Dealers' Financial Services Names Robert Nelson as President and CEO
Dealers' Financial Services LLC has named Robert H. Nelson as the company's new president and chief executive officer.
LEXINGTON, Ky. -– Dealers’ Financial Services LLC, an automotive financing solutions provider serving the U.S. military community, has named Robert H. Nelson as the company's new president and chief executive officer.
Prior to joining DFS, Nelson served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer for several companies in both the public and private sector.
Most notably he was one of the founding members of Penske Automotive Group(formerly known as United Auto Group or UAG), the second largest automotive dealership group in the United States. While at Penske/UAG, he served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer, and was a member of the board of directors. He was responsible for United Auto Group’s wholly owned auto finance and warranty companies.
Nelson is also a certified public accountant and holds a degree from Manhattan College.
"Bob's experience in the automotive and financial industry is incredibly beneficial. He has the experience and the background to provide successful strategic direction to DFS as we expand and provide more products to our customers. I am excited to see DFS flourish with Bob as the organization's leader," said Vince Tyra, operating partner for Southfield Capital Advisors and chairman of the board for DFS.
DFS developed the Military Installment Loan and Educational Services Program in 2001 to assist active duty military service members with obtaining a vehicle from a National Certified Dealer Network and financing from a national bank.
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 →