Cal Wilkins is chairman and CEO of TASCO. Cal joined TASCO in 1984 and became partner in 1991. In 1994, he was promoted to president and served in the role until transitioning to chairman and CEO in 2015.
Cal revolutionized the manufacturer’s representative business by creating dedicated customer teams, utilizing category management and fact-based selling. He built a great team of professionals and fostered an environment for personal growth and success. Cal’s insight and vision led to tremendous growth and transformed TASCO into one of the premier sales agencies in the automotive aftermarket.
Cal began his aftermarket career in 1976. He has been involved with AutoZone since the first store opened in 1979 and has established many close relationships with industry connections on both the customer and manufacturer side. Cal has always been deeply involved with automotive aftermarket and continues to use his broad experience to serve the industry. He previously served on the Executive Board of the Auto Care Association and has been very involved in the association for many years. Cal is active with several local charities and has served on many charitable boards.
As president of TASCO, Mike Boyer oversees all business operations, manages relationships with all manufacturer clients and leads the sales team to drive business results.
Mike joined TASCO in June of 2013 after spending 19 years at AutoZone and nine years at UCI Companies (Champion Laboratories and ASC Industries). With a passion for and dedication to helping the sales team identify and capture sales opportunities, Mike finds it highly rewarding to bring together manufacturer partners and distribution customers to form successful, mutually-beneficial relationships. He believes that “if you find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life,” and he has found that in his career with TASCO. Mike holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Southern Illinois University. When he’s not working, he can be found spending family time on the lake, golfing and serving on the boards of the Auto Care Association and Camp Conquest.
As executive vice president of operations/partner at TASCO, Mark Allison is responsible for all financial matters of the company to include tax, legal, employees and accounts receivable and payable.
He joined the company in 2001 and takes pride in making the company better in every aspect. “When I say ‘best,” I mean to use our resources in the best way possible in order for our employees to have a place to thrive for them as individuals and for their families as well,” he said. Prior to TASCO, Mark was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, where he was consistently in the top of his class in several schools and courses in the military, which resulted in two meritorious promotions throughout his career. With a B.A. in communication and minor in sociology from Arkansas State University, he enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, farming and traveling.
As executive vice president/partner of TASCO, Chris Kelly is responsible for all sales of hard parts to AutoZone and also manages hard parts categories for the TASCO organization.
Since 1995, Chris has driven sales results with an energetic, fun-loving spirit. Chris has a strong determination to bring customers and manufacturers together in a true win-win business relationship. “I pray for three things in the morning—humbleness, humbleness and knowledge,” he said. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Creighton. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing rock n’ roll with his band.
After spending 20 years at AutoZone, serving as vice president over merchandising, Mark joined TASCO in 2003. Over the years, Mark has helped his suppliers to create products that are relevant to their businesses to drive sales.
Mark believes that “if people like you and trust you, the reward is great,” which is why integrity and honesty are the cornerstones of his career. Working with AutoZone and vendors to create sales programs, he has strong relationships with his accounts and strives to build solutions to help drive their goals and success. In his spare time, Mark loves spending time with his family, boating and fishing.
“Success is never final, and failure is never fatal. It’s not if you win or lose—it is how you rebound from it.” This philosophy is the driving force behind Todd Hammett’s successful career at TASCO.
He joined the TASCO team in 1999 and is currently senior vice president of sales for the AutoZone account. Prior to TASCO, he worked as an account manager for Denso for seven years. Consistent and dedicated, Todd enjoys working with vendors and clients to help both meet and exceed their key company initiatives. He has been recognized as “Rep of the Year” by various vendors and has also had vendors that he represents be recognized for awards by AutoZone—a testament to his passion for building mutually-beneficial relationships. With a B.B.A. in business administration and marketing from Ole Miss, Todd is the alumni advisor for the Ole Miss chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He also spends his free time snow skiing, boating and golfing.
Patrick Griggs joined TASCO in February of 2010. In his role as Account Manager on the AutoZone team, he enjoys helping to find the common ground between factory and customer—a scenario in which everyone wins.
Patrick is always up for a challenge and ready for the unexpected. “Always expect change—your day will never go as you planned,” he said. Hardworking, steady and even-keeled, Patrick’s previous career was in the commercial printing industry, and he earned a B.A. in printing management from Arkansas State University. Away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters and trying new restaurants.
Patrick is dedicated to growing vendor and customer sales, maximizing product-program efficiency, and sustaining differentiation while maintaining brand integrity. He holds a degree in Logistics from the University of Tennessee.
Patrick joined TASCO in May 2024, bringing with him over 16 years of experience in the manufacturers’ rep business. He is passionate about connecting with people, understanding their ideas, and bringing them together to achieve common goals. Described as ambitious, authentic, genuine, sincere, passionate, positive, and persistent, he thrives in the close-knit community of his industry. Outside of work, Patrick enjoys spending time with his family, attending live music and sporting events, and is deeply involved in health and nutrition. He is also active in several industry associations, including YANG and the Manufacturers’ Rep Council. Patrick lives by the philosophy, “You Can Have Everything In Life You Want, If You Will Just Help Enough Other People Get What They Want,” a quote by Zig Ziglar that guides his professional life.
