Meet the Staff

Originally from Paducah, Kentucky, Jesse is a proud graduate of Lone Oak High School and Murray State University. He joined the Watermark Auto Group family in 2012 at Watermark Honda and made the move to Watermark Ford Hyundai of Marion in 2015. In September 2022, Jesse stepped into his current role as Executive Manager at Watermark Nissan of Marion-and we've been lucky to have his leadership ever since!

Jesse and his wife, Meagan, married in 2011 after just seven weeks of dating-because when you know, you know! Together they're raising their daughter, Reese, who was born in 2017 and already shares her dad's love for all things automotive.

When Jesse's not leading the team at the dealership, you'll likely find him with his family at church, cheering Reese on at gymnastics, or cruising around in his truck on the hunt for the perfect snow cone stop. 🍦

Brad's journey is as dynamic as the cars and employees for which he advocates. Born in Alliance, Ohio, he moved to West Frankfort, Illinois, in 1981.  A Frankfort Community High School graduate (Class of '87), Brad's academic path took him from John A. Logan College to SIU-C, where he earned a B.S. in Political Science with a minor in Psychology in 1991, setting the stage for a career built on connecting with people.

Since 1992, Brad has been a part of Marion's automotive scene, climbing the ranks at the Ford Hyundai Lincoln dealership-from salesperson to body shop manager to sales manager and to general manager. His hands-on approach and knack for leadership led him to partner with Mike Absher in 2013 when Nissan of Marion became part of the Watermark Auto Group family. In 2019, his dedication and vision were rewarded when he was named President of the Watermark Auto Group, all while continuing to drive success at Watermark Ford Hyundai and Watermark Nissan of Marion.

When the showroom lights dim, Brad can be found in one of two places, on the golf course or with his family. Married to his best friend, Melanie, since 1991, their partnership has been marked by shared values and lifelong commitment. Melanie, whose career as an English teacher inspired countless students-from her early days in Cobden Unit School District 17 to her long tenure at Marion High School-retired in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to her students. Their daughter, Mackenzie Poole, MD, MBA, is now making waves in the medical field, completing a dermatology residency at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Whether on the lot, on the course, or at home, Brad's story is one of hard work, genuine connections, and a commitment to excellence-both in business and in life.

I was born and raised in Southern Illinois. I grew up in a "car family" on both the maternal and paternal-side as both of my grandfathers and both parents were car dealers. I started working in the shop as a custodian starting at age 12, and worked at the dealership until graduation from high school. 

I graduated Marion (Illinois) High School and then attended the United States Military Academy at West Point New York with the intention of being a career Army officer. I ultimately left the Academy and the Army voluntarily and returned home. As a 48-year-old, I wish I could talk to my 18-year-old self and take back that decision as I regret not staying and serving my country. That experience though has instilled in me a profound respect for those that have served! I then enrolled in SIU-Carbondale and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship. I worked at the family dealership throughout my college years as a warranty administrator and service writer.

Upon graduation, I was employed as Parts and Service Director, sales manager, used vehicle manager until I left the family company in 2003 to start a software firm named DealerWare LLC selling F&I Menu Selling software to car dealerships. We were very successful and this was the wildest ride of my life. We ultimately were endorsed by American Honda and were in the process of rolling out our software to the Honda dealerships nationwide, when our biggest competitor decided to take me out. And so, they did, and I sold DealerWare in 2006 to DealerTrack, Inc. 

I decided to get back into the business I missed so much and purchased Marion Ford, Inc in my hometown. I have since purchased three other dealerships, in Marion IL, Paducah KY, and Madisonville KY, and that has evolved into the Watermark Auto Group.

I have played the trumpet for nearly 38 years, and enjoy every opportunity I get to play in a brass quintet with some friends from high school and college. I also enjoy woodworking and have lots of cool equipment that is really dangerous, but I never turn on because I am too busy in the car business.

