Auto Credit Financial is one of the nation’s top sources for high-quality auto credit leads. By connecting car buyers and dealerships, founder Mark Hergert has helped people find the financing they need for a great car, while helping dealerships generate business and sell more cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Mark’s story is one of ups and downs, but the overall theme is perseverance. Even through tough times, Mark has always focused on moving forward and finding new and innovative ways to help car buyers and dealerships, making the total process quicker and easier for everyone involved.

  

Mark Hergert

Mark got his start in the auto industry at the young age of 18, when he opened his first used car store, “Mark’s Auto Mart” in Canyonville, Oregon, his birthplace and home town. There was an office, a gravel lot, four cars, and an old dump truck. It wasn't much, but that was the spark that led to Mark’s lifelong passion for the auto industry.

By the age of 19, Mark got his first car sales position at Vic Alfonso Ford in Tigard, Oregon where he was personally trained by Vic himself. All Mark needed was a commitment from the customer, and Vic would handle the rest. Mark didn't know what went on after he took the commitment to the desk manager, but he knew he was selling a lot of cars.

Mark bounced around and eventually wound up in beautiful Hawaii, working in sales for Big Island Jeep Eagle Mazda in Kona where he was trained by the owner, Danny Fast, who was hardcore as they come but taught Mark how to be a closer and eventually a top gun sales manager.

He gained more experience after many years at the dealership until the end of the Gulf War in 1991 led to a slow down for the auto industry. He then left the Big Island for Traverse City, Michigan, where he worked as a special finance director for Williams Chevrolet. With hard work and a commitment to helping car buyers, Mark became the #1 sub-prime manager in the Midwest for 8 years.

When Mark’s first daughter, Hannah, was born, Mark decided to become an entrepreneur. Founding Auto Net Financial, one of the most successful internet-based lead generation companies in the U.S., Mark quickly became a top source for credit leads, becoming the biggest generator of leads in the nation for 12 years.

Mark knew what made dealer principles tick, so he created the “No Sale No Fee” program, which allowed dealers to only pay for leads that resulted in a purchase. Mark said it was like taking candy from a baby, because dealers never had to pay for a lead unless they made a purchase.

During 2008, however, the sub prime industry collapsed, causing a ripple effect throughout the entire global economy. Mark choose to sell his company to Auto Credit Express, but he would not remain still for long.

Mark rebounded quickly, forming Auto Credit Financial. He reinvented the “No Sale No Fee” program, which has helped him once again become a top source for high-quality leads throughout North America.

Mark enjoys surfing and the outdoors, but his true passion is for helping others. Mark was on the Board of Directors at A Forever Recovery in Battle Creek Michigan where he acted as the Client Financial Services Director, helping clients that need help with substance abuse and addiction financing. Mark's true passion is helping others.  www.AutoNetFinance.com

Last modified on Tuesday, 27 August 2019