Our Leadership

John Pappanastos — CEO and President

John Pappanastos joined EFG Companies’ board of directors in February 2006 and became chief executive officer and president in February 2007. His evangelistic spirit and vision breathes life into the organization every day. John oversees and provides leadership, direction, and guidance for all business activities at EFG. He acts as the chief strategy officer to develop and implement the strategy and vision for the organization to advance its long-term business goals, as well as promote profitability, growth, and increasing service discipline. Prior to joining the EFG senior team, he served in multiple senior capacities for BellSouth Corporation, including strategy, finance, product development, and operations. 

Paul Budvitis — President, Business Development

Paul Budvitis brings to EFG Companies over 20 years of experience in all aspects of automotive retailing. As president of business development at EFG, Paul is responsible for all sales and distribution in the U.S. and Canada. Paul’s commanding and determined personality makes him uniquely qualified to handle the highly competitive environment of business development. He truly believes in transforming his clients’ business through the implementation of unique and innovative solutions surrounded by targeted training, recruiting, and go-to-market strategies. Paul also served as president of WALKAWAY® USA, launching the award-winning Hyundai Assurance Vehicle Return Program. Paul has extensive experience as a general manager, general sales manager, and F&I director in domestic, import, and luxury product environments. In addition, Paul spent nearly seven years with Resource Automotive/Aon in various leadership roles. Just prior to joining EFG, he successfully launched and built an automotive internet company, DriveChicago.com, from concept to profitability.

Jim Craner — Chief Financial Officer

Jim Craner brings over 30 years of auto industry experience as the chief financial officer of EFG Companies. While his energy and attention to detail may be the result of a caffeine addiction, Jim sets the pace for efficiency within the organization. He is responsible for the financial policy planning and performance while also serving as an active partner to the CEO in driving EFG’s overall business strategy. Prior to EFG, Jim spent over three decades with General Motors where he was instrumental in the birth of the iconic Saturn automotive brand, which permanently altered the automotive retail landscape. He led the company in creating and implementing Saturn’s legendary customer service, which defined the brand with consumers and crystallized a new era of automotive marketing communications.

Cliff Eller — Chief Operations Officer

Over his 25-year career with EFG Companies, Cliff has been responsible for virtually every area of the business, from product development to sales and marketing to claims administration. His long history at EFG makes him a cornerstone of the organization. With an enthusiasm for sports statistics that borders on the fanatical, Cliff’s attention to detail manifests itself in high-caliber efficiency of his direction of EFG’s claims group. Cliff’s current duties as the chief operations officer include rating and reserve structure analysis for all EFG products, coordination with outside actuarial firms supporting the various programs, legal and compliance, and claims administration. Cliff’s experience enables EFG’s agility in product innovation and customization. He brings over 32 years of experience in the automotive industry, including extensive dealership fixed operations management, to his job. 

Sue Huggins — Human Resources Director

With over 25 years of experience in human resources, Sue brings hands-on experience in recruiting, personnel selection, employee relations, benefits and compensation administration, workplace learning, and diversity initiatives to her role as human resources director. Every employee at EFG Companies has at some point been captured by Sue's camera. The passion she puts into all endeavors is what drives her to make sure every employee feels empowered as a member of the team. With years of training and insight into recruiting and retaining top performers, Sue plays a leadership role in creating an employee-centric, high-performance culture.

Mark Rappaport — Chief Information Officer

Mark Rappaport brings over 20 years of business development experience, encompassing strategic and market planning as well as technology vision and leadership, to his role as the chief information officer of EFG Companies. With the unique ability to think both analytically and creatively, Mark’s free-flowing logic allows him to provide vision and leadership to not only EFG’s IT team, but the entire organization. He is responsible for development and implementation of the technology solutions that bond EFG with its customers, placing the company among the easiest to do business with in the industry. Mark also gives direction for future growth, acquisition, and initiation of new business divisions. Prior to joining EFG, he was responsible for strategic planning initiatives at The Point Group, where he launched their digital practice, enhanced their product offerings, and streamlined operations. Speed and efficiency are apparent in Mark’s personal and professional interests — he completed his master’s degree at Northwestern University in one year.

