LAS VEGAS--August 30, 2012: Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK), has added retail veteran and longtime Shelby enthusiast Jer Gervasi as Vice President for its Shelby Performance Parts (SPP) division. In addition, Keith Criswell joined the team as Wholesale Manager for SPP to focus on the rapidly expanding wholesale and dealer segments.
“We've spent a lot of time and effort growing Shelby Performance Parts from a startup line of Shelby soft and hard parts to where it is today, providing performance parts for all late model Shelby and Mustang vehicles”
"We've spent a lot of time and effort growing Shelby Performance Parts from a startup line of Shelby soft and hard parts to where it is today, providing performance parts for all late model Shelby and Mustang vehicles," said President of Shelby American John Luft. "Both Jer and Keith bring skill sets needed to grow this business to the next performance level."
Gervasi will oversee product development, operations, parts sales and customer service. Originally from Massachusetts, he managed operations at several different Guitar Center retail locations across the country. During that time, he drove sales and improved customer service that helped propel the company's success over the last decade. A committed "gearhead," Gervasi relocated to the Las Vegas Guitar Center to be near Shelby American in 2009. Transitioning into an industry he has loved his entire life, Gervasi wants to improve the performance parts sales and customer service experience while continuing to expand its product offering.
"I've always been drawn to Shelbys and have enjoyed tweaking my own 2007 Shelby GT with SPP equipment," said Gervasi. "By combining my passion for Shelby with my retail experience, SPP will give customers the best products and buying experience in the marketplace."
Criswell has tremendous experience, knowledge and success in the aftermarket parts industry. Over the past five years at Drake Automotive Group, Criswell managed millions of dollars in wholesale parts accounts and was responsible for a substantial growth of sales. Previously over the years, Criswell has worked for some of the largest specialty retail companies gaining high-end training in management and business.
"I've spent a lifetime working with hot rods, so being part of the Shelby team is a dream come true," said Criswell. "It's a thrill to put my experience and skills to work for the Shelby Performance Parts division. I look forward to growing the wholesale program and contributing to the success of Shelby American."
The expansion of SPP is part of the carefully orchestrated plan laid out by Carroll Shelby and his executive team earlier this year. Celebrating the company's 50th anniversary in 2012, Shelby American has conducted a grassroots nationwide tour, introduced new cars, added products to the SPP catalog and collaborated with Ford Motor Company on a commemorative vehicle.
"The future is bright for Shelby American," added Luft. "We methodically reshaped the company into a diversified group of divisions that leverage our decades of experience making cars better, more enjoyable and faster. The result is a strong company that continues to thrive because enthusiasts understand that at Shelby American, performance is our business."
