Ascent Dealer Services Champions Leadership Transformation with a People-First Strategy

World Reporter Contributor

By: Alena Wiese

A U.S.-based company reshapes automotive finance through heart-led leadership and mentorship at scale.

Discover how Ascent Dealer Services is redefining leadership in the automotive F&I industry through servant leadership, mentorship, and people-first strategies.

In a business climate where culture and leadership are under scrutiny, one U.S.-based company is emerging as a standout for values-driven transformation. Ascent Dealer Services, under the leadership of CEO Adam Marburger and Vice President of Sales James Mercer, is redefining success in the finance and insurance (F&I) industry by prioritizing empathy, mentorship, and long-term impact.

Rooted in the fast-moving automotive sector, Ascent’s rise has been anything but conventional. The company has earned national recognition for turning traditional dealership models into dynamic, people-powered enterprises through customized consulting, inclusive sales training, and values-first leadership development.

“We’re not just building profit—we’re building people,” says Marburger. “That’s what lasts. That’s what matters.

Leadership Transformation in Action

At the heart of Ascent’s strategy is servant leadership—a philosophy Marburger outlines in his book, The Servant-Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined. The book, now used in internal training for dealerships across the U.S., outlines how humility, accountability, and clear communication can drive both culture and revenue.

“The automotive industry doesn’t need louder managers. It needs leaders who listen,” says Marburger.

Ascent’s approach has been adopted by dealerships large and small across multiple states. Clients report measurable improvements in team retention, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth. Their success stories are increasingly being shared through webinars, conferences, and interviews, positioning Ascent as a national thought leader in dealership leadership transformation.

Expanding the Ascent Network

Ascent is more than just a company—it’s a movement. What sets Ascent’s training and development apart is its layered, holistic approach. The company doesn’t just offer F&I product knowledge—it delivers real-world coaching, role-specific leadership development, and on-the-ground implementation support tailored to each dealership’s culture and goals. Every team member at Ascent, from trainers to field reps, is empowered to serve not only as educators but as long-term performance partners.

Their dealership immersion model ensures strategies are not only taught but also executed with hands-on guidance, resulting in measurable improvements across CSI scores, PVR metrics, and team retention. This deeply integrated approach is rare in the F&I industry and is a key driver behind Ascent’s surge in client satisfaction and market share. Under Marburger’s leadership and with Mercer’s strategic execution, the company aims to redefine the future of F&I by empowering professionals at every level.

Mercer’s appointment signifies a deep commitment to regional growth with national implications. Ascent’s sales, training, and dealer development systems are poised to support thousands of dealerships with the tools, mindset, and mentorship needed to excel.

From Culture Shift to Competitive Edge

Ascent’s programs are designed for more than just bottom-line improvement—they’re built to transform how dealerships operate from the inside out. Training covers everything from compliance to communication, empowering staff at all levels to think like leaders.

“Dealers are tired of transactional vendors. They want partners who understand how to grow a team, not just a spreadsheet,” says Mercer.

With a client base that spans both independent dealerships and franchise groups, Ascent continues to expand its reach while staying grounded in its mission: lead with integrity, serve with intention.

About the Book

The Servant-Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined offers:

A roadmap for emotionally intelligent leadership
Strategies for scaling people-first profitability
Tools for building resilient, high-trust teams

Learn more at: www.AdamMarburger.com

About Ascent Dealer Services

Ascent Dealer Services provides finance and insurance training, consulting, and leadership development tailored to the needs of modern dealerships. Based in the United States, Ascent helps automotive professionals scale performance by focusing on mentorship, communication, and team culture.