I have been married for 24 years to Cheryl, who is a licensed non-practicing attorney. We have three sons aged 20, 17, and 13.

I am retired from service on the Southern Illinois Healthcare Board of Trustees and as President of our local school board and was sworn in as Mayor of my hometown of Marion, Illinois on April 22, 2019.

Meet Damon Wright, our dedicated Finance Manager here at Watermark Nissan of Marion!

Damon is a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois and has been in the automotive industry since 1999. With more than two decades of experience, he's built a reputation for being honest, knowledgeable, and committed to helping customers navigate the financing process with confidence and ease. Whether you're buying your first vehicle or trading up to something new, Damon makes the experience smooth, stress-free, and personal.

When he's not assisting customers at the dealership, Damon enjoys spending time with his wife Patricia and their three children - Joshua, Sophia, and Isaiah. He's a proud family man who brings the same integrity and dedication to his role at Watermark as he does at home.

Damon is an essential part of what makes our team strong, and we're proud to have him at Watermark Nissan of Marion.

Say hello to Travis Hill, our backup Finance Manager here at Watermark Nissan of Marion! Originally from Ocala, Florida, Travis now lives in Carterville and brings over 20 years of experience in finance and sales management to our team.

In addition to supporting our customers here, Travis is also a full-time Finance Manager at our sister store, Watermark Ford Hyundai of Marion. He steps in at our location as needed, helping ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

When he's not assisting customers with their financing needs, Travis enjoys traveling, boating, and spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their two daughters, Mackenzie and Abby.

We're proud to have Travis as part of the Watermark family-be sure to say hi next time you're in the showroom!

Keith joined our team in September 2014, bringing with him over 18 years of experience in the automobile industry in Southern Illinois. Throughout his career, he has helped thousands of customers find the perfect car, always taking a kind and honest approach.

Originally from Council Bluffs, Iowa, Keith has called Christopher, IL, home for many years. He spent over 20 years as a regional manager for AFLAC before transitioning to the automotive world.

Beyond work, Keith is a devoted father and grandfather. He was married to his best friend, Carole, for 16 years before her passing from cancer. Together, they built a beautiful family with four children and five grandchildren, whom he cherishes dearly. ❤️

Keith is also a huge NASCAR fan! He even tried his hand at stock car racing before becoming an avid spectator. 🏁 When he's not cheering on his favorite drivers, you might find him giving back to the community through one of his favorite hobbies-the local haunt industry! For years, he ran a haunted house benefiting local charities, combining fun with philanthropy. 🎃👻

We're grateful to have Keith on our team and appreciate all the expertise, integrity, and enthusiasm he brings to Watermark Auto Group!

View Video Message

Spencer Lundgren has been with Watermark Auto Group on and off throughout his college years at Maryville University. He's held several different positions, working in detail, service, and now working full-time in Sales at Watermark Nissan of Marion. He has lived in Marion, IL., his whole life, and graduated from Marion High School in 2017. When he isn't helping customers get into the vehicle of their dreams, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful fiancée, Payton Schult. 

If you're looking for a vehicle, stop by and see Spencer; you won't regret it! 

View Video Message

We are so happy to have Eric Coale as part of the Watermark Nissan of Marion team! As one of our dedicated Sales Consultants, Eric has been helping customers find their perfect vehicles, bringing his expertise and passion for excellent customer service to every interaction.

A Marion native, Eric was excited to return home and rejoin Watermark Auto Group after spending time in Florida with his wife, Ruthann. While in Florida, he worked at Gatorland Toyota, gaining valuable experience in the automotive industry. His knowledge, combined with his warm and personable approach, makes him a fantastic asset to our team and a trusted resource for our customers.

Family is at the heart of everything Eric does. He and Ruthann are proud parents of a daughter and a son, who recently served in the Army. As a strong supporter of military service members and their families, Eric brings the same dedication, integrity, and commitment to his work as he does to his personal life.

