Meet The Crew
John Shipley
Founder/President
Hello there! I’m John D. Shipley, the founder and President of Elite Auto Dealer Services. With over two decades of automotive expertise, I established Elite auto in 2016 to address the unique needs of dealerships.
Our mission is simple: to provide a one-stop solution that aligns with your dealership’s culture, offers customized training, fosters internal development, and offers vetted products.
My journey in the automotive industry has included roles such as Finance Director for prominent groups and Corporate Training Director across the USA, focusing on the growth of sales and finance departments.
Beyond my professional life, I relish spending quality time with my family and friends. I have a deep love for the outdoors and am a passionate bookworm. I believe that a balanced life, both personally and professionally, leads to success and happiness.
Feel free to connect with me and let’s explore how Elite Auto Dealer Services can elevate your dealership’s profitability and enhance the ownership experience for your customers.
Jessica Williams
National Account Executive
Jessica Williams is a co-founder of Elite Auto Dealer Services. She works closely with dealers to evaluate their needs an implement the tools to increase dealer profits.
Before co-founding Elite Auto Dealer Services, Jessica worked as an independent agent. She has developed long term relationships with dealers across the nation and has helped each dealer increase their profits month to month and year over year.
Jessica grew up in a small town in Colorado. In her free time, she enjoys being out in nature, hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding.
Peter Van Haren
Regional Account Manager
Born and raised in Montana. I love my family, the outdoors, Hockey, and all things Big Sky country. Since 2004 I’ve been providing owners and their teams with valuable, results based action.
The skill and information I have gained from the past two decades in the industry is priceless and needs to be invested back into our industry and people.
I’m pleased to represent Elite Auto Dealer Services and, with my refined approach to automotive sales and finance processes as well as systems and service, we can’t lose.
I look forward to working with you.
Dan Rutledge
Regional Account Manager
Hi, I’m Dan Rutledge. I’ve spent more than 20 years in the automotive industry, and today I”m proud to be part of Elite Auto Dealer Services, where I help dealerships build stronger, more effective operations without the typical one-size-fits-all approach.
What I enjoy most about this business is partnering with dealers and their teams. At Elite Auto, we work side by side with our clients to create solutions that actually fit their culture with our clients to create solutions that actually fit their uclture - whether that’s through customized training, developing internal talent, or offering products we truly believe in. The goal is always the same: help your team perform.
Mike Rabe
National Account Executive
Mike Rabe is a National Account Executive for Elite Auto Dealer services, bringing over 17 years of automotive industry experience defined by consistent, measurable, and results-driven success. Throughout his career, Mike has held key leadership roles in Finance and Corporate Training - delivering proven performance in improvements in profitability, product penetration, and overall dealership performance in every position he’s held.
Mike philosophy is simple: take care of your people and they’ll take care of your customers - and the numbers will follow. He also lives by a mindset that resonates across the retail automotive world: “If you’re open, we’re open.”
In addition to his automotive career, Mike proudly served 25 years in the United States military, active duty int he Navy, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard.
A devoted father, Mike has two children - his daughter Abby (23) and his son Evan (25). He is also a proud grandfather to his two-year-old granddaughter Ava, with another grandchild on the way later this year. Family is central to Mike’s life and that definition of family extends into every relationship he builds - personally and professionally.
Driven by purpose, grounded in service, and proven through results, Mike Rabe brings a culture-first mindset to every dealership relationship. He doesn’t just aim to improve performance - he works to elevate people, strengthen culture, and help dealerships build something that lasts - because in his world, success is shared and no one succeeds alone.
Aaron Hansen
Regional Account Manager
Aaron was born and raised in Osgood, Idaho just outside of Idaho Falls. He grew up working on his family farm, raising potatoes, wheat, barley, and alfalfa until the age of 18. That early experience instilled a strong work ethic, accountability, and an appreciation for doing things the right way.
Aaron began working at what was then Idaho Auto Auction under Steve Marlow. He quickly advanced through several positions, eventually becoming the Sales Manager over GM inventory. When the auction changed ownership, Aaron decided it was time for a new challenge and took his industry knowledge into vehicle wholesaling.
He joined Mountain Home Auto Ranch as Used Car Manager and later accepted the same role at BMW of Boise. After several years, Aaron was recruited to relocate to Twin Falls, Idaho, to run Truck Ranch. There, he oversaw day-to-day operations, managed and trained the sales staff as well as incoming F&I managers and lot technicians, made decisions on reconditioning and vehicle mechanical issues, and handled his share of F&I responsibilities.
In December 2024, with their family growing to include seven grandchildren, two sons-in-law, and two daughters-in-law, Aaron and his wife Charity made the decision to move back to Boise to be closer to family. Shortly after relocating, Aaron was contacted by John at Elite Auto Dealer Services, his favored warranty provider while at Truck Ranch in Twin Falls, with an opportunity to join his team - marking the next chapter in Aaron’s automotive year.
Aaron brings decades of hands-on experience, relationship-driven leadership, and a deep understanding of dealership operations. His reputation is built on trust, consistency, and delivering value of both dealers and customers - and his story is still being written.