Meet Sammie – Official "GOAT" Greeter

Sammie wasn't just our greeter— she was our heart. From the moment she trotted through the front doors each morning with Scott, Sammie brought joy, comfort, and a wagging tail to everyone she met.

Her warm presence was felt by customers young and old, and she had a special gift for making children feel at home (often by playing right alongside them!). Known affectionately as "The GOAT" of dealership greeters, Sammie turned every visit to Oakley Auto World into something special. She had a way of knowing when someone needed a smile or a gentle nudge, and she gave both freely. Whether you came in to buy a car or just stopped by to say hello, Sammie made sure you left with a lighter heart. Though she has passed on, Sammie's spirit lives on in every kind gesture, every friendly welcome, and every tail wag we still imagine at the door. She'll forever be part of the Oakley Auto World family-and our story just wouldn't be the same without her.

Meet Roletta "Walt" Oakley – Founder & Owner

Roletta "Walt" Oakley is the pioneering founder of Oakley Auto World. In 1993, after relocating from Omaha, Nebraska, where she owned and operated a successful pre-owned dealership-Walt brought her vision and industry expertise to the Ozarks and established what would become one of the region's top pre-owned auto dealerships.

Walt began her career in the late 1970s at a Chevrolet dealership in Kansas City and has spent decades building a reputation for honesty, excellence, and customer-first service. Her leadership laid the foundation for what Oakley Auto World is today. Now proudly run by her two sons-Jack Oakley as General Manager and Scott Oakley as Sales Manager-the dealership continues to thrive as a true family business. The next generation has also stepped in: Jacob her grandson works in the Sales department at the dealership, continuing the Oakley legacy. Walt's family roots run deep, though they also stretch far—her granddaughter lives in California, where she has made a name for herself as a successful creator and makeup artist and her youngest grandson Christian is already dreaming big and an entrepreneur in the making and karate black belt. Walt remains proud of her family's accomplishments, both near and far, and the lasting impact Oakley Auto World has made in the community she calls home.

Meet Jack Oakley – General Manager

Jack assisted in starting the family business in 1993 after helping his parents move to the Ozarks and decided to make the area his home. Since then, he's become an essential part of Oakley Auto World, overseeing everything from inventory purchasing to customer satisfaction. Jack is happily married to his wife, Wendy, and is a proud father of a son and daughter. When he's not at the dealership, you'll likely find him spending time with his family, watching sports, or manning the grill-where he's just as skilled with a spatula as he is with a steering wheel.

Meet Our General Sales Manager

With over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, our General Sales Manager brings a deep passion for leadership, customer service, and team development to Oakley Auto World. He is dedicated to supporting and guiding his team every day—helping them grow, improve, and consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience.

What he enjoys most about his role is mentoring the next generation of professionals and helping customers find the vehicle of their dreams. Throughout his career, he has taken pride in developing team members who have gone on to become department leaders, positively impacting both their careers and their families’ lives.

His leadership is grounded in strong values: treating others with respect, leading with purpose, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. He believes that success is measured not just by business results, but by the growth and positive impact made along the way.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and their dogs, often finding any excuse to be outdoors—especially trips to the beach, their favorite place to relax and recharge.

His vision of success is simple yet powerful: to leave the business better than he found it, having helped others grow both professionally and personally. Every customer interaction is guided by the goal of making people feel heard, respected, and fulfilled when they choose Oakley Auto World.

Meet Scott Oakley – Sales Manager

If there's a fire to put out, Scott Oakley is already two steps ahead. As Sales Manager, Scott keeps the Oakley Auto World sales team sharp, well-trained, and ready to deliver the kind of top-tier service our guests deserve. With a deep-rooted passion for the car business and years of experience under his belt, Scott plays a vital role in keeping the dealership running like a well-oiled machine. Scott quite literally grew up in the auto industry and has been instrumental in Oakley Auto World's continued growth and success. His dedication to both the team and our customers is unmatched—he's the guy who makes sure everyone is taken care of, every single day. Scott is happily married to Lindsey, and together they have one son. Outside the dealership, he enjoys quality family time, traveling to new places, and cheering on his beloved Denver Broncos (even during the tough seasons now that's loyalty).

Meet Tracy Shelden – Office Manager

Tracy Shelden is the engine behind the scenes at Oakley Auto World quietly (but efficiently!) keeping everything running smoothly since 2015. As Office Manager, she handles an incredible range of responsibilities with precision, professionalism, and a calm that keeps the rest of us sane. With many years of office management experience, Tracy has become an indispensable part of the Oakley family.Originally from Wilmington, Illinois, Tracy brings both Midwestern grit and heart to her role.She's known not only for her organizational wizardry, but also for the warm, dependable energy she brings into the workplace every day.Tracy is married to her husband, John, and they have two sons and one daughter. When she's not juggling numbers, schedules, and the 1,001 other things she does, she's spending time with her three beautiful granddaughters her favorite role of all.

