Staff

John was born and raised in Hoopeston, IL where in most of his youth he grew up around his family's owned Ford dealership.  After completing his Bachelors in Business at Illinois Wesleyan University he began working locally in the the automotive industry in the Bloomington area.  Moving to Watseka, John joined Watseka Ford Lincoln as the sales manager in 2003 and later became the General Manager.  His wife, Jackie, teaches Jr High English Language Arts at Milford Grade School where sons, David & Aiden attend as well. When not at work, John enjoys spending time with his family, riding bikes, playing sports and general horseplay. 

Dan was born and raised locally and after graduating from Southern Illinois University, he returned back to his old stomping grounds.  His career in the automotive industry began in 2000 and he's been part of the Watseka Ford family since 2010.  When not at work; he enjoys his love for Chicago sports, building things at home, but most importantly… spending time with his 2 incredible children.

Born & raised in Watseka, Illinois, Jake came back home after attending Eastern Illinois University and joined our sales team in 2010.  As our veteran sales master, Jake is quite knowledgeable in truck sales & enjoys putting dreams in driveways! :)  On a warm, sunny day you'll find him out cruising in his '70 Mustang headed to the golf course or in the pool with his little darlings, Olivia, Kenzie & fiance, Christina.

Steve Hannay joined Watseka Ford Lincoln in 2010 with years of managerial experience.  He manages our new car inventory & is the #1 go to guy with all the expertise for Fleet & Government Sales. As a senior sales & lease consultant at Watseka Ford, Steve has received consecutive years of  the Ford Motor Company's "Employee Excellence" award.  He resides in nearby Kankakee with his lovely wife & is the dad of three successful children.  Steve grew up in the Caribbean but having gone to Olivet Nazarene University is what brought him to the lovely Midwest!

Born and raised in Donovan, IL, Derek chose to hit the open road after high school where he spent 20+ years in the Los Angeles area working in the music recording industry as well as guitar manufacturing. He worked for several years with high profile recording artist as well as traveled to South Korea, China and Indonesia working with guitar factories. Like many others, the lure of home, family and small town life brought Derek back to Watseka.  Derek joined the Watseka Ford family in 2015 where his laid back attitude and "no pressure" approach has proven popular with many customers, already earning a steady following of repeat customers.  In his free time he enjoys spending time with friends and family, riding his motorcycle, fishing and playing guitar.

John (better known as Griff around the dealership) grew up in the quiet country town of Herscher, IL.  After earning a Bachelor's degree in Computer Animation, he joined the Watseka Ford team in 2008 as the Internet Specialist.  Quickly learning the tips and tricks of the IT trade, he's become our go to guy for all things computer related. In his free time, he enjoys hitting the road with some buddies to explore new places and experience new things.  And every once in a while you can find him jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. 

Tyler joined our team back in 2005.  He began his career at Watseka Ford as a porter and with hard work and dedication, earned the title of Parts Manager.  He is very passionate about Florida Gator and Chicago Bears football.  He enjoys spending his quality spare time with his wife and two daughters.  You can also catch him behind the grille cooking up some delicious meals. 

Tim has over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry with all of the years being with Ford/Lincoln.  His first 10 years were spent as a Master Technician and Shop Foreman and in 1994 he became a Service Manager.  Within the last few years he assumed the role of Parts and Service Director with our company.  He's thankful to have spent most of his time in the business with the Bell family.  With many trained professionals on staff, our service department's collective goal is to provide our customers with great service at a great value.  When not at the dealership, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 27+ years, their adult children and their families. He also enjoys outdoor activities including riding ATV's, driving around with the top down in his convertible, yard work and home improvement.

With 22 years in the motorcycle/ atv business, RD brought his experience to Watseka Ford in 2012.  His familiar face and outgoing attitude brings a true sense of comradery to Watseka Ford.  He's known around town as a fitness guru and avid motorcycle enthusiast.  He enjoys spending his free time with his family and hitting the open road on his hog.

25+ years in the industry has qualified Matt to be one of our Sr. Master Technician's.  Joining the Watseka Ford service team in 1997, Matt is one of the most trusted and dedicated employees we have on hand.  He loves working on trucks, firing up the grille to cook some straight deliciousness, watching horror movies, and is an avid reader of love novels.  He also loves spending time with his lovely wife, Carrie and son, Brody.  

Joining our team in 2009, Bob brings 11+ years of experience to our service department.  As one of our Sr. Master Technicians, his knowledge of vehicles is unsurpassed.  He enjoys spending his free time with his family camping.  

With 17 years of experience, Marcus joined the Watseka Ford service team in 2016.  His experience in the field and willingness to learn make him a great asset to our company.  In his free time you can catch him trenching through the mud in his lifted truck or ATV, cruising around on his motorcycle, dabbling in some hunting and most importantly… spending time with his family, friends and dogs.