As an account manager at TASCO, Averi Mathews helps factories and buyers put the right products in place.
Averi joined TASCO in 2005 with an extensive background in automotive aftermarket chemical manufacturing. “I wouldn’t be so devoted to my career if I didn’t believe we could truly help our customers,” she said. Dedicated and persistent, Averi believes in “taking the hit and moving on. You never know a when a different opportunity will develop.” Averi earned a B.S. in marketing from Christian Brothers University. In her free time, she enjoys cheering for The Ohio State University football, reading a good or bad mystery as well as watching sci-fi shows and movies.
Eli Perkins joined TASCO in 2021, shortly before graduating with his B.B.A. in management information systems from the University of Mississippi.
As an account manager, he enjoys creating and updating digital content, managing our website and social media accounts, and updating our blog. The thing Eli likes most about TASCO is learning and gaining opportunities in many other parts of the business. Prior to TASCO, Eli interned for Great Neck Saw as a data analyst working on search engine optimization, primarily on Amazon.com. Friendly, patient, and persistent, Eli has quickly proven his value to the TASCO team.
Providing solutions and ideas, being innovative is what differentiates Chad and TASCO sales representatives from other organizations.
With nearly 15 years of experience in the Automotive Aftermarket, Chad is new to the TASCO team. He brings a fact-based selling approach that provides our customer base with dynamic solutions that help deliver results. Over his career in the Aftermarket, he’s worked primarily within the Mass Merchant and Auto-Retail channel, across front-room and back-room categories. His early days in the industry were dedicated to Category Management, where he was able to leverage data and help support customers with winning assortments. Since transitioning from Category Management to Sales in 2012, Chad has brought a customer-centric approach to all aspects of the business. He’s helped lead several sales teams to build strong partnerships that are focused on shared KPI’s. Chad believes “one should strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” When he is not working, he can be found at a sporting even with his three kids, spending time with his family, and occasionally on a golf course.
Since 2017, Jim McCown has been responsible for overseeing the Advance Auto account, ensuring his team stays close to the Advance merchant team, constantly building relationships and providing top-notch solutions.
He also manages communication with TASCO’s factories to ensure they feel they are receiving the right level of support from his team as they work to grow sales at Advance. Prior to TASCO, Jim spent 29 years in the automotive aftermarket including 11 years in operations and 17 years in various merchandising roles with AutoZone. Hie extensive experience and knowledge of the industry are unparalleled and ensure he makes strategic recommendations to his customers and clients. “My position at TASCO allows me to leverage the various experiences I have from my time on the merchant side of the table to help navigate the ever-changing issues we face with our customers,” he said. Away from the office, Jim enjoys playing tennis, working on cars, boating, yardwork and DIY projects around the house as well as spending time with his children and family.
Since beginning his career with TASCO in 1990, Peter Jarema has witnessed how rapidly the automotive industry has evolved with the technology of computer electronics leading to connected and autonomous vehicles.
As Account Manager for Advance Auto Parts and CarQuest, Peter enjoys selling new products and technologies while finding new opportunities to grow sales. Forward-thinking and energetic, he consistently works with manufacturers and distributors to form successful partnerships and is able to quickly adapt to changes at any time. Prior to TASCO, Peter was a Combat Heavy Engineer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and also spent time as a Heavy Mechanic at Grainger & Associates; he achieved Army E-6 Rank in just four years while receiving several awards. Away from work, he enjoys repairing and maintaining engines, cars, boats and motorcycles; spending time on the lake with family and going to the race track with friends.
Jorge Lozada joined TASCO in 2021, bringing unique perspective in supporting buyers.
This perspective comes from 6 years working in merchandising roles at Advance Auto and a warehouse distributor. Jorge is resourceful and focused on cutting through red tape, working with manufacturer partners to deliver turn-key solutions to buyers. He is an avid automotive enthusiast; and understands the needs of the end-user customer.
Jorge followed up his BBA from Campbell University with an MBA from East Carolina University. He is a veteran of the US Army Reserves and was deployed in Kosovo as a part of his service. In his spare time, Jorge enjoys working on cars and traveling with his wife.
Since joining TASCO in 2007, Laura Waskey has played a vital role in assisting vendors and customers with many different requests.
Working with Advance Auto Parts, she ensures inventory is properly set up online, assists vendors with accounting questions and updates point of sale reports each week. Laura’s extensive knowledge in her role ensures she provides top-notch service and education to vendors on the processes of the customer. Before joining TASCO, Laura worked at Advance Auto Parts for more than eight years, moving from accounting to merchandising and later asset protection. Detailed and organized, she thinks outside the box to develop solutions and avoid any potential errors. “My career has shown me that the sky is the limit as long as you apply yourself and never stop learning,” she said. In her free time, Laura enjoys going to concerts, live music events and festivals.
