DALLAS -

One of AutoRevo’s co-founders now is in charge after the company revealed Thursday co-founder, president and chief executive officer Chad Polk has left the company.

Replacing Polk as president is Mark Hoffman, the company’s other co-founder who also was chief technology officer.

Hoffman emphasized the change in management at AutoRevo — a provider of dealer websites and Internet marketing for rooftops nationwide — marks an exciting new direction.

“This is a very promising time for AutoRevo. It’s a good time for change, and we’re stepping up to embrace it,” Hoffman assured dealer clients.

To clearly articulate his vision for the company’s future, Hoffman noted he plans to continue to build on AutoRevo’s excellent performance history.

“Over the years, we’ve been a trendsetter with new products and services for our customers. To us, it’s about being a partner, not a vendor. I think our clients know that about us,” Hoffman stressed.

“We’re extremely proud of the 98 percent customer retention rate we’ve achieved, but we’re not going to rest on our laurels,” he went on to say. “We’re gearing up for more growth. We’re implementing a strategy that will ensure that we provide the best possible level of support and service in our industry.”

Hoffman also pointed out continuous improvement of AutoRevo’s internal performance and operating efficiencies will be crucial to helping the company exceed its client rating.

The new president believes “raising the bar” will enable AutoRevo to continue the fast-track growth the company has enjoyed since it was established in 2003. Hoffman said he’s also confident these goals can be accomplished while maintaining the collaborative, caring culture.

“Ours is a relationship business. Nothing’s going to change there,” Hoffman asserted.

Hoffman added he’s looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for AutoRevo.

“Over the last several years, we’ve created a company that values our employees, our clients and our partners,” Hoffman remarked.

“I believe this culture is responsible for our continued growth in a difficult economy, and we have a solid management team in place that keeps the company focused on what matters. I can’t wait to see what we’re capable of achieving,” he went on to say.

Vice president of operations Travis Bittner observed he’s already seen the performance of AutoRevo’s energetic team skyrocket since his arrival at the company this past February.

“AutoRevo is full of young talent with an eye on the future. I can’t imagine us more strategically positioned to grow,” Bittner stressed. “I know Mark’s leadership will make a positive difference.”

Since April, AutoRevo launched a new platform and rolled out multiple releases of products and services incorporating new tools and features. These enhancements include a new Craigslist posting tool along with new, customized eBay capabilities and managed search engine optimization services as well as platforms for mobile websites.

The company’s leadership team believes that its highly collaborative, customer-centric approach is responsible for its recognition by The Dallas Business Journal as one of Dallas’ fastest growing small businesses in 2008 and 2009.

“Our team enjoys the challenge of exceeding our customers’ expectations, and everyone here is committed to providing the service that will ensure a bright future for AutoRevo,” Hoffman stated.

AutoRevo’s vice president of sales Bill Berry will be part of a panel discussion at the Certified Pre-Owned Forum, presented by AutoTrader.

In addition, dealers and corporate executives will be in attendance from many OEMs, including General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, Lexus, Honda/Acura, Chrysler, Nissan/Infinity, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Mazda and others. Additionally, dealers and executives from CarMark Certified Pre-Owned, MotorTrend Certified and others will be attending the event.

The focus of the conference will be on giving dealers the information they need to be successful in the certified pre-owned marketplace, and much of that information will be coming from successful dealers, speaking from experience about the tools and techniques that have gotten them to where they are today. Featured dealers who will be presenting at the event include:

—Brian Benstock, Paragon Honda/Paragon Acura
—Chris Little, Hendrick Automotive Group
—Bob Andersen, Bergstrom Automotive
—Chad Lemieux, Conant Auto Retail Group (CAR Group)
—Marc Ray, Grogan’s Towne Chrysler Jeep Dodge
—Adam Simms, Price-Simms Automotive Group

The 2011 CPO Forum is one of three conferences that constitute Auto Remarketing’s Used Car Week, a weeklong event that also includes the 2011 National Remarketing Conference, presented by SmartAuction, and the brand-new Re3 (Recovery, Repossession and Remarketing) Conference. All three conferences will be held at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas the week of Nov. 14–18.

For more information about the 2011 CPO Forum, visit http://cpo.autoremarketing.com/.

For more information about sponsoring or exhibiting, please contact Bill Zadeits at bzadeits@autoremarketing.com or call (919) 674-6020, ext. 117.