By Alena Wiese
Ascent Dealer Services Names New VP of Sales Amid National Growth
In a strategic move that underscores its national expansion, Ascent Dealer Services has named James Mercer as its new Vice President of Sales. With nearly two decades of experience in the automotive finance and insurance (F&I) space, Mercer is widely recognized for his leadership in sales, agent development, and mentorship grounded in values.
James Mercer Brings Nearly 20 Years of F&I Leadership to Ascent
Mercer joins Ascent from Protective, where he served as Divisional Sales Director and led a team that supported dealership and agent growth across the central U.S. Known for his ability to enhance operations into scalable, high-performance channels, Mercer’s leadership is expected to play a significant role in driving Ascent’s nationwide growth.
Mercer on Joining Ascent: “It’s a Culture of Trust, Innovation, and Impact”
“Joining Ascent Dealer Services is an exciting next step for me,” Mercer shared. “What Adam has built—a culture centered around trust, performance, and innovation—is something I’ve long admired. I’m honored to contribute to the mission of elevating dealership success across the country.”
Adam Marburger: “James Mercer Is a Highly Talented Professional in Our Industry”
CEO Adam Marburger, a best-selling author and host of Training Camp with Adam Marburger on CBT News, emphasized the importance of Mercer’s arrival.
“James’s experience, performance record, and passion for mentoring make him a valuable addition to our leadership team,” Marburger said. “His approach to growth and dealer success aligns well with our vision. James Mercer is, without question, one of the most skilled professionals in our industry.”
Leading With Integrity: A Father, Mentor, and Visionary for Dealer Success
Mercer, who resides in Burnsville, Minnesota, will oversee a team of four regional managers and collaborate with dealers nationwide to deliver innovative, compliant, and customer-first F&I solutions. His journey with Protective began in 2006, progressing through roles such as Account Executive, National Trainer, Regional Manager, and Divisional Sales Director.
“As a father, being a protector to our valued agents and dealers comes naturally,” Mercer noted. “I take pride in creating a sense of trust and support for my clients—and now my son has joined the automotive industry too. That’s something truly meaningful.”
The Marburger Vision: Transforming F&I Through Leadership and Culture
Marburger, who authored The Servant Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined, has built his reputation around transforming F&I departments from transactional silos into integrated, customer-driven growth centers. Mercer’s hiring represents a significant step in bringing that vision to life.
“At Ascent, we believe that profitability and integrity go hand in hand,” Marburger said. “We’re not just delivering products—we’re building culture, training leaders, and equipping dealerships to thrive in today’s economy.”
New Book Empowers Dealers to Lead With Servant Leadership Principles
About the Book
The Servant-Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined unlocks the power of servant leadership to transform your dealership and drive success. This new release by Adam P. Marburger draws on his two decades of F&I leadership, his experience as an undefeated MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and his passion for mentoring.
“Adam Marburger isn’t just a leader; he’s an innovator, a mentor, and a trailblazer.”
— Joe St. John, Chief Customer Officer, AutoFi
“His extraordinary talent, sharp strategic mind, and unwavering integrity make him a respected leader in F&I training.”
— Jim Fitzpatrick, CEO, JBF Business Media
The Servant-Leading F&I Manager to Debut at NADA 2025
The book, launching at NADA 2025, is a guide for dealership professionals who want to boost sales, lead with integrity, master their craft, and build a winning culture. Learn more at www.AdamMarburger.com
Ascent Dealer Services Expands National Footprint With Trusted Leadership
Under Marburger’s leadership, Ascent has emerged as a trusted national provider of F&I solutions tailored to modern dealerships’ needs. From compliance-driven products to immersive training programs, the company delivers tools that help dealerships improve profit, retention, and customer satisfaction.
Mercer and Marburger Unite to Shape the Future of Automotive F&I
Mercer’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Ascent Dealer Services, as the company scales its footprint and doubles down on its dealer-first philosophy. With a shared commitment to innovation and mentorship, Mercer and Marburger are positioned to help shape the future of F&I.
Follow Adam Marburger
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-marburger
Instagram: instagram.com/adampmarburger
For more information, visit www.ascentdealerservices.com
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The views expressed by James Mercer and Adam Marburger reflect their personal opinions and experiences. While Ascent Dealer Services strives to provide quality service, results may vary for individual clients based on their unique needs and circumstances. No guarantees are made regarding the success of dealerships or individuals using the products and services described. For more information or specific inquiries, it is recommended to contact Ascent Dealer Services directly.
