MEMPHIS, Tenn.-Long-time American Car Care Centers General Manager Dennis DeLeonard has resigned from the Memphis-based marketing/buying group to pursue other career opportunities. Mr. DeLeonard's March 4 exit after five years with ACCC comes as the dealer/distributor marketing group restructures its administrative staff, including naming of a marketing director.
Mr. DeLeonard joined ACCC in 1991 as its general manager and first full-time employee and went on to establish an administrative office, recruit a number of member distributors and help the organization grow from 360 member dealerships to more than 800 today. He became vice president in 1994.
Contacted at his home, Mr. DeLeonard said that ``it was time, after five good years, to resign and look for other opportunities.'' The 43-year-old Mr. DeLeonard said he enjoyed his tenure and is proud of his accomplishments. He said he has been making contacts with acquaintances in the tire industry and exploring job opportunities. Prior to his stint with ACCC, Mr. DeLeonard worked seven years with TBC Corp., as national sales manager of tires and tubes.
His ACCC duties will be divided among several new positions, President and COO Len Lewin said.
On March 21, ACCC named David Crawford to the newly created post of director of marketing.
Formerly vice president of marketing for Merchants Inc., Mr. Crawford will be responsible for the development of marketing programs and advertising.
With a current staff of seven, Mr. Lewin said he wants to add a ``few more'' people to help service ACCC distributors and dealers.
``In the past we just provided products to the customer base,'' Mr. Lewin said. ``Now we want to truly start marketing the program.''
Added personnel will enable ACCC to ensure continuous communication and consistent delivery to its dealers as well as attract new members.
ACCC's goal of having 2,000 dealers by the year 2000 ``is definitely in sight,'' Mr. Lewin said.
Mr. Lewin did not reveal ACCC's expansion strategies but said the group ``does not have the representation we desire'' in various markets. The group hopes to penetrate various new markets and increase its presence in some existing areas.