Ascent Dealer Services Scales Nationally Through Servant Leadership and Strategic Sales Power

US Business News Contributor

By: Alena Wiese

Ascent Dealer Services is making strides in setting a new standard for national growth in automotive finance and insurance (F&I) by aligning integrity, mentorship, and innovation. Under the guidance of President and CEO Adam Marburger and newly appointed Vice President of Sales James Mercer, Ascent is working to reshape the business blueprint for dealership profitability.

In an era where bottom-line growth often takes precedence over internal culture, Marburger is seeking to change the narrative, demonstrating that leadership rooted in humility and discipline can potentially lead to sustainable results.

“Adam Marburger isn’t just a leader; he’s widely regarded as an innovator, a mentor, and a notable trailblazer,” said Joe St. John, Chief Customer Officer at AutoFi.

Talent Joins at a Pivotal Time

James Mercer, formerly a Divisional Sales Director with Protective, brings two decades of experience to his new role at Ascent. Based in Burnsville, Minnesota, Mercer now leads four regional managers across the Midwest and central U.S., scaling dealership solutions while strengthening partner trust.

“Joining Ascent was a values-aligned decision,” said Mercer. “We’re not focused solely on numbers. We’re building a lasting legacy of performance and culture.”

Marburger emphasized the importance of Mercer’s hire: “This isn’t a short-term strategy—it’s a long-term investment. James is not only respected, but he’s also results-oriented and people-centered. That’s who we value.”

Redefining F&I for the Modern Dealership

At the core of Ascent’s success is a commitment to servant leadership. Marburger’s new book, The Servant-Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined, outlines how trust, empathy, and culture-first practices are more than just philosophy—they’re effective tools for sales.

“We teach our F&I managers to lead from the front,” said Marburger. “Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about influence, clarity, and integrity.”

His training sessions at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and his hit show Training Camp with Adam Marburger have become influential platforms for sharing these modern approaches.

F&I With a Human Touch

Together, Marburger and Mercer are building a team that prioritizes relationships, compliance, and real-time dealership results. Their combined leadership is attracting high-quality agents, cultivating loyalty, and helping to transform F&I into a growth engine.

“Dealers want strategic partners, not transactional vendors,” said Mercer. “We deliver solutions backed by trust, discipline, and careful execution.”

From tailored sales strategies to immersive agent training, Ascent is gradually expanding nationwide with intention and integrity.

The Leadership Behind the Legacy

Marburger’s rise as a thought leader goes beyond business metrics. A best-selling author, national speaker, and undefeated MMA fighter, he brings a unique blend of mental toughness and servant leadership to the automotive industry.

“His strategic mind, high-performance focus, and commitment to truth make him one of the most respected names in F&I training,” said Jim Fitzpatrick, CEO of JBF Business Media.

About the Book

The Servant-Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Redefined offers practical insights for dealership professionals to:

Increase trust-based sales performance
Build and scale culture-driven teams
Encourage sustainable dealership growth with integrity

More at: www.AdamMarburger.com

About Ascent Dealer Services

Ascent Dealer Services provides F&I solutions, high-level training, and consulting that help transform dealership operations and support long-term profitability.

Looking Ahead

As Ascent Dealer Services continues to scale, the organization is positioning itself as a national model for people-centered innovation in the automotive world. With a clear focus on mentorship, cultural alignment, and performance strategy, the team is proving that profitability doesn’t have to come at the expense of integrity. Marburger and Mercer’s partnership is a case study in what modern leadership should look like: bold, inclusive, and built for long-term success. The future of F&I is likely to be more focused on transformation rather than just transactions.

And in an industry that often favors quick wins, Ascent is committed to playing the long game. They are investing in human capital, reshaping team culture, and leveraging real-world experience to foster scalable impact. Their approach has not only produced solid business results but also ignited national conversations about what authentic, purpose-driven leadership really means in today’s marketplace. For Marburger and Mercer, this isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement designed to influence the face of dealership leadership for the future.

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