When he's not at the dealership, you can often find Eric out on the golf course, enjoying time at his church, or playing sports. He loves staying active and engaging with his community, and he takes great pride in building lasting relationships with customers.

If you're in the market for a new Nissan or a quality pre-owned vehicle, Eric would love to assist you in finding the perfect match. Stop by Watermark Nissan of Marion today and let Eric help you drive away in a vehicle you'll love!

Keith Grohler brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our dealership to his role as a Sales Consultant at Watermark Nissan of Marion. His journey with us began in the Express Service department, followed by time in our Detail Department, before stepping confidently into his role in sales, where he's now been helping customers for an extended period.

This multi-department background gives Keith a well-rounded view of both our vehicles and day-to-day operations. He knows firsthand what goes into keeping a vehicle running and looking its best-knowledge he now uses to guide customers through the buying process with transparency and confidence.

Throughout his time with Watermark, Keith has proven himself as a dependable team player with a strong work ethic and a "whatever-it-takes" attitude. He's always ready to lend a hand and is known for making customers feel comfortable and supported from the moment they walk through the door.

If you're shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle, Keith is here to help you find the perfect fit. Give him a call at 618-944-0035 or send an email to kgrohler@nissanofmarion.com-he'd love to help you drive home happy!

Meet W. Scott Montgomery - Sales Consultant at Watermark Nissan of Marion

Originally from Senath, Missouri, Scott now proudly calls Marion, Illinois, home. With a diverse professional background including roles as a Consumer Loan Officer at SIU Credit Union, Director of Shipping at Timberline Fisheries, and Assistant Store Manager at Walmart Inc., Scott brings a wealth of customer-focused experience to our team.

Outside of work, Scott is passionate about coaching his children in sports, enjoying the outdoors through fishing and hunting, and staying active in the local community. He is married to Bethany, a Marion native, and together they have three wonderful children-Maddie, Abigail, and Will.

Scott is excited to help you find the perfect vehicle and provide the kind of customer service you can count on. Stop by and say hello!

Maddi was born and raised in Carterville, Maddi brings a unique blend of creativity, compassion, and community spirit to our team.

Before joining us, Maddi worked as an Inventory Manager and photographer at another local dealership-skills that now help her shine behind the scenes and on the lot. She holds not one, but two bachelor's degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she also interned with the Carterville Police Department. Currently, she's pursuing her master's degrees in both fields-talk about dedication!

When she's not studying or working, Maddi volunteers with Down The Leash Service Dogs and enjoys photography, drawing, painting, and spending quality time with her nieces and nephews. Maddi is also a loving caregiver to her young cousin, Willow, and proud dog mom to Savannah, her sweet German Shepherd mix.

She's the daughter of Dotti Petersen and has three siblings: Christian, Sydney, and Alexis. We're proud to have Maddi on our team and excited for what's ahead!

Say hello to Caleb Kearney, one of our dedicated Service Advisors here at Watermark Nissan of Marion!

Caleb hails from Benton, Illinois and now lives in Marion, where he's become a trusted member of our service department team. With over five years of experience managing restaurants like Joe's Pizza & Pasta and Freddy's, Caleb brings a strong background in customer service, leadership, and efficiency. His ability to stay organized while keeping customers happy makes him a perfect fit for his role here at Watermark.

As a Service Advisor, Caleb is your go-to guy for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. He works closely with both our technicians and customers to ensure service visits are clear, quick, and stress-free. Whether you're in for routine maintenance or unexpected repairs, Caleb is here to help make the process as seamless as possible.

Outside of work, Caleb is a huge sports fan-he loves cheering on the Indianapolis Colts during football season and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals during baseball season. When he's not catching a game, you might find him enjoying a round of golf on a sunny afternoon.

