Meet Our Staff

Brad’s journey is as dynamic as the cars and employees for which he advocates. Born in Alliance, Ohio, he moved to West Frankfort, Illinois, in 1981.  A Frankfort Community High School graduate (Class of ’87), Brad’s academic path took him from John A. Logan College to SIU-C, where he earned a B.S. in Political Science with a minor in Psychology in 1991, setting the stage for a career built on connecting with people.

Since 1992, Brad has been a part of Marion’s automotive scene, climbing the ranks at the Ford Hyundai Lincoln dealership—from salesperson to body shop manager to sales manager and to general manager. His hands-on approach and knack for leadership led him to partner with Mike Absher in 2013 when Nissan of Marion became part of the Watermark Auto Group family. In 2019, his dedication and vision were rewarded when he was named President of the Watermark Auto Group, all while continuing to drive success at Watermark Ford Hyundai and Watermark Nissan of Marion.

When the showroom lights dim, Brad can be found in one of two places, on the golf course or with his family. Married to his best friend, Melanie, since 1991, their partnership has been marked by shared values and lifelong commitment. Melanie, whose career as an English teacher inspired countless students—from her early days in Cobden Unit School District 17 to her long tenure at Marion High School—retired in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to her students. Their daughter, Mackenzie Poole, MD, MBA, is now making waves in the medical field, completing a dermatology residency at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Whether on the lot, on the course, or at home, Brad’s story is one of hard work, genuine connections, and a commitment to excellence—both in business and in life.

I was born and raised in Southern Illinois. I grew up in a “car family” on both the maternal and paternal-side as both of my grandfathers and both parents were car dealers. I started working in the shop as a custodian starting at age 12, and worked at the dealership until graduation from high school.

I graduated Marion (Illinois) High School and then attended the United States Military Academy at West Point New York with the intention of being a career Army officer. I ultimately left the Academy and the Army voluntarily and returned home. As a 48 year old, I wish I could talk to my 18 year old self and take back that decision as I regret not staying and serving my country. That experience though has instilled in me a profound respect for those that have served! I then enrolled in SIU-Carbondale and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship. I worked at the family dealership throughout my college years as a warranty administrator and service writer.

Upon graduation, I was employed as Parts and Service Director, sales manager, used vehicle manager until I left the family company in 2003 to start a software firm named DealerWare LLC selling F&I Menu Selling software to car dealerships. We were very successful and this was the wildest ride of my life. We ultimately were endorsed by American Honda and were in the process of rolling out our software to the Honda dealerships nationwide, when our biggest competitor decided to take me out. And so, they did, and I sold DealerWare in 2006 to DealerTrack, Inc.

I decided to get back into the business I missed so much and purchased Marion Ford, Inc in my hometown. I have since purchased three other dealerships, in Marion IL, Paducah KY, and Madisonville KY, and that has evolved into the Watermark Auto Group.

I have played the trumpet for nearly 38 years, and enjoy every opportunity I get to play in a brass quintet with some friends from high school and college. I also enjoy woodworking, and have lots of cool equipment that is really dangerous, but I never turn on because I am too busy in the car business.

I have been married for 24 years to Cheryl, who is a licensed non-practicing attorney. We have three sons aged 20, 17, and 13.

I am retired from service on the Southern Illinois Healthcare Board of Trustees and as President of our local school board, and was sworn in as Mayor of my hometown of Marion, Illinois on April 22, 2019.