Penny and Jiles Wanna celebrate 20 years in a family business
For Penny and Jiles Wanna, TPC Management is like family.
In fact, it is family.
The Wannas recently celebrated their 20-year anniversaries with the auto auction consulting and recruiting firm, which was founded in 1996 by Penny’s brother-in-law and sister, Pierre and Pauline Pons.
Penny Wanna currently serves as TPC’s vice president of administration and president of the company’s Auction Academy. Jiles Wanna is vice president of client services and Auction Academy senior administrator.
The family connection became even deeper this summer, when the Wannas’ son Ray joined TPC Management as commercial sales/business development coordinator.
“Twenty years is a significant milestone in any business, but particularly relevant in a family-run enterprise like ours that depends so heavily on the dedication and contributions of each individual,” said Pierre Pons, the company’s CEO. “I believe there are none better in the business than Penny and Jiles. We’re fortunate to include them as both colleagues and family at TPC Management, and likewise with the Auction Academy program.”
Pons said the Wannas “have been instrumental to the growth of our firm in all aspects. Not only are their contributions to both of our businesses unmatched, their talents and effectiveness are felt industrywide.”
Penny Wanna is responsible for overseeing an administrative staff that implements due diligence management in acquisitions/divestitures, accounting, administrative and project management, along with conference and event strategies for TPC’s clients and associated companies.
As president of Auction Academy, she sets the strategic direction for the executive development program, which is beginning its 13th year and welcoming its ninth class group. Her certifications include ARA Certified Automotive Remarketer, ARA Audit and Compliance, NAAA Safety, NAAA Data Security and NAAA Condition Report Writing. She serves on the board of the Automotive Remarketing Alliance and is co-chair of the ARA education committee and holds committee positions with NAAA and IAG.
Penny Wanna was honored as one of Cherokee Media Group’s Women in Remarketing in 2018 and received NAAA’s Warren Young Fellowship in 2021 for her volunteer work and commitment to the remarketing industry.
“This is an exciting and dynamic business,” she said, “and I have the good fortune to work with a tremendous group of people at TPC Management, including my husband Jiles and sister and brother-in-law Pauline and Pierre Pons. I’ve learned a great deal from them all over the past 20 years and look forward to working with them to continue building TPC’s influence on the industry.”
Jiles Wanna has focused on business development for the firm and its independent auto auction clients through TPC’s Auction Services division. He assists with TPC’s acquisition and divestiture activities, and is involved with conference and event strategies. His certifications include NAAA Safety, NAAA Data Security, a “Lifetime” CAR certification, the Vehicle Remarketing Industry certification through the ARA/Northwood University program, ARA Audit and Compliance and Manheim’s Condition Report Writer.
“Pierre says often, ‘We are a family business, working primarily for other family businesses,” Jiles Wanna said. “It is a privilege and an honor to work with my family, along with our associates at TPC Management and Auction Academy, all people of outstanding caliber who make a tremendous impact on the industry.
“Together we make a formidable team, and I’m fortunate to be a part of it.”