Next time you're in the service drive, make sure to say hi to Caleb! He's always ready with a smile and happy to help with anything your vehicle needs. 👋

If you've visited our service department, there's a good chance you've already met Heath Pencook - one of our friendly and knowledgeable Nissan Service Advisors.

Originally from Punta Gorda, Florida, Heath has brought his strong work ethic to Southern Illinois, where he now lives with his family in Herrin. He has an impressive background in the automotive and transportation industries, having served as a Service Writer and Manager at Weeks Chevrolet and as a Bus Driver with Durham School Services. His experience working directly with people shows in the way he takes care of every guest who walks through our doors.

Outside of work, Heath is a proud husband and devoted dad of two. Life at home is full of energy, thanks to his two kids, two dogs, and one cat - it's a full house in the best way! When he's not working or spending time with family, you'll likely find him diving into a good book, enjoying some downtime with video games, and spending time with his family.

We're proud to have Heath as part of our team. His attention to detail, calm demeanor, and genuine care for customers make him a valued part of the Watermark family. Next time you're in for service, be sure to say hello!

We're proud to introduce Chris "Smitty" Smith, our newest Express Lane Service Advisor here at Watermark Nissan of Marion! Originally from Rock Springs, Wyoming, Chris now lives in Johnston City and brings a wealth of hands-on experience to his new role.

Before stepping into the Express Lane Service Advisor position, Chris worked right here in our shop as a Nissan Technician, gaining in-depth knowledge of vehicle maintenance and repair. His background also includes retail management, delivery, and construction and shop work, giving him a well-rounded skill set that benefits our customers every day.

Outside of work, Chris loves spending time outdoors fishing, playing video games, and most importantly, being fully present with his family. Family means everything to him, and he strives to be involved in all aspects of their lives.

We're excited to have Chris "Smitty" Smith on the team and invite you to stop by the Express Lane to meet him soon!

Originally from Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, Eliot's passion for automotive technology started early. He graduated from Whitney M. Young High School before earning his Associate's in Automotive Technology. In 2017, he made the move to Southern Illinois, where he completed his Bachelor's in Automotive Technology at SIU-go Salukis!

Eliot gained experience as a GMC technician before joining the Watermark Nissan family in 2020, and we've been lucky to have him ever since! His expertise and dedication keep our customers on the road with confidence.

When he's not working under the hood, Eliot enjoys hiking and hunting throughout Southern Illinois, including the beautiful River to River Trail. He also loves spending time with his wife, Alexandra.

we're excited to introduce you to Zach Smith, one of our talented Nissan Service Technicians here at Watermark Nissan of Marion!

Zach was born in Herrin, Illinois and graduated from Marion High School, so he knows this area like the back of his hand. He brings over 10 years of automotive experience to our service department, having spent time detailing vehicles and building car parts before joining the Watermark team. That hands-on knowledge gives Zach a strong foundation to diagnose and fix issues with precision and care.

Zach is known around the shop for his steady work ethic, positive attitude, and attention to detail. Whether it's routine maintenance or a more complex repair, Zach approaches every job with the same goal: getting you back on the road with confidence.

When he's not in the service bay, Zach's favorite role is Dad-he loves spending quality time with his son and making the most of life outside the shop.

We're proud to have Zach as part of our Watermark family, and we're thankful for the dedication and skill he brings to our team every day.

Josh McReynolds has been part of the Watermark Nissan of Marion team since 2018, bringing a strong work ethic and a growing passion for automotive service. Born and raised in West Frankfort, Illinois, Josh is building his career in the automotive industry with hands-on experience and a commitment to learning.

Although he's been working professionally on cars for about a year, Josh's enthusiasm for vehicles and continuous improvement is clear in everything he does. In his spare time, he enjoys working on his own car, spending time with friends, and hanging out with his dog - Baxter, his loyal German Shepherd.

Josh enjoys balancing work and personal life, always bringing a positive attitude to the service department. We are proud that Josh is part of our Watermark family and look forward to continuing to watch his skills grow as he helps our customers with their vehicle concerns.

