Dent Wizard Announces New COO, Mid-South RVP
ST. LOUIS — F&I product provider Dent Wizard International has promoted Addison Thomas to COO and Doug Grill to Thomas’ previous position as regional vice president of Dent Wizard’s Mid-South region. These promotions come after Mike Black was promoted to CEO April 1. Thomas will assume Black’s COO responsibilities and lead the core service operations ... Read More »
ST. LOUIS — F&I product provider Dent Wizard International has promoted Addison Thomas to COO and Doug Grill to Thomas’ previous position as regional vice president of Dent Wizard’s Mid-South region. These promotions come after Mike Black was promoted to CEO April 1.
Thomas will assume Black’s COO responsibilities and lead the core service operations team. He served in various roles with Dent Wizard over the past 16 years, most recently as regional vice president of the Mid-South region.
Grill is being promoted from his role as regional director of operations in the Southeast region. He has been with Dent Wizard five years, serving in sales and client service roles.
“It is quite rewarding to provide upward mobility to talented and committed teammates,” said CEO Mike Black. “I’ve personally worked with Addison for over 20 years. His focus on people, process, and delivering customer value is second to none. He inherits a great group of experienced leaders who bring tremendous intellectual capital and proven performance to his senior team.
“Doug Grill’s work ethic and people skills, combined with his drive to win, make him an exceptional asset,” added Black. “He’s a perfect example of the bench strength we have throughout our organization. I’m confident that these two business leaders will bring significant value to our clients, partners, and the company in their new positions.”
More Industry

Autos More Appealing
Consumers gave new cars better scores again this year for design, performance and more as mass-market brands kept gaining on premium lineups, JD Power found in an annual poll.
Read More →
Used EVs Defy Overall Market
While the used-car market saw three months of price declines or stagnation, the used EV segment did the opposite – rising for three straight months.
Read More →
Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →