ChannelNet Expands Into New York City, Austin, Texas
The firm helping finance sources like Toyota Financial Services and Ally connect with car buyers online has expanded into two major markets. Officials say the expansion will aid the firm’s efforts to further penetrate the financial services industry.
DEARBORN, Mich. — ChannelNet, a Detroit-based tech company providing digital marketing and sales solutions, today announced its expansion into two major markets by opening new field offices in New York City and Austin, Texas. According to officials, the company’s expansion will better support its steady growth and efforts to further penetrate the financial services industry.
To oversee the expansion, Jon Aurit joined the firm as vice president of business development and account management. He’ll be responsible for ChannelNet’s overall business development goals, including client engagement, strategic planning, consulting and supporting the company’s client relationships.
Reporting to Aurit is Steve Chicarella, the new vice president of account management for the New York City office. Chicarella will manage all aspects of ChannelNet’s eastern U.S. accounts, and he is responsible for guiding clients’ digital solutions.
“We have been serving the financial industry for decades, so it makes sense to have a presence on the east coast and Texas,” said Paula Tompkins, CEO and founder of ChannelNet. “Both Jon and Steve have excellent reputations in the industry, and I am confident they will be instrumental in surpassing the 35 percent year-over-year growth rate we have experienced since 2011.”
Aurit, based in Austin, Texas, will be responsible for driving the ongoing support for all ChannelNet clients. His client portfolio includes Fiserv, Toyota Financial Services, Kia, Hyundai, BMW Financial Services, Ally, Benjamin Moore Paints, Hunter Douglas and RouteOne. He joins ChannelNet with more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, specifically within the insurance, consumer and commercial finance markets.
Chicarella, a banker for more than 20 years, has held roles in sales, operations and marketing with JP Morgan Chase and TD Bank. Most recently, he was the director of product management for F&I and lender solutions at Dealertrack Technologies.
ChannelNet was featured in F&I and Showroom’s April 2014 issue. The article focused on the firm’s platform for creating personalized URLs, or PURLS. These personalized microsites are designed to help captives deliver what Tompkins referred to as “targeted lifecycle communications.”
More F&I

Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →
Focus on the Opening
F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.
Read More →
F&I Reaches for the Sky
The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.
Read More →
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
The 90/10 Rule
In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.
Read More →
Your Office Is Talking
What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.
Read More →
F&I Training Fundamentals
How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.
Read More →
Not Just Any Tire Will Do
More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.
Read More →