OSHKOSH, Wis. -

Automotive website design company DealerFire recently announced it has expanded its sales team.

Joining the company as its new national sales director is Carl Bauer, who brings more than 18 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Bauer, who has worked at numerous levels in dealerships, including dealer principal, will now head up the team of DealerFire sales representatives across the country.

Commenting on the new hire, owner and founder of the Oshkosh, Wis., company Eric Hoppman said, “Carl saw the pieces of the puzzle that we already had in place and made the choice, with a lot of opportunities out there, to join our team.

“I think it’s a testament to the team we have in place and where we’re headed,” he added.

Besides time working in dealerships, Bauer has also worked in advertising — “marrying two essential experiences for success in the industry he loves,” the company stressed.

Officials also noted that Bauer has expressed his desire for “consumer and vendor relationships to be transparent.”

“I tell my dealers, do you want to be part of a company where you’re treated like a number or like you’re important to the company,” Bauer said.

Lastly, Brian Wagner, DealerFire executive vice president, offered his take on the news, saying, “Carl’s dynamic background and down-to-earth attitude is a natural fit for DealerFire.

“Our customer service is one of the strongest differentiating qualities from our competition, and given Carl’s career, he’ll play a large role in fortifying our current position in the automotive digital marketing arena,” he concluded.