Jennifer Threet — Chief Marketing Officer

Jennifer Threet is a 20-year marketing veteran with experience spanning both national and global organizations such as Shell Global Solutions, Sprint Retail, and the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her quick wit and extensive factoid knowledge makes it easy for Jenny to stay on the cutting edge of market trends. As the chief marketing officer of EFG Companies, she develops go-to-market strategies and turnkey marketing programs for the organization’s clients as a means of differentiating and driving their business. Her team pairs traditional marketing services with online contact strategies designed to boost customer traffic and enhance customer loyalty. Prior to her tenure with EFG Companies, Jenny served as president and chief operating officer of The Point Group for almost 10 years, where she helped drive more than $60 million in capitalized billings and served clients globally through an integrated marketing communications model which included branding, research, digital marketing, interactive design and development, search engine optimization, advertising, and public relations.

Senior Management Team

Jeff Beaver — Senior Vice President, Product Development and Initiative Execution

Jeff Beaver began working with EFG Companies in 2004 and has provided leadership in marketing as well as managed lines of business. In his current capacity, Jeff directs the development of new products and solutions as well as program launches with clients across all of EFG’s core business channels. Jeff is EFG’s angel for the details, and his intense scrutiny and excellence has helped EFG maintain its professional reputation for flawless execution and implementation. Jeff has been instrumental in the national rollouts of programs like WALKAWAY®, SalesEDGE®, DentZone®, and Hyundai Assurance. He has more than 20 years of experience in marketing leadership, most recently at MCI.

Todd Cooper, Vice President, Specialty Channels

With a background in sales, business management, field operations and dealer finance, Todd brings over 21 years of industry experience to his role at EFG Companies. As the vice president of Specialty Channels, he is responsible for performance management and business analytics for the organization. Todd views the world with a cool and steady eye which enables him to evaluate every situation for the greatest possible insight. His steadfast direction allows him to continually seek new and better opportunities for clients and business partners alike. Todd worked with General Motors dealers in 24 states during periods of growth and consolidation, where he consulted with dealer principals on performance metrics, profitability and business growth and managed network consolidation. Prior to General Motors, he worked with Saturn Corporation, where he managed field staff operations for the Northeast Region. Todd was also an F&I consultant for GMAC, where he analyzed F&I operations and prepared profit center analyses to drive for improvements in department profitability and performance.

Eric Fifield — Vice President, Agency Services

Eric Fifield brings over 20 years of automotive industry experience to EFG Companies. As the vice president of the company’s Agency Services division, he is responsible for dealer development through a distribution network of top-tier agents. Eric’s veracious attitude holds the team accountable for setting continuously higher standards and providing our clients with the highest level of expertise and engagement. Prior to EFG, Eric served as the regional sales manager and vice president of sales for Great American Insurance. His career began 20 years ago with the Penske Corporation as an ASE Certified Technician, where he worked in many capacities including the director of training. Eric’s clients have included organizations such as AutoNation, Ford Motor Company, Honda Motor Company, Chicago Automobile Trade Association, and hundreds of agents and dealers across the country.

Brien Joyce, Vice President, Specialty Channels

Brien Joyce is an accomplished, forward-thinking field executive with over 20 years of strong multi-disciplinary experience. At EFG Companies, he uses creative problem-solving and honed vision to drive bottom-line results as the vice president of specialty channels. Brien's humble attitude and broad view perspective allow him to effectively maintain EFG's client relationships and expand the organization's efforts to better support his clients' business goals. Prior to EFG, Brien worked at Saturn Corporation as the zone manager in the Southeast region of the country, where he served as the primary retailer contact for 48 Saturn facilities in eight states. Brien has also served as the assistant director of the UAW-GM quality network process at General Motors, where he implemented a total quality management system in over 40 assembly plants. At GM, Brien's zone had the most Summit Award-winning retailers and he received the GM Achievement Award in 2006. Brien received his Masters of Education, Counseling & Student Personnel from Mankato State University.