Meet Chad Gunther – Sales Manager

With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Chad Gunther brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a genuine desire to help people into every interaction. A proud graduate of Springfield, MO, Chad has dedicated his career to making sure each customer feels confident, comfortable, and completely satisfied with their vehicle-buying experience.Chad loves seeing the smile on a customer's face when everything comes together-and he works hard to ensure every guest is treated like part of the Oakley Auto World family. Whether you're buying your first car or your fifth, Chad is ready to guide you through the process with professionalism and care. He looks forward to helping you find the perfect vehicle and welcoming you to the Oakley Auto World family.

Meet Jacob Oakley – Finance Manager

Jacob has been part of the Oakley Auto World family since the age of 15, starting out washing and detailing vehicles. With a passion for the automotive world and a strong work ethic, he quickly expanded his role — taking on responsibilities in vehicle photography and website inventory management. Today, with over four years of experience in vehicle sales, Jacob is a knowledgeable and dependable Senior Sales Consultant, helping customers find quality pre-owned vehicles they can trust. His deep understanding of every step of the dealership process — from presentation to purchase — gives him a unique advantage when assisting buyers. Known for his integrity, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to help, he makes the car-buying experience simple, transparent, and enjoyable. Outside of work, he enjoys watching the KC Chiefs play, playing basketball, PC gaming and has found a passion for learning the art of grilling out for get-togethers. Whether you're buying your first vehicle or adding to the family fleet, Jacob is ready to help you every step of the way.

Meet JJ Massey – Operations Support Manager

Hello! I'm JJ Massey. I've been in the car industry since 2005, and I'm an associate here at Oakley Auto World, where I play a key role in keeping our administrative office running smoothly. From handling various administrative tasks to processing titles for the latest vehicles, I strive to ensure that your car buying or service experience is seamless and enjoyable. allowing our team to deliver the best service possible, I take great joy in supporting my team and creating an atmosphere where everyone I encounter leaves with a smile. It's fulfilling to know that my efforts contribute to a positive experience for our customers, vendors, and team alike! Before joining Oakley Auto World, I was a Finance Director at 417 magazine, where I developed a keen eye for detail. Now I bring that expertise to help ensure every aspect of your visit is handled with care. With kindness and accuracy as my guiding principles, I believe every customer deserves a warm welcome and efficient service. Whether you're picking up your new car or visiting for routine maintenance, I'm here to make every interaction feel personal and appreciated. When I'm not at the dealership, I'm soaking up time with my family in the beautiful Ozarks. I love catching live music, cheering on our favorite sports teams, and enjoying water activities. I also dabble in baking and gardening whenever I can. My vision for success is all about raising my kids, Laken and River, to be kind, Wonderful individuals. I aim to instill those same values in my work here at Oakley Auto World, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Success for me is knowing that I'm contributing to a brighter future for me, my family, and my customers. I'm committed to making life easier for our customers, team members, and vendors. By providing friendly, accurate, and efficient service, I ensure that every visit to Oakley Auto World is a positive experience, whether you're here to explore new vehicles, get routine maintenance, or simply stop by for a chat.

Meet Hayden – Hursh Parts & Service Director

Hayden Hursh is the go-to guy when it comes to getting the right parts at the right time. As PartsManager, Hayden oversees all parts ordering for both customer and dealership vehicles-making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. With four years of experience in the field, Hayden thrives on the variety of vehicles that roll through the shop, and he's always up for a challenge. Whether it's solving a parts issue or lending a hand in the service department, Hayden brings his full focus, effort, and problem-solving mindset to every situation. His "try anything once" attitude and commitment to constant improvement make him a valuable part of the Oakley Auto World team-and a dependable resource for both coworkers and customers alike.

Meet Angie Stolze – Service Manager

With over 8 years of experience in the automotive industry, Angie is a dedicated Service Advisor committed to delivering a “red carpet” experience to every customer. Angie’s approach combines technical knowledge with genuine empathy, helping customers better understand their vehicles and feel confident in the service they receive. Angie takes pride in her professional journey, having worked her way up to become a Service Manager—a role she earned by overcoming challenges and dedicating herself to continuous education and growth. Her strong values of honesty and integrity guide every interaction; as she puts it, "I wouldn’t sell something to a customer that I wouldn’t recommend to my own family." Beyond the service drive, Angie is a proud mother of four—Skyler, Charles, Isabella, and Natalya—and enjoys fishing and crafting with her husband, Chris. Together, they tackle fun projects around the house, alongside their lively crew of three dogs and too many cats to count. Angie’s philosophy for success is simple: “Never stop learning and growing—be a good student of life.” She believes that by educating customers and treating them with transparency and respect, trust and loyalty naturally follow.

Meet Harlan Huff – Service Facilitator

With over 15 years of experience in sales, Harlan Huff has built his career on connecting with customers in a genuine and friendly way. His approach is simple yet powerful: make people feel comfortable, earn their trust, and ensure every experience is positive and stress-free.