Josh Paisley is a dedicated Express Lane Technician at Watermark Nissan of Marion. A native of Carrier Mills, Illinois, Josh graduated from high school in 2015 and has been passionate about the automotive world ever since. His interest in vehicles started early, and he's always been drawn to the challenge of figuring out how things work under the hood.

In his role at Watermark, Josh is responsible for performing routine maintenance and ensuring every vehicle in his care leaves the Express Lane in top condition. He takes pride in delivering fast, efficient, and reliable service-always with attention to detail and a drive to learn more each day. Josh looks forward to growing his expertise and expanding his skill set in the ever-evolving world of automotive technology.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys working on cars in his spare time, fishing on quiet afternoons, and relaxing with his dog. He also enjoys winding down with his favorite TV shows after a busy day. Whether he's at the dealership or enjoying time outdoors, Josh brings a laid-back attitude and a strong work ethic to everything he does.

Josh is a valued part of the Watermark team, and we're proud to have him in our Express Lane family.

Meet Timmy Rich, an Express Technician here at Watermark Nissan of Marion!

Timmy is originally from Creal Springs, Illinois, and now calls Marion home. Before joining the Watermark team, Timmy worked in restaurant management as an Assistant Store Manager at Fazoli's, where he honed his skills in leadership, teamwork, and customer service. Today, he applies those same strengths in our service department, delivering fast, reliable care to every customer who drives through our Express lane.

Outside of work, Timmy enjoys spending time with his wife and family-including his mother and sister-and has a passion for 3D printing and drag racing. Whether he's creating something unique with his printer or soaking in the thrill of the track, Timmy brings curiosity and energy to everything he does.

Timmy and his wife are also looking forward to the next chapter in their lives as they hope to start a family in the near future.

We're proud to have Timmy on our team and appreciate the hard work, skill, and positive spirit he brings to Watermark Nissan of Marion each day.

Say hello to Xander Page, one of our hardworking Express Techs here at Watermark Nissan of Marion! With experience in car sales and as a former truck stop manager, Xander knows his way around both the customer side and the service side of the automotive world. That blend of knowledge makes him a valuable asset to our team and a go-to guy in the shop.

Originally from the area, Xander is a true car enthusiast who enjoys getting under the hood even when he's off the clock. When he's not in the service bay, you'll likely find him working on cars, enjoying time outdoors, or hanging out with his three German Shepherd pups - Nitro, Nova, and Duke 🐾. They're his loyal crew and constant source of energy.

Xander considers himself a "lone man band," but his life is full of activity and purpose. He has a strong drive (pun intended) to continue growing in the automotive industry. His five-year goal? To become a full-time mechanic - and with his work ethic and passion, he's well on his way.

We're proud to have Xander on the Watermark team. His commitment to learning, love for the trade, and positive attitude make him a standout in the shop.

Meet Xander Bush, Express Tech - focused, hard-working, and always ready to get the job done right. Xander's background in hands-on work at MKE Buildings gave him a strong start, but it's his passion for automotive that drives him forward.

He's not one to seek the spotlight - but give him a truck to work on or a tool in his hand, and he's in his element. When he's not at the dealership, you'll probably find him under the hood of his own truck or enjoying downtime with friends, keeping things simple and steady.

Xander's been with his girlfriend Kyliegh for two years, and he's got his eyes set on a strong future. His five-year goals? Owning his own home and continuing to grow as a technician - one step at a time, with consistent effort and pride in his craft.

We appreciate the reliability and quiet drive Xander brings to the team - a true behind-the-scenes powerhouse who helps keep things moving forward.

We're thrilled to announce the return of Cyndi to our Parts department at Watermark Nissan of Marion! With her extensive knowledge and experience, she brings invaluable expertise to our team. Cyndi's dedication to customer service and deep understanding of automotive parts make her an essential member of the Watermark family. Whether you're a mechanic needing specific components or a customer seeking parts advice, you can count on her professional guidance and attention to detail.

