Our Authors

LaCoe joined Century Automotive Service Corp (a MAPFRE Company) 8 months ago, as their President. Century provides full-service, third party administration and turn-key private label programs. Noted as industry experts in the formation and management of profit participation programs, through MAPFRE they are spread throughout 46 countries globally, including 7 in the US. Before joining Century, LaCoe spent 7 years working his way up at Protective Life eventually becoming Vice President of International Sales and Dealer Initiatives. During his time there, LaCoe worked to develop strategies to help establish and grow international markets as well as leading and managing a team of international staff. His projects have brought him to over 1500 dealerships all across the US, helping to better the industry as a whole. One of his most notable jobs has been as a Legal Representative for Pu Tai Qi An Automotive Technology and Consulting Services. LaCoe was a member of the founding team and worked with the company securing resources, partnerships, and insurance as well as hiring, training and managing the staff in Beijing, up until the company was sold in 2013. With more than 20 years of experience in the automotive and insurance industries, including dealership operations consulting, global relationship development and cross-cultural leadership, he is the optimal candidate to speak on the topic of International Expansion for VSC product providers.

Lauren Fletcher, Vice President of Content at Bobit, has been an influential figure in the automotive industry since 2006. Known for her engaging personality, she drives content strategy with a focus on growth, education, and motivating the next generation of fleet professionals.

Lauren Lawrence is the associate editor for Auto Dealer Today, F&I and Showroom, Agent Entrepreneur, and Providers & Administrators.

Lewis D. Kuhl is an attorney with Kurkin Brandes LLP, an Aventura, Fla.-based law firm. He has more than 20 years of experience with legal issues related to auto dealers and the automotive industry.

Mark Cohen is the senior vice president and general counsel for American Auto Guardian Inc. His background includes the representation of insurers and the litigation of complex corporate insurance disputes while in private practice, and more than 17 years legal and operational experience with regard to the marketing, administration and regulation of aftermarket products for the auto industry.

Mark Virag is managing director of the Provider Exchange Network (PEN) division of Open Dealer Exchange, LLC. He is responsible for the division's strategy, sales, marketing and technology. Mark is a leader in the field of web-based systems for automotive finance, having developed BMW InfoBahn, AutoNation Express and the MenuVantage menu selling system.

Matthew Weil is Vice President and General Counsel for the American Guardian Group of Companies (American Guardian). American Guardian offers administrative, insurance and data processing services to dealers in the automotive, RV, powersports, marine and commercial trucking and bus industries across the United States and Canada. American Guardian prides itself on business growth through adherence to its corporate motto: “Forging Partnerships that Last”. Matthew is an Illinois licensed attorney with experience in regulatory affairs, compliance and insurance related matters. He has experience advising business leaders on both regulatory and transactional issues, served as an advisor to various administrative agencies, and was a board member for the Vehicle Protection Association where he assisted in the drafting of industry best practices and standards.

Co-Authors Kevin Peltzer and Alexandria Brown work for Meridian Auto Parts. Kevin is a Senior Account Executive. Alexandria is the company Recruiter. Meridian Auto Parts is a leading international and automotive parts distribution company based in San Diego, Ca.

Mike Burgiss is vice president of digital retailing at Cox Automotive and the founder of MakeMyDeal. As a technology thought leader and entrepreneur, Mike’s passion lies in providing dealers with the online tools necessary to stay in control and win in their retail businesses, specializing in leading innovations that drive new business growth.

Rand started C&K 21 years ago and WIS 11 years ago.  He provides parts and inspection services to more than 45 service contract administrators across the U.S.