Harlan thrives on meeting new people and bringing smiles to their faces. He believes that happy customers make for a better day and a better workplace. One of his proudest professional accomplishments was solidifying a six-figure transportation contract with John Deere Corporate offices — a testament to his reliability, communication skills, and dedication to customer satisfaction.

Hailing from the Quad Cities area — Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa — Harlan enjoys spending his free time golfing, attending church, and being with family. His values of positivity and open dialogue guide both his professional and personal life.

For Harlan, success means spreading joy and staying optimistic: “Life is too short to be angry or mad.” That same positive energy fuels his service philosophy. He aims to make every guest smile, believing that “smiles are contagious — give one away and it will spread like a pandemic.”

Meet Jeremy Zaruba – Senior Sales Professional

Hello, my name is Jeremy Zaruba. I was born and raised in Granite City IL I have lived in Spokane, Washington, Bonner Springs, Kansas and now my home in Branson, MO I started my career in the automotive industry in 2000 I have worn many many hats: sales manager, director of inventory management and director of operation. I enjoy outside activities: boating, fishing, and RVing I am married to my lovely wife, Lisa and our two rescue boy dogs, Gary and Rylee. The boat I have always wanted is a Chris Craft and my dream car is Porsche 911 GT3.

Meet John Utterback – Sales Professional

John Mark Utterback is a dedicated Sales Consultant at Oakley Auto World, bringing a personable, hands-on approach to every guest he meets. Though he’s new to the automotive industry, John Mark has quickly excelled by focusing on what he enjoys most—meeting new people and helping them find the right vehicle with confidence and ease.

Before joining Oakley Auto World, John Mark built a strong foundation of leadership and service as a Certified Captain with the United States Coast Guard. That experience shaped his commitment to professionalism, integrity, and calm guidance—qualities he now brings to every customer interaction.

John Mark prides himself on being approachable and attentive. He believes in taking the time to understand each client’s needs, creating a comfortable environment, and ensuring the entire purchasing process feels smooth and effortless. His goal is to build long-lasting relationships as he grows into becoming the best salesman he can be.

Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, John Mark has called Wimberley City home for the past several years. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on Lake Rock with his family, boating, and fishing as often as he can.

Whether you’re shopping for your first vehicle or upgrading to something new, John Mark is passionate about making your experience enjoyable, informative, and stress-free from start to finish.

Meet Brady Wilhite – Sales Professional

Brady Wilhite is a dedicated Sales Consultant at Oakley Auto World, committed to helping every guest find the perfect vehicle for their needs. Though he is new to the automotive industry, Brady has hit the ground running with his friendly personality, eagerness to learn, and genuine passion for connecting with people.

Before entering sales, Brady earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, an accomplishment that strengthened his communication, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to honesty—qualities he brings with him to every customer interaction. His core value of respect guides his approach, ensuring each guest feels heard, valued, and supported throughout the buying process.

Brady is known for being approachable, positive, and patient. He believes in keeping things clear, straightforward, and stress-free. His goal is to leave a lasting, welcoming impression on everyone he meets—whether they purchase a vehicle today or simply come in to explore their options. He strives to build long-term relationships as he grows into becoming the best salesman he can be.

Outside of work, Brady is a friendly and outgoing person who enjoys brightening the day of those around him. Whether it’s offering a smile or striking up a conversation, he believes small gestures can make a big difference.

Whether you’re shopping for your first vehicle or searching for the perfect upgrade, Brady is passionate about making your experience enjoyable, informative, and effortless from start to finish.

Meet Bryant Avery – Sales Professional

Bryant Avery is a dedicated sales professional at our auto dealership with two years of experience helping guests find the right vehicle for their lifestyle. What Bryant enjoys most about his job is meeting new people and building genuine relationships with every customer who walks through the door.

Bryant believes in treating every guest like family. He takes the time to listen carefully to each customer’s wants and needs, making sure they feel understood, respected, and confident throughout the buying process.

Outside of work, Bryant enjoys playing golf and relaxing with his family. His vision for success is simple: to work hard, serve others well, and one day enjoy a home by the lake.

When you work with Bryant, you can expect friendly service, honest guidance, and a commitment to helping you find what works best for you.

Meet Brett Jones – Sales Professional

Brett Jones is a friendly and driven Sales Associate at our auto dealership, bringing one year of experience helping customers find the perfect vehicle. He takes pride in guiding guests through the car-buying process and making it both enjoyable and stress-free.

What Brett enjoys most about his role is meeting and interacting with new people while helping them find their dream car. His approachable personality and sense of humor make it easy for customers to feel comfortable and confident when working with him.

Brett has already made a strong impact, earning recognition by winning several monthly sales competitions across the Reliable campus—a testament to his dedication and performance.

He believes in being easy to talk to, building genuine connections, and creating a positive experience for every customer. Outside of work, Brett enjoys spending time with friends and family and attending sporting events.

Brett’s vision for success is to continue growing both personally and professionally while ensuring every customer leaves happy. His goal is simple: help people find a great deal on a vehicle they love, while making the entire experience memorable for the right reasons.