David brings over 31 years of experience from the power sports world. As a dealership owner representing top brands like Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Yamaha, and Arctic Cat, David's expertise is unmatched. His passion for power sports runs deep, and it's clear that he's committed to sharing that enthusiasm with the team and our customers.

David's love for bikes, ATVs, and everything in between blends perfectly with his love of music, which he enjoys in his free time.

He's also happily married to his wonderful wife, Wanda, who has been there every step of the way.

Hunter McQueen is a valued member of the Watermark Nissan of Marion team, serving as a Parts Advisor. His journey with Watermark began in the service lane as an Express Technician, where he developed a strong foundation in vehicle maintenance and customer care. His hands-on experience in service has given him a deep understanding of the needs of both technicians and customers-making his transition to the Parts Department a natural fit.

Originally from a small town in Kansas, Hunter made the move to Illinois to pursue new opportunities and continue growing his career in the automotive industry. His small-town roots instilled in him a strong work ethic and a genuine approach to customer service that stands out in every interaction.

Hunter enjoys helping customers find exactly what they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly, and he takes pride in being part of a team that values quality, integrity, and long-term relationships.

When he's not at the dealership, Hunter enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Tiffany, and their close-knit group of friends. He also has a passion for drag racing and loves the thrill of the track-a hobby that reflects his lifelong interest in cars and performance.

We appreciate Hunter's dedication, positive attitude, and the knowledge he brings to the Parts Department each day. He's a key part of what makes Watermark Nissan of Marion a great place to work and serve our customers.

Ryan is a proud Marion, Illinois, native who brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic to Nissan of Marion every day. While he's not married and has no kids, he does have one very special four-legged companion - his Goldendoodle, Beau. 🐶💛

When he's not at work, Ryan enjoys spending time with friends and family, staying active, and hitting the gym 💪. He's also a big St. Louis Blues fan - Let's go Blues! 💙🏒

We're lucky to have Ryan on our team - his dedication and energy make a big impact every day!

Say hello to Ben Simmons, one of the newest friendly faces on our team! Born in Carbondale and now calling Marion home, Ben brings a sharp eye for detail and a strong work ethic to everything he does. He's lived in several states-from Florida to Washington-and we're glad he landed here at Watermark.

Before joining us, Ben gained experience through student employment at McKendree University and at Domino's. He also enlisted in the National Guard, where he began Basic Combat Training.

When he's not keeping our vehicles spotless, you'll find Ben out in the community-he loves staying active through local events. His hobbies include running, working out, playing video games, studying athletic training science, and even trading stocks. His favorite color? Purple!

Ben has big goals: in five years, he hopes to be a correctional officer or even an Olympic runner 🏃‍♂️💪.

We're proud to have him on our team!

If you've called or visited Watermark Nissan of Marion, there's a good chance you've already met Tabetha Ward - our Receptionist and Rental Manager who helps keep our front desk and rental department running like clockwork!

Tabetha is originally from Carterville, Illinois, and still lives there with her husband. She brings a wealth of experience to our team, having previously worked at Watermark Ford Hyundai and H&R Block, where she developed her strong customer service and organizational skills.

Whether you're calling the dealership, checking in for service, or picking up a rental vehicle, Tabetha is often the first person to greet you - and she does it with professionalism, kindness, and a calm, helpful attitude that makes every customer feel valued.

Outside of work, Tabetha and her husband recently celebrated a major milestone: both of their children just graduated from college - one earning a Master's degree, and the other completing a Double Bachelor's! 👏🎓

In her downtime, Tabetha enjoys reading, watching baseball, spending time with family, and catching a peaceful nap when she can. 💤⚾📚

We're so grateful to have Tabetha on the Watermark Nissan of Marion team - her dedication and positivity make a difference every single day!