As a Vice President at TASCO, Jordan McConnell works with Dollar General, Tractor Supply, NAPA and The Home Depot.
Prior to joining TASCO in 2006, he worked his way through college at Middle Tennessee State University at Stones River Country Club as well as assisted the family business, which was operating two NAPA AutoCare Centers. “I enjoy having the opportunity to work with some of the best people in the industry who teach me valuable lessons every day; I venture to never stop learning,” he said of his career. Throughout his tenure at TASCO, Jordan has earned the title of 2014 Salesman of the Year and was also part of the University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 Graduate Class of 2016-2017. Determined, yet rational, Jordan believes that “no means maybe, and maybe means yes.” When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, who are all involved in Scouting and still turning a wrench every now and then.
Bailey Hammett joined the TASCO team in June of 2023.
She received her business degree from the University of Mississippi in 2019. Her previous work experience has been with Kirkland’s Home Decor where she had various roles, as Drop Ship Coordinator and Site Merchandiser. She enjoys all things Ole Miss, reading, yoga and spending time with family and friends.
Working on the Dollar General team as well as servicing Middle and East Tennessee, Ryan Galmish joined TASCO in 2013.
Having known Mike Spiroff since the age of 16, Ryan credits much of his success to watching and learning from his mentor and boss. Prior to TASCO, Ryan worked for a cell phone insurance company for eight years, working his way up to project management for the company. When asked about his career at TASCO, he said, “I take experiences and accomplishments from the past and apply them to future accomplishments,” which yields long-term success and helps him to build life-long relationships. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Middle Tennessee State University. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing in recreational sports leagues in Nashville, playing golf and being as active as he can be outdoors with his dog.
Since 2003, Christy Bingham has proven herself to be an integral part of the TASCO team.
As an account manager and sales analyst, she solves problems and provides input to gain the most out of all opportunities she is presented while creating and maintaining life-long relationships. “I’m always willing to explore new opportunities and learn new skills, even if it’s the opposite direction of where I’m currently going,” she said. Prior to TASCO, Christy was a court reporter for eight years and during that time also spent three years as a real estate agent. Willing and eager to try various processes and ideas, she believes that if she waits for the customer to tell her what to do, then she’s too late to the game. Outside of work, Christy spends time with her husband and three kids, enjoys snow skiing, visiting the beach or even staying home with no plans at all.
A friendly team-player who is willing to go the extra mile to provide an exceptional service for her customers and vendors, Sandi Trovato joined the TASCO team in 2021.
As key account manager for Lowe’s Hardware and Family Dollar/Dollar Tree, Sandi enjoys having the opportunity to support and grow her customer and vendor relationships while helping to elevate their businesses to the next level. Prior to TASCO, she was a senior manager in sales/program management for an automotive supplier providing chassis system solutions to General Motors. Sandi believes that “your purpose will present itself as you continue to grow in your passion,” which she has built upon her mechanical engineering degree. Away from the office, she and her family enjoy taking RV adventures to new places across the U.S.
Josiah joined the Tasco team in May of 2024 working with Sandi Trovato to support Family Dollar and Dollar Tree accounts.
Prior to joining Tasco, Josiah was a Naval Officer with 20 years in service and he earned a Political Science degree from The Citadel. His attention to detail and perseverance helps in his assisting vendors and customers in working together to promote growth and teamwork. Josiah believes no matter your current task, always put forward your best efforts so that you leave it better than before. He can be found in his off time, enjoying time with his family and being a soccer taxi.
With nearly two decades of experience with TASCO, Bret Sakoff has made himself a “must-know” in the automotive industry.
As territory sales manager for Florida, Georgia and Alabama, he builds strong relationships with all of his customers, including both retail and wholesale. At the end of the day, Bret’s goal is to create a program that’s mutually beneficial for both the customer and the manufacturer. Honest, supportive and fair, he understands the importance of serving all of his customers’ needs from the headquarter- and store-level all the way down to the end-user. When he’s not working, Bret can be found doing anything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Danielle Dowdy joined the TASCO team as an Account Manager in January 2024.
Danielle received her degree in Human Environmental Science with an emphasis on interior design from University of Tennessee at Martin. She loves being able to work cross functionally with multiple teams and meeting new people along the way, as well as collaborating with others to find the best solution for everyone. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, planning her next travel adventure, music and finding new restaurants to try.
With nearly three decades of experience at TASCO, Kim Boone, sales specialist, assists the team in the field, takes care of the office, administers health insurance and enters commissions.
She enjoys getting to meet all of the wonderful clients and customers that TASCO deals with on a day-to-day basis and being a part of a solution for the team. Taking on every project with a “can do” attitude, Kim sees things through to fruition and understands that nothing is constant except change. “The answer is always ‘no’ unless you ask. Believe you can and you’re halfway there,” she said. Away from the office, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, photography, her pups and being outdoors.