INSTRUCTORS

Eric Mélon

Eric Mélon has spent more than 32 years working in the automotive industry, developing a world-class reputation for training thousands of successful sales and management personnel throughout the world. Eric joined First Dealer Resources, now IAS, in 2004 to direct their sales training initiatives and grow their dealer relations nationally, and now serves as President of Sales for their national operations. Prior to joining FDR, Eric served as a dealer development consultant for Chicago based Stuker & Associates, a premier, world-renowned sales training organization. While there, Eric was responsible for both national and international accounts as he trained management and sales personnel throughout the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe. Prior to working with Stuker & Associates, Eric enjoyed a successful career working in automotive retail, with extensive experience in sales, sales management, and upper management.

Mélon's style of training is passionate, powerful and uncompromising. His message is concise and direct and participants of his classes are challenged, pushed, provoked and entertained. Mélon's rewards for training come in the form of making a difference in people's lives. These rewards continue to flourish, as a large number of people trained by him over the years say that he has done more than make a difference - he has positively impacted their careers, literally changing their lives.

Mike Holliman

Mike Holliman joined IAS in 2015 as National Director of Training and Academics. Although based primarily out of the Oklahoma City and Dublin, OH offices, Mike regularly travels to dealerships across the country for customized training classes and speaking engagements. A natural leader, Mike is well known for the energy and extensive knowledge he brings to SmartDealerUniversity classes.

Sales, F&I, Management and Executive Leadership are just some of Mike’s areas of expertise. Empowering students with new techniques and knowledge about current trends, along with a strong, well-rounded foundation of industry basics is one Mike’s biggest passions.

With a very personable, hands-on approach to his classes, Mike is often described by his students as not just a trainer, but a “real car guy”. Mike learned the industry from the inside out by working in automotive retail for more than 24 years. He worked in various dealerships throughout the U.S., with roles ranging from Sales, Sales Manager, F&I Manager, GSM and GM. Ultimately becoming the Operating Partner of a Lexus store and graduating Gulf States Toyota’s General Manager’s Evaluation program “First Pass.” Mike holds several other certifications within the auto industry including: NADA Dealer Academy graduate and Management By Strengths Certified Trainer.