Poland, Ohio (Sept. 11, 2024) – Buckeye Dealership Consulting (“Buckeye”), a prominent provider of reinsurable products for automobile dealers and finance companies, today announced the hiring of James O’Connell as its Chief Operating Officer to work with the CEO and executive team to serve Buckeye’s growing customer base.

“Jim has a wealth of experience in the F&I and warranty administration space over the course of his career in this business,” said CEO Robert Fox, Sr. “His knowledge and ability to build and improve data-based systems will be a significant value add to our company and clients, present and future. We look forward to Jim helping Buckeye continue to excel.”
O’Connell brings nearly 20 years of experience to the position, recently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Resources Management Group and Global Administrators. He was instrumental in the financial operations of the companies achieve strategic growth initiatives and deliver custom reinsurance solutions for their clients.
“I am honored to be part of the Buckeye family of staff, customers, and partners,” O’Connell said. “I have known Rob Fox for a long time and have admired the influence Buckeye has had on the marketplace. I look forward to working together as we help our customers realize the opportunities available to them through our suite of products and services.”

Jim O’Connell

 

Buckeye has also added a new Business Development Manager to its national sales staff. Martin Gutierrez joins Buckeye with vast experience from all angles of the buy here, pay here industry.

“Martin adds a unique perspective to our team,” said Bill Elizondo, National Sales Manager at Buckeye. “Martin is one of a few who can sit down with dealers and relate to what they experience day by day, because he has lived it. That perspective will be invaluable as we aim to serve our clients’ needs.”

Gutierrez began his journey in the subprime auto industry working with a specialty finance company providing lines of credit to buy here, pay here dealerships. He managed borrowing bases and eventually advanced to business development, where he underwrote dealer portfolios for multimillion-dollar lines of credit. That led him begin operating his own BHPH dealership in Arlington, Texas discovering the value of a customizable dealer owned reinsurance program.

Martin Gutierrez