Troy Smith, President and Founder of Search Optics Inc, is responsible for driving business strategy and technology innovation for the company and its clients. Troy began his internet marketing career in ultra-competitive online verticals including travel, consumer goods and third party lead generation. In working with automotive groups, he recognized the need for a company who could bring internet car buyers directly to dealer sites - bypassing lead providers and creating the highest quality leads. This led to Search Optics as a provider of interactive marketing solutions for retail automotive dealers. Prior to Search Optics, Troy worked with number of different Web start-up companies and has a diverse background in technology, sales and marketing. Troy has a BA in Business from Kansas State University and resides in San Diego.

Search Optics CEO, David Ponn, is a senior level executive and business strategist who has worked in marketing, business development, program management, and strategic planning for Dow 30, Fortune 500, and a variety of privately-held businesses. An expert in organizational development and change management, David manages the development and implementation of Search Optics programs that help automotive retailers take full advantage of the power of Internet marketing. David attended Rutgers University and lives in San Diego.

Christian Fuller, Executive Vice President of Sales Operations, has an extensive background overseeing customer relations. Prior to Search Optics, Christian managed the automotive print publications of the Trader Publishing Company in Southern California. His 16 years of automotive-related experience help Christian bring diverse marketing insights to Search Optics clients. He is responsible for overall client satisfaction, as a key voice in the overall strategic direction for the company. Christian earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, a Master of Business Administration from San Diego State University and lives in San Diego.

Jason Stesney, Vice President of Business Development, began his career at the Tier III dealership level and moved on to the Chrysler Corporation, rotating through sales, marketing, and service operations. He also worked in sourcing and manufacturing with Honeywell Automotive and managed online and print sales for AutoTrader in Southern California. His passion for quality and accountability drives many of the solutions Search Optics brings to dealers across the country. With a well-rounded automotive background, he enjoys traveling the country and consulting with clients, while bringing innovative solutions to an industry in need. Jason attended Michigan State University and resides in San Diego.

Paul Katzka, Search Optics Advisory Board Member. Paul has been an officer at some of the largest and most prestigious advertising agencies in the world. He started his career at Young & Rubicam, progressed to DDB-Needham, and recently was President of DentsuNext, a North American Division of Dentsu, Japan. Paul has authored Automotive Reference Books published by Random House and has appeared in the media helping consumers make smart automotive decisions. Paul advises Search Optics to ensure that the company's interactive marketing solutions reach their full potential. Paul holds a B.A. in Economics from Emory University and a M.B.A. from Emory University/Hofstra University.

Joe Walker, Search Optics Advisory Board Member. Joe is the President of Maple Bay Consulting LLC. Prior to joining the Search Optics Advisory Board, Joe was president of Polk Global Automotive, a division of R. L. Polk & Co, where he was responsible for Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Information Technology, Human Resources, Legal, Government Relations, Product Strategy and Data Acquisition. Prior to R. L. Polk, he was also President and CEO of Plunkett & Cooney, one of the Michigan's premier law firms. He is a well known speaker on leadership, team-building, quality, ethics, and law firm management. Joe holds a BS from Xavier University and a JD from University of Detroit School of Law.

Meg Davis, Vice President of Marketing, brings 20 years of experience creating and implementing successful marketing strategies and programs for technology and automotive organizations. She began her career at PACCAR, the third largest manufacturer of light, medium and heavy-duty trucks in the world. At PACCAR, she held various marketing and operational management positions, and worked closely with the dealer network to support sales and marketing initiatives. She has also held marketing and product management leadership positions at several software and technology companies including DefenseWeb, QAD, Websense and QUALCOMM. She holds an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley, a MBA from the University of San Francisco, and resides in San Diego.

Dennis Fuller, Vice President and Corporate Controller, brings over 10 years of Finance, Cost, and GL accounting experience to Search Optics. He began his career in professional services with seven years in the Corporate Finance group at Ernst & Young, LLP developing Financial Leadership skills. Dennis has managed accounting teams, corporate budgets, financials and processes, and has been responsible for divisional revenues up to $300 million in public and private companies such as ViaSat, Barratt American, and Interior Specialists, Inc. Dennis graduated from Long Beach State and currently resides in Carlsbad, CA.

Cristina Foster, Midwest Regional Director, brings over 20 years of automotive experience to Search Optics. She began her sales and marketing career at IBM, working on re-engineering at General Motors. Working at Sun Microsystems in sales and marketing, she specialized in CRM strategies and moving Midwest clients to the internet during the dotcom expansion. Cristina was then recruited into event marketing and public relations helping technology and automotive clients leverage their experience in customer reference programs. Most recently Cristina comes to Search Optics from R.L. Polk & Co. where she was responsible for OEM initiatives. She helped her clients measure ROI resulting from effective marketing campaigns and closed sales in the dealerships. Cristina attended Michigan State University and resides in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Dwight Hecht, Western Regional Director, brings over 15 years of wholesale and retail experience to Search Optics. He served as Pacific Northwest Market Manager at Mercedes-Benz USA and was District Sales Manager with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. for 10 years. Additionally, his 4 years of retail experience with Ford and Acura give him a unique understanding of the challenges facing dealers at all levels. Dwight holds a BA in Economics and History from Tulane University and represents Search Optics in California and the Pacific Northwest.

Ken Lees, Eastern Regional Director, is a 20-year veteran of the automotive advertising industry. After long term success in classified advertising, Ken was part of the eight-person team that launched AutoTrader.com in 1999. Later, he helped propel Car.com into one of Inc. Magazine's 500 fastest growing private companies. While Ken has served as Vice President of Sales for Dealer.com and has entrepreneurial start-up experience in forming Auto Bid Systems, his internet marketing expertise has helped differentiate Search Optics in the marketplace. Ken actively participates and serves on several Dealer Association' and company boards. He is a noted writer and an engaging industry-expert public speaker. Ken holds a BBA from Campbell University and lives in Norfolk Virginia.

Marty Masternick, Southwest Regional Director, was raised in Metro Detroit, and has a homegrown love for the automotive industry. She spent her college summers interning for General Motors, rotating through Worldwide Purchasing, Supplier Quality, and Logistics. As a Lexus Product Specialist, she traveled throughout the United States, training dealers and presenting new Hybrid technology to consumers. While the Internet evolved into the "green" and cost-efficient way to advertise in future markets, she facilitated the computerized lead-acquisition program for Lexus events nationwide. Marty's Internet strategies are valuable assets as she communicates ROI and results-driven data to Search Optics clients. She brings her passion for creative efficiency to every client project. An alumna of Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, she now resides in La Jolla, California.

Scott Falduto, Director Tier II, began his career at TBWA Chiat/Day managing Nissan dealer marketing groups in the traditional advertising industry. He then joined the national sales staff selling ad space for the Chicago Sun Times. The desire to manage dealer marketing groups led Scott to Leo Burnett where he managed high-profile dealer groups for General Motors in the North Central Region. With over 13 years experience in the automotive advertising industry, Scott brings knowledge, ideas and passion for interactive marketing solutions to his clients. Scott graduated from Ball State University and resides in the Chicago suburbs.