To truly understand our commitment to our customers, we think it is important that you learn a little bit about each of us as individuals first and not just as a person that works for the local Ford or Nissan dealership.

 

Craig Questelle - Managing Partner

Originally from Harrisburg, IL, my automotive adventure began in February of 1991 when I became a Zone Manager for Ford Motor Company in the Seattle Region. It was then that I developed a desire to someday operate my own dealership. This dream became a reality in July of 2011 when my business partner, Mike Absher, and I opened Madisonville Ford Nissan. I was lucky enough to marry my high school sweetheart, Amy Noah Questelle, 14 years after we graduated. It goes without saying, but she is the single biggest reason I am where I am today. We have two of the most awesome boys in the world, and when I'm not busy at the store, I am spending time with them doing whatever hobby is the flavor of the month. I must also mention my furry son, Captain, who is the biggest Golden Retriever you will ever see. My small-town roots as the son of a coal miner and school teacher, along with my work experience make me strive to provide a customer experience that is unlike any other automotive dealership you have ever visited. This really is like a family and I think you will feel it from the moment you walk in the showroom. Please join me along with our entire team and come see why we say, Don't Buy, Until You Stop By…Madisonville Ford Nissan. "

 

Mike Absher - Dealer Principal 

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 in 1989 as the valedictorian of my class, and then was admitted to and 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. I then enrolled in SIU-Carbondale and graduated in 1992 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. And then I retired at age 35, for three hours.

I decided to get back into the business I missed so much, and 6 months later to the day 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 21 years to Cheryl, who is a licensed non-practicing attorney. We have three sons aged 16, 13, and 10 who cause little trouble, but are very active and adept at tearing up things of value.

I recently retired from service on the Southern Illinois Healthcare Board of Trustees which is the largest employer in our region with 3300 associates. I serve as the President of our local school board, and enjoy lending my time and talents to all organizations that are crazy or desperate enough to want or need my help.

Meet Our Staff...

 

You'll never find a more true-blue car guy than our Sales Manager, Stephen Ruby. It's true. Just ask him. In all honesty, this statement encapsulates some of Stephen's favorite things: Big Blue UK Basketball, Muscle Cars, and Making Car Deals Happen! Stephen began his automotive career right here in Madisonville over 10 years ago. It was during that time that he developed the now infamous nickname of Scoob. You'll also have to ask him about that one. The only thing more important to Stephen than cars and UK basketball is his wife, Michelle, and son. He counts spending time with them among his hobbies as well as fishing, four-wheeling and strolling the beaches of Florida at least twice a year.

 

If there is anyone in the store that ought to write a book, it's Bob Whitt. His automotive experience is only over shadowed by his life experience. Come to think of it, maybe Bob has written a book??? Originally from Owensboro, Bob cut his automotive teeth in the great state of Texas working with several high volume dealer groups. Luckily for us, he returned home to the Commonwealth and began working here in 2007. Bob's experience is not only an asset to us, but to the many customers that he has assisted with vehicle financing and warranty questions. It may seem like Bob is always here, but he does occasionally take a day off to spend time with his family which includes: a very understanding wife, Bree, a daughter, and three sons.

 

When Darren Ramey graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Agricultural Education, the last place he thought he would find himself was in the car business. But we're sure glad that he did. Darren joined our team in November of 2011, and immediately made an impact with our Internet Sales Department. Just check out the numerous Cars.com reviews that mention him specifically by name if you don't believe me. Darren brings a new attitude to the car buying experience and it shows with his many satisfied customers. Darren is originally from Princeton, and when he is not here taking photos of inventory or emailing potential clients, you can find him at Pagliai's Pizza or on Lake Barkley with his friends. He occasionally stops by the Elks in Princeton, but only occasionally.

 

Two and half years ago, Matt made the fateful decision to leave the world of office supplies, computers and copiers to join us in vehicle sales. Matt will be the first to point out that cars cost way more than any computer Staples offers, but they're a whole lot more fun. Despite his strange accent and colloquialisms (i.e. Soda Pop), Matt maintains that he is NOT a Yankee, but in fact a Phightin Phillies fan. This explains, among other things, his love for all things Philadelphia. Matt counts bicycling and attending driving school among his many hobbies. He and his wife, Samantha, are also proud foster parents of a son. Matt is one of our most consistent performers and can always be counted on to make the SYNC demonstration user friendly for even the most computer illiterate user.

 

Neal has been in the car business for over ten years. He decided early in his career that the more names you have, the better your chance a customer will ask for you by name. Hence, the full use of his name, Quincy Neal Carver. Quincy Neal is an inspiration to all of us not only because of his infectious positive attitude, but because he is a single father of three. This is tough job for anyone, but especially tough for someone in a retail sales position. It never seems to get him down though, as Neal can often be seen singing and dancing around the dealership as he takes care of one of his many satisfied customers.

