Years of Innovation
2001
American Auto Exchange (AAX) Founded.
Sold to JM Family in 2005
2010
RedBumper Inventory Management launched
Acquired by CDK Global in 2016
2013
NewCarIQ debuted
Acquired by CDK Global in 2016
2014
Pearl Technology Holdings incubates multiple platforms including VehicleXchange, Trade-In Concierge, and ShowroomXpress.
2019
CarOffer launched–a modern wholesale platform enabling instant dealer-to-dealer transactions.
2023
CarOffer acquired by CarGurus.
2025
CarWire launches. Focused on lien release automation.
Driving Innovation Together
Our Leadership
At CarWire, our leadership team brings together decades of experience across automotive technology, fintech, and dealership operations.
From founding and scaling some of the industry’s most recognized platforms to running billion-dollar tech organizations, our team understands the real-world challenges dealerships face — and how to solve them. With deep operational insight and a track record of innovation, we’re building a solution designed to transform the way lien releases are handled in automotive retail.
Bruce Thompson
Founder & CEO
A serial entrepreneur with a history of launching successful automotive tech ventures, Bruce leads CarWire with a vision to redefine lien management
Scott Johnston
Chief Operating Officer
Scott brings a wealth of operational and auto industry expertise to CarWire. With a proven track record of driving operational efficiencies, he leads internal operations and dealer engagement strategies to drive adoption and scale.
Ziad Chartouni
Chief Information Officer
Overseeing the development of our robust workflow management system, Ziad ensures our platform meets the highest standards of efficiency and security.
Kim Jenkins
Sr. Vice President of Operations
Kim brings more than 25 years of experience leading operations and support teams, including over a decade in the automotive industry. She is focused on operational excellence, scalable processes, and delivering exceptional customer experiences as CarWire continues to grow.
Joe Bihner
Strategic Advisor
Joe is a seasoned automotive and fintech executive with decades of leadership experience. At CarWire, he provides strategic guidance on scaling and operational excellence.
Blake Stallworth
Chief Sales Officer
Blake is an experienced automotive sales leader with a strong background in dealership operations, revenue growth, and building high-performing sales teams. He brings deep industry expertise to CarWire, guiding sales strategy and strengthening dealer relationships nationwide.
Nicole Kane
Sr. Director of Product and Operations
With deep expertise in automotive fintech and operational excellence, Nicole leads process design and the operations team to ensure seamless dealer-lender interactions. She plays a critical role in shaping the CarWire experience from the ground up.