Steve Klees — Senior Vice President, Specialty Channels

Steve Klees brings a wealth of knowledge in lending, F&I, sales, and product management expertise to EFG Companies. Steve’s strategic creativity has enabled him to greatly extend EFG Companies’ product innovation and administration capabilities into new markets. On the lending side, Steve has secured and maintained successful, strategic partnerships with SWBC and Santander. Steve started at EFG as a national sales manager, where he increased WALKAWAY® business to $1.5 million. Steve played a key role on the team that closed Hyundai Assurance and a leadership role in the launch to Hyundai’s 780 dealerships across the nation. Prior to EFG, Klees was the vice president of sales for GE Capital, where he managed a 140-person sales force. Steve also directed the national training program for Resource Automotive and served as a trainer for new dealers at the NADA Dealer Academy. Steve was instrumental in many game-changing programs for Volkswagen America, including the development of national brand standards and the implementation of the VSC and GAP programs for VW Credit. Steve is considered a subject matter expert and is a frequent panelist at the NADA conference, the F&I conference, and other finance and insurance conferences.

Chuck McGraw — Senior Vice President, Professional Services

As vice president of Professional Services, Chuck is responsible for managing new professional service solutions across multiple channels. Chuck’s electric energy manifests itself in everything that he does, and his quick pace allows him to take on a myriad of challenges every day. He has more than 25 years of industry experience encompassing a broad spectrum of sales, program development, training, executive-level consulting, and technology development. As a VP of program development at Resource Automotive, Chuck began consulting with Chrysler Corporation and was brought on to join the team responsible for developing and launching Chrysler’s successful Five Star Program. He later worked with a fraction of this team to develop, pilot, and launch salesperson, management, and dealer training for all of its 4,500 stores. Chuck started one of the first CRMs applicable to the retail automotive industry which was acquired by EFG in 2004.

Stephen Roennau — Vice President, Training

Steve Roennau joined EFG Companies in 2007 and currently serves as the vice president of Training. With a voice like Steve’s, it’s no wonder EFG’s training solutions are an industry best; his audience can’t help but be captivated. In his time at EFG, he has significantly upgraded the organization’s training capabilities and continues to bring innovative training solutions to the organization’s extensive client roster. Steve came to EFG from Chrysler’s Five Star initiative, where he developed training curriculum, conducted program pilots, and certified instructors. Steve has developed and delivered national training for Hyundai, General Motors, Ford, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, and numerous dealer groups throughout the country. He has also held the position of national head of training for the Quiznos Corporation. Steve holds certifications in the Guided Discovery training process, the Inductive Training Method, and Adult Learning Techniques.

John Stephens — Senior Vice President, Dealer Services

As the senior vice president of Dealer Services at EFG Companies, John directs the company’s direct sales and service channel, providing EFG’s solutions and engagement to auto dealers. John serves as a strategic copilot in guiding his clients’ businesses to greater profitability, and they will tell you that they rely upon his recommendations and leadership as a trusted partner. John is responsible for leading the Dealer Services team in optimizing the profitability of EFG’s direct dealer partners and supporting the use of EFG products and services. In his 22 years in the automotive industry, John has held many positions, from F&I contractor and director to a general sales manager. When working for Mac Haik, his store ranked number seven in the nation for unit sales.

Glenice Wilder — Vice President, Recruiting and Workforce Solutions

Glenice Wilder leads the Recruiting and Workforce Solutions team at EFG Companies. If anyone at EFG could be said to have gravitas, it would be Glenice. Her presence brings a sense of empowerment to everyone around her. Glenice guides her team, using a proprietary Top Performer profile, a rigorous interview process, and scientific behavioral scoring to sift through thousands of applicants every month to identify and place top performers for our clients. Glenice also partners with our clients’ management teams to assess their processes, people, and technologies to develop a plan to increase the performance of their teams. Her team provides insight on how to increase our clients’ productivity by ensuring the right people are in the right positions, identifying communications styles of staff and management to improve performance, and developing leadership skills for improved execution of business.