By: Alena Wiese
When most executives talk about dealership growth, they lead with numbers. Adam Marburger, President and CEO of Ascent Dealer Services, leads with people. That distinction is more than philosophy—it’s strategy. And it’s working.
With the recent appointment of industry veteran James Mercer as Vice President of Sales, Ascent is signaling more than expansion. It’s announcing a bold movement—one grounded in trust, transformation, and the kind of leadership that builds legacies, not just revenue.
“Adam Marburger isn’t just a leader; he’s a force of nature—an innovator, a mentor, and a once-in-a-generation trailblazer,” said Joe St. John, Chief Customer Officer at AutoFi.
The Right Hire for a National Mission
James Mercer brings nearly 20 years of experience to his new role at Ascent. Formerly a Divisional Sales Director at Protective, Mercer built and scaled high-performance sales teams throughout the Midwest, earning a reputation as a results-focused mentor and strategic partner to dealerships.
“Joining Ascent was a values-aligned decision,” Mercer shared. “This is a culture-first company where performance and purpose go hand-in-hand.”
Based in Burnsville, Minnesota, Mercer now leads a team of regional managers responsible for scaling Ascent’s innovative F&I model nationwide.
“This isn’t about filling a role—it’s about elevating the standard,” Marburger added. “James is the best there is. He doesn’t just grow revenue—he grows people.”
From Product Push to People-First Performance
What makes Ascent different is its approach. It’s not just a provider of F&I solutions—it’s a leadership organization. At the heart of its expansion is a people-centered philosophy rooted in servant leadership, the same principle that guides Marburger’s new best-selling book, The Servant-Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined.
“We’re changing how F&I is done—from transactional to transformational,” Marburger explains. “You don’t have to sacrifice culture to increase profit. In fact, the right culture drives performance.”
The book has become a blueprint for dealership managers nationwide, offering actionable strategies that drive results while enhancing retention, customer satisfaction, and team cohesion.
Beyond the Book: A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth
Marburger’s vision extends far beyond the page. As host of Training Camp with Adam Marburger on CBT News, he regularly shares insights with automotive professionals across the country—bridging the gap between tactical execution and transformational leadership.
“His extraordinary talent, sharp strategic mind, and unwavering integrity make him a true leader in F&I training,” noted Jim Fitzpatrick, CEO of JBF Business Media.
Marburger’s background as an undefeated MMA fighter and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just impressive—it’s symbolic. His leadership style combines the intensity of competition with the discipline of long-term mastery.
Mercer and Marburger: Shaping the Future of Dealership Economics
Under this powerhouse duo, Ascent Dealer Services is quickly becoming one of the most trusted names in automotive F&I consulting. Its training programs, compliance-first products, and performance-based strategies are helping dealers nationwide increase per-vehicle retail (PVR), reduce turnover, and build high-performing cultures that last.
“Dealers want more than products. They want partners who show up, listen, and follow through,” Mercer said. “That’s what we do. That’s who we are.”
Together, Marburger and Mercer are shaping the next era of F&I leadership—one built on integrity, strategy, and service.
Why It Matters Now
F&I accounts for over 25% of dealership profits, according to recent NADA data. But with changing consumer behaviors, evolving financing models, and increasing demand for transparency, the need for adaptive, values-driven leadership is more urgent than ever.
Ascent is answering that call—empowering dealerships to deliver not only financial results, but leadership transformation.
“This is the real F&I revolution,” Marburger affirms. “And it’s only the beginning.”
About the Book
The Servant-Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined By Adam Marburger
- This best-selling book teaches dealership professionals how to:
- Build cultures of trust and accountability
- Increase sales through service-first strategies
- Lead high-performance teams with humility and purpose
📘 Learn more: www.AdamMarburger.com
About Ascent Dealer Services
Ascent Dealer Services is a boutique F&I agency with a national footprint. Known for its people-first approach, Ascent provides custom solutions, advanced training, and leadership development for dealerships looking to scale profitably—with integrity.
Connect with Adam Marburger:
Website: AdamMarburger.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-marburger
Instagram: @adampmarburger
