Our Mission

We offer a fully customizable suite of services and build programs that can be tailored to meet your specific business needs and wants. We prioritize delivering exceptional service to our Dealer Partners and their customers. Ignition Dealer Services offers top-notch training and servicing and helps strengthen your F&I department.

Our team

At the end of the day, we’re all about our people. Their skill and experience are what matters, and what can help your dealership grow. With that in mind, here’s a sampling of the experts we have on staff:

Steven Cegelka
Steven Cegelka
COO

Steven is a skilled professional with over 10 years in accounting and risk management within the automotive industry. He began at AmTrust Financial Services, gaining expertise in analytics, and later directed profit participation at the Amynta Group. In 2024, he joined Ignition Dealer Services, focusing on profit participation and delivering tailored solutions in partnership with insurers and reinsurance firms. A Kent State University graduate, Steven brings extensive knowledge to his role. He enjoys family time with his wife and three children.

Michael Kunes
Michael Kunes
Agent

Michael began his automotive career at 14 and has since accumulated 17 years of experience across sales, finance, and management, ultimately serving as a general manager. He brings his operational expertise and focus on process optimization to Ignition Dealer Services, dedicated to building high-performing F&I teams. Known for his strategic training, Michael ensures managers are equipped to drive profitability through teamwork. A Marian University graduate and former athlete, he enjoys family time and attending sporting events with his three children.

Stephany Whitted
Stephany Whitted
Agent

Stephany Whitted, a Senior Agent at Ignition Dealer Services, brings over 15 years of retail experience, from sales to regional general management, and is a graduate of the NADA Dealer Academy. Her comprehensive dealership knowledge allows her to connect deeply with clients, helping them achieve their goals with pride and dedication. Known for her competitive spirit, she eagerly tackles new challenges. Outside of work, Stephany enjoys spending time outdoors with her two dogs, Huck and Finn.

Chris Reshel
Chris Reshel
Agent

Chris Reshel, a Senior Agent at Ignition Dealer Services, offers over 30 years of retail automotive experience across service, sales, F&I, and ownership. With 20 years specifically in F&I, he has developed strong expertise in people and process management. Chris brings a fresh perspective as an agent, providing dealers with innovative training and tailored products for measurable success. Passionate about helping clients reach their full potential, he is a dedicated partner to each dealership. Outside of work, Chris enjoys outdoor adventures like fishing, boating, and camping with his family.

Joseph Demeritt
Joseph Demeritt
RV Agent

Joseph Demeritt, an RV Agent at Ignition Dealer Services, focuses on dealership growth through personnel training, deal auditing, and compliance. With a finance degree and multiple financial advising licenses, he combines 16 years of sales experience—five at a large dealer and eight in financial advising—with a strong military background. Known for his commitment to helping others succeed, he believes in leading by example, especially in challenging times. Joseph actively volunteers in his community and enjoys hiking, camping, motorcycling, and spending time with loved ones.

Peter Herman
Peter Herman
Agent

Peter started out washing cars and quickly advanced to become the Parts and Service Manager of a 4-line dealership by the age of 22. With a continued passion for the industry, he now specializes in Fixed Operations. Peter has a proven track record of leading teams to surpass their goals by focusing on controllable factors, driving customer pay labor gross, and ensuring an exceptional customer experience through his effective processes. He is a proud father of 3 and a true Wisconsin sports fan with a passion for racing & fishing.

Queen Frederick
Queen Frederick
Agent

Queen is a dynamic sales agent with over 10 years of retail automotive experience spanning sales, finance, service, management, corporate marketing, and accounting. Most recently she managed social media for 52 dealerships simultaneously, bringing a unique blend of operational knowledge and digital expertise to the industry. An Army veteran, proud mother, and University of South Carolina graduate, she is passionate about creating solutions for independent dealers and uplifting her community. Known for her ambition and resilience, Queen also promotes health and wellness as a lifestyle influencer and avid gym-goer.

Walter Marsh
Walter Marsh
Agent

Walter specializes in automotive aftermarket products and dealership warranties. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive industry and 15 years in advertising and marketing for broadcast television, Walter brings a unique blend of strategic insight and industry expertise to every client relationship. He partners with dealerships across the state to drive revenue, enhance customer satisfaction, and deliver value through customized solutions. His commitment to service and results has made him a trusted resource for clients.

Evan Swanagin
Evan Swanagin
Agent

Evan started in the car business when he was 22 and has 7 years of dealership experience including multiple years as an F&I Manager as well as a Sales Manager. He brings a wealth of knowledge about warranty coverages, lender relationships, and dealership operations. He's passionate about customer service and loves to build relationships with new clients. In his free time, he enjoys golf, hunting, and watching Alabama Football. Roll Tide!

Matt Forrest
Matt Forrest
Agent

Matt brings over a decade of experience in the automotive industry to Ignition Dealer Services, with a comprehensive background in sales, finance, and management. He has a track record of driving profitability and developing high-performing teams. Matt specializes in delivering tailored F&I solutions designed to help dealers achieve long-term growth.

Brian Stamper
Brian Stamper
Agent

With over 30 years of dealership experience in both automotive and powersports, Brian has worked in every area of the dealership, including sales, service writing, F&I, and management at all levels. As a graduate of Morehead State University with degrees in Accounting and Business Management, he brings a strong foundation in both operations and leadership. Always looking forward to leveraging his extensive background to help maximize profitability and streamline dealership processes. Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with my family, watching a variety of sports, and proudly supporting UK Basketball and Football as a lifelong fan.

Chris Pennigton
Chris Pennigton
Agent

Chris began his career in the automotive industry over 30 years ago. He has experience in sales, finance, and management that he uses every day to find solutions and better overall experience for his clients. Known for his problem solving and team building abilities, he welcomes the opportunity to work together to overcome any obstacle that may present itself. Chris is a native Texan and former student athlete at Southern Methodist University. Outside of work, Chris enjoys music, sports, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his two daughters.

Job Openings

Join Ignition Dealer Services and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to empowering dealerships with innovative solutions for growth and success.

Total accountability, total transparency

With our trained consultants, you can see where every dollar is coming and going. Think of it as an MRI for your whole business—and no other consultancy can realistically offer this service. Want to compare your company’s performance to your immediate competitors? We can set that up for you.