Ron Shoemaker
Chairman of the Board – After graduating from the College of Communication, School of Journalism at Ohio University, Ron began his career in sales and management with a division of W.R. Grace. In 1983, Ron redirected his career and began working in the automotive industry where he focused on remarketing vehicles for corporations, financial institutions, leasing and rental companies. In 1992 Ron incorporated Fleet Lease Exchange Co., Inc. dba Flexco Fleet Services. In 2017, along with Chad Shoemaker established The Hourglass Foundation to help underserved youth by offering scholarships. These scholarships are to help those who wish to pursue skilled trades or engineering technology including automotive and manufacturing.
I am at a point in my life where I want to give back in a big way and to give to those who are striving to reach their goals.
Chad Shoemaker
Chief Executive Officer, Hourglass Management Corporation – After graduating from Miami University with a Marketing degree from the Farmer School of Business, Shoemaker moved to Denver, CO and joined the sales force at UNUM, a group disability and life insurance leader. Over the next eight years he continued selling employee benefits for three industry leading insurance carriers. UNUM, United Healthcare and Univers Workplace Benefits winning various sales awards along the way. In 2009 Shoemaker joined Hourglass Management in Business Development. Hourglass Management Corporation (HMC) is an industry leader focused on strategic consultation and best practices within the automotive remarketing, financing, and fleet management industries. HMC provides value to its customers and partners through the creation of strategic alliances and development of new and innovative products supported by the suite of companies it represents, Flexco Fleet Services, Innovative Funding Services, and ZOOMWAREHOUSE Online Vehicle Auction. In 2017, Shoemaker became CEO and along with his father, Ron, founded The Hourglass Foundation whose mission is to help underserved youth by offering scholarships to community colleges. The scholarships are designed to help those who wish to pursue skilled trade or engineering technology including automotive and manufacturing.
We’ve been fortunate to work in an industry that has been very good to us. We see a void in the marketplace and are compelled to access our network to give back to help fill that void.
Sherry Calkins
Sherry Calkins has been involved in the Fleet and Automotive industry for the last 21 years, working both nationally and globally. The first 12 years of her career began as a Fleet Administrator working in both government and corporate fleets, overseeing the entire fleet operations, ranging from acquisition, leasing, remarketing, maintenance facility’s, fueling, alternative fuels, safety, and partnering with various vendors. Over the last 11 years, her career has been in Saas based solutions offering software and data analytics for fleets, OEM’s and Tier 1 suppliers. Sherry has been involved in various Fleet committees and advisory boards, offering a range of knowledge and insight, training and speaking at national conferences. Her passion for the fleet industry is endless, along with her desire is to bring her energy, knowledge and experience to the industry and continue advancing corporate fleets worldwide. Sherry is currently on the Board of Directors for AFLA, and a board member for GAVDA (Global Alliance for Vehicle Data Access) and services as Vice-Chair of the Fuels & Technology Committee with NAFA. Sherry is currently Vice President, Strategic Partners for Geotab.
The Hourglass Foundation is changing lives, supporting young adults for educational opportunities is such a rewarding experience. Being in the fleet industry, having the opportunity for young adults to receive scholarships for trades programs and community colleges are so important to empower these students.
Jen Pearson
Jen Pearson is Vice President at HopDrive, the premier short distance vehicle transport company, where she defines and executes business development strategy and strategic partnerships.
Jen originally joined the automotive industry as a Client Service Representative with Merchants Fleet Management. After gaining several years of valuable experience in fleet management, Jen made the move to LeasePlan US to take on the role of Account Manager. Quickly exceeding all customer experience goals and service expectations, Jen earned steady advancement into more challenging leadership roles, including Senior Account Manager, Client Consultant, and Dedicated Account Director. As a Certified Automotive Fleet Management Executive with more than 15 years’ experience leading high-performing teams, enhancing the customer and employee experience, and building sustainable revenue growth, Jen is known for her tireless commitment to doing right by every customer, every time. She consistently leverages deep fleet management expertise, analytical skill, and collaborative teamwork to translate sales and service strategy into action, exceed multi-million-dollar sales goals, and empower clients to thrive. Known as a masterful strategist, positive change agent, and inspiring leader capable of implementing best practices, Jen is a key part of HopDrive’s executive leadership team.
Jen and her family make their home in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Outside the office, you’ll often find her playing the drums or with her Goldendoodles.
Brian Myers
Brian’s vast career history includes multiple sales and management roles within the automotive sector, including roles at National Car Rental, GE Capital, and Donlen. Throughout his career, Brian has remained steadfast in his love for both automotive and fleet.
During his 18-year tenure with Flexco Fleet Services, Brian gained immediate traction as Vice President at Flexco by leveraging his experience gained in the leased vehicle space—quickly identifying that Flexco could conduct new business not only by remarketing company owned fleets, but also through remarketing for companies that utilized corporate lease programs.Brian also contributed significantly to the ongoing success and growth of the company. His leadership, experience, and ability to connect with others in the automotive and fleet industries made him an invaluable asset and a critical resource for strategic sales initiatives and new business opportunities.
Brian has been an advocate for, and a long-time member of NAFA Fleet Management Association, Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (ALFA), and NTEA Work Truck Association. Brian has also served on AFLA’s Communications Task Force and a Local NAFA Board.
Brian announced his retirement from Flexco in June of 2024 and is now enjoying time traveling, playing golf and spending time with his family.
Jeff Hill
Jeff Hill is currently Fleet Manager with Ques. Jeff brings over thirty years of experience in the transportation, construction equipment, fleet, and automotive industries. Having held various levels of leadership, focusing on operations management, fleet management, fleet specifications and procurement, employee coaching and development, national account negotiations, fleet maintenance software, and customer service. Jeff attained his Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) certification in 2015 through NAFA Fleet Management Association.
I am excited to join the Board of The Hourglass Foundation. What a great way to give back and help fund scholarships for students looking to pursue an education that leads to a career in fleet or other trade industries.
