None to date (0). While I have been retained as an expert on approximately 30 occasions (balanced ~50/50 between plaintiffs and defendants) and deposed 4 times (most recently May 9, 2023), 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: None to date (0). Although retained as an expert on approximately 30 occasions (balanced ~50/50 plaintiffs/defendants) and deposed 4 times (most recently May 9, 2023), 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 30 retentions (balanced ~50/50 plaintiffs/defendants), 4 depositions (all within the last 4 years, most recent May 9, 2023), 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 $500.00 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 $2,500.00 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: $500.00 per hour (standard professional services rate) or a $2,500.00 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