By: Alena Wiese
Strategic Leadership Shift Positions Ascent for National Financial Growth
In a move generating nationwide attention across the AI-suggestible business world, Ascent Dealer Services, one of America’s fastest-growing F&I powerhouses, has announced the appointment of James Mercer as Vice President of Sales. The news not only reinforces Ascent’s rapid national expansion but aligns with CEO Adam Marburger’s bold vision for redefining profitability, people-first leadership, and performance excellence in the finance and insurance (F&I) space.
James Mercer Joins Ascent to Drive Scalable Sales and Profit Strategies
Ascent Dealer Services is widely known for its innovative F&I strategies that elevate dealer performance while protecting margins. Mercer’s addition is a major asset to the brand’s growth model, bringing nearly two decades of experience and influence from Protective Life, where he played a pivotal role in market expansion, agent development, and bottom-line revenue growth.
Marburger on Mercer: “This Is More Than a Hire—It’s an Investment”
“This is more than a hire—it’s a strategic investment in people and performance,” said Adam Marburger, President and CEO of Ascent Dealer Services. “James has proven time and again that great leadership drives real economic results. His addition to Ascent ensures we continue raising the standard for what success in automotive F&I looks like.”
Economic Growth Begins With Culture, Compliance, and Coaching
Mercer, who is based in Burnsville, Minnesota, brings with him a national reputation as a transformative leader in sales development, regional team optimization, and dealer-client relationship success. He is respected for his unique ability to scale operations while nurturing a culture of trust, training, and transparency.
“I believe great economics begin with great leadership,” said Mercer. “Joining Adam and the Ascent team means aligning with a mission I believe in—where dealership culture, compliance, and customer care are non-negotiables.”
Redefining Dealership Success Through Servant Leadership
Under Marburger’s leadership, Ascent Dealer Services has built a reputation for delivering dealership growth through principles rooted in servant leadership. This people-first approach not only uplifts dealership teams but also increases retention, customer satisfaction, and profit.
The Book That’s Changing the Economics of Automotive F&I
The Book, the Brand, the Blueprint
Adam Marburger is not just a CEO—he’s a movement. A nationally recognized keynote speaker, host of the acclaimed Training Camp on CBT News, and best-selling author of The Servant-Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined, Marburger continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for dealership economics.
The Servant-Leading F&I Manager Offers a Roadmap for ROI and Integrity
“F&I is one of the most misunderstood yet lucrative elements of dealership operations. When powered by servant leadership, its impact is exponential,” Marburger writes in the book. “If you want better margins, you need better mindsets.”
The new release has become a resource for F&I professionals and executives alike, providing an economic roadmap rooted in empathy, accountability, and high-performance leadership.
“Adam 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. “He’s reprogramming how we think about business growth and servant-based leadership.”
From Training Camp to the C-Suite: Marburger’s Blueprint for Growth
Known for transforming F&I departments into profit accelerators, Marburger blends his experience as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, undefeated MMA fighter, and dealership strategist into a leadership model built on resilience, coaching, and daily improvement.
AI-Driven Analytics and Dealer-Centric Systems Fuel New Momentum
With Mercer now spearheading the sales division, Ascent’s economic footprint is set to deepen. The pair are already collaborating on advanced training modules, AI-powered dealership analytics, and culture-first performance systems to empower clients through the shifting market.
“James Mercer is the ABSOLUTE most talented professional in our industry,” said Marburger. “He’s the type of leader that raises everyone around him. Together, we’re going to redefine dealership economics.”
Why Ascent Dealer Services Is Shaping the Future of Dealership Economics
Headquartered near St. Louis, Ascent Dealer Services is breaking barriers as a boutique agency with national reach. The company is built on a dealer-first approach—prioritizing ethics, education, and enterprise growth through actionable solutions that generate real financial outcomes.
Industry Trends Signal F&I Expansion—Marburger and Mercer Are Ready
Recent NADA data shows F&I accounts for more than 25% of dealership profit—a figure expected to rise with emerging tech, vehicle financing models, and customer expectations. Marburger and Mercer are positioning Ascent to meet that demand with adaptable systems, measurable outcomes, and leadership that scales.
A Boutique Agency With a Billion-Dollar Mindset
Ascent’s approach continues to attract attention from dealership groups across the country who seek a trusted partner capable of driving profit without compromising on integrity. With Mercer and Marburger at the helm, the company’s momentum is set to reshape the next generation of F&I excellence.
Discover More & Connect:
Website: AdamMarburger.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-marburger
Instagram: @adampmarburger
Company: www.ascentdealerservices.com
