Billy Yark is a dynamic figure in the automotive industry, serving as the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Yark Automotive Group in Toledo, Ohio. His journey in the industry began at the young age of 12 when he started working at his family’s dealership, initially in maintenance and clean-up roles. During high school, he honed his skills in customer retention by engaging with lease customers and identifying their automotive needs.
Yark earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University in 2009. He then started out as a manager of the auto group’s Business Development Departments. Throughout the next few years, he became well-versed in Customer Relationship Management systems and Business Development Centers, which helped him grow an understanding of the role these systems play in generating leads and leveraging internet-based vehicle shopping.
Yark was named the Digital Marketing Manager for Yark Automotive Group in 2013. In 2017, he founded the Yark Buy Center and its online counterpart, yarkbuyscars.com, which became one of the top Kelley Blue Book buying centers in the country. He further expanded his expertise by graduating from the NADA Academy in 2018 while also being named the Group Marketing & eCommerce Director the same year.
In 2021, Yark entered into a partnership with Cox Automotive for the Cox Essential software, allowing Yark Automotive Group to sell vehicles 100% digitally (Yark QuickBuy). He was appointed as the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the group in 2023, and his main goal is to continue the growth of the Yark Automotive Group, not only for the benefit of employees but also to make a meaningful impact on the Toledo community.
Yark’s’ favorite quote, “Always do the right thing, even when no one is watching,” embodies his approach to business and life.