 

Gerald likes to call this his second or third career. You see, he retired from AT&T several years back and starting selling cars as a hobby. That turned into his second career and then when he tried to retire again, everyone missed him so much that we begged him to come back. And when we say everyone, we mean everyone from the dealership as well as his customers. Gerald's honest and straightforward sales process has been winning folks over for some time and he now offers this same approach with internet buyers. Gerald is known around the dealership as Big Blue, because of his passionate love of University of Kentucky Basketball. The only thing he loves more is his wife, Sherlen, and family, which mean the world to him.

 

Originally from Muskogee, Oklahoma, "Pastor" Tommy is our resident spiritual advisor. We're not joking. Tommy has spent 3 ½ years in full-time ministry, made mission trips to Africa and South America, and graduated from the Teen Challenge Ministry. He is also an active member of the Covenant Community Church and participates regularly in the Madisonville Great Banquet. When Tommy commits to something, he is all in. The same holds true for his commitment to his customers. Tommy consistently has one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings within the store. Tommy often says, it's not how many cars you sell, but how many customers you are making happy that is important. His many repeat buyers think the same thing.

 

Rusty is a fixture around here as much for his longevity (29 years and counting) as his larger-than-life persona. Rusty handles all of our new vehicle inventory needs including ordering from the factories as well as dealer trades. In addition, he manages our commercial sales department which includes selling to local fleets and businesses. Prior to the automotive business, Rusty was the proprietor of the Stag Shop, a men's fine clothing store in downtown Madisonville. Rusty is seldom seen without a big smile on his face. That is unless you ask him to do a dealer trade at 4:50 p.m. on a Friday afternoon. Rusty is the proud grandfather of three and when he and his wife, Emilie, are not spending time with the grandkids; they're out on the lake in their pontoon or exploring the countryside in their four-wheel Rhino.

 

Tim who hails from Henderson recently joined our service team. He brings 14 years of experience with him and finds the pace of business much more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of the big city. Tim offers a straight-forward approach and brings a working knowledge of automobiles to the service advisor position. He counts restoring classic cars among his hobbies and likes to spend time with wife and two sons when away from the dealership. Tim invites his previous customers from the Henderson and Evansville area to come by and visit.

 

 

 

Rafe is one of the few Senior Master Certified Ford Technicians not only in the area, but in the entire Cincinnati Region. Rafe has extensive training with all different types of Ford vehicles, but his expertise is electronics and diagnosis. We've been told that Ford Service Engineers periodically contact Rafe directly just to get his opinion on an unique or hard to find problem. Rafe hails from Mortons Gap, where he and his wife, Kathy, have a beautiful spread for their two boys to run wild. In his free time, Rafe enjoys fishing with the boys. We recommend you bring your vehicle in for Rafe's expert opinion, but do not play poker with him. He is a mean poker player, and can often be seen at various poker tournaments around the country. He's hard to recognize though because he does where a disguise. 

 

Ricky is our Parts Manager and brings 24 years of experience to the position. He has been at this location since January of 1998 and his expertise, unlike the many parts that he stocks is irreplaceable. Originally from Slaughters, it was determined early in life that Ricky was destined to become a Parts Manager. One day during a pick-up game of basketball, one of his fellow competitors lost a contact lens on the asphalt playing surface. As everyone grumbled about looking for what they considered to be a needle in the haystack, Ricky quickly stated, "Here it is!" His future was set. Today, he is still helping people find the right part at the right time. Of all of the accolades that he has received, Ricky is most proud of his family. He and his wife, Kim, have three outstanding children. Ricky's hobbies are all about sports as he is our resident scratch golfer and also coaches middle school basketball during the school year.

 

People come far and wide just to have Graham, NC native, Kyle Carver, paint their vehicles here at the Madisonville Ford Nissan Body Shop. Kyle offers 16 years of experience and a perfectionist's touch that makes him one of the best in the area. Kyle was once recruited by a reality show for his artistic contribution, but turned it down when they required he move to Southern California. Kyle's dedication to the body shop is unwavering and he can be found here at nearly all hours of the day making sure customer's vehicles are ready on time and in perfect condition. Kyle loves to ride ATV's and motorcycles, but his real passion is his family. He and his wife, Samantha, have two daughters and a son.   

 

Tim is simply known around here as our Macgyver. He once repaired a customer's flat tire with a stick of gum and a paper clip. A former owner of his own body shop, Tim and has over 25 years of experience in the business. Here he not only takes care of customer's vehicles, but also makes sure every used vehicle on the lot is standing tall and in sound mechanical condition. Tim's talents are endless, but one thing that he is really proud of his family. He has been married to his wife, Mechiele, for 28 years and they have two exceptional children. Their son recently returned home from teaching English in Japan for two years, and he and his daughter ran a full marathon earlier this year for the American Cancer Society.             

 

Jerald rounds out our team of experienced body shop technicians. He has 29 years of experience in body shop repair and has been working at this location since 2010. Jerald has an absolute meticulous eye for detail and makes sure every vehicle he touches is fixed right the first time. Originally from St. Charles, Jerald now calls Nortonville home with his wife, Crystal. In his spare time, he enjoys going to car shows and camping.