Meet Our Leadership Team

The Basil Family Dealerships, founded by Joe Basil Sr. in 1953, is the largest family-owned dealership group in Western New York. Each of our nine dealerships is individually owned and run by five of Joe Sr.’s sons- Chuck Sr., Mike, John, Jim Sr., and Robert Sr.

The Basil Family Dealerships rely on an executive leadership team, with over 175 years of combined experience, to assist with day-to-day activities to support each of our stores.We are proud to have been part of the Western New York community for almost seventy years, and we look forward to seventy more.

  • Kate Basil

    Kate Basil

    Guest Services Manager, Joe Basil Chevrolet

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    Kate Basil

    Kate Basil

    Guest Services Manager, Joe Basil Chevrolet

    Kate has been with the Basil organization for ten years — officially — but she, too, grew up in the auto industry. A Western New York resident for the last 28 years, Kate has spent the last decade gaining knowledge and honing her skills, and is now considered the expert on Guest Services and the BDC within the Basil organization. Not only does Kate manage her department in Depew, but she is often found running a meeting for all BDC managers, providing insight to GMs, and training new employees. Kate’s job isn’t easy, but she makes it look that way — and she’s always been that way. An expert equestrian, Kate has been riding horses since she was five years old…even though she is highly allergic!

    Kate’s WHY: My first boss was an incredible teacher; it’s important to me to continue that leadership style. To share knowledge and experience (both positive and challenging) makes each of us a better person.

  • Sean Basil

    Sean Basil

    Management Trainee, Basil Family Dealerships

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    Sean Basil

    Sean Basil

    Management Trainee, Basil Family Dealerships

    Sean, a native of Clarence, has been helping out around the family dealerships since he was small, and officially joined the company after graduating from college three years ago. As a Management Trainee, Sean has spent time working in various roles at a number of different stores. From sales to F&I to his current role as a Service Manager, Sean has been learning every aspect of the auto industry, while honing his management skills. When he’s not working, Sean enjoys skiing, water sports, and spending time with friends and family. Fun fact — while on vacation, he went swimming with wild pigs!

    Sean’s WHY: To grow and protect the legacy that my co-workers and family members have worked so hard to build.

  • Will Basil

    Will Basil

    Management Trainee, Basil Family Dealerships

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    Will Basil

    Will Basil

    Management Trainee, Basil Family Dealerships

    Will grew up in Clarence, leaving after high school to attend Bentley University in Boston. After graduating with a degree in Finance and Economics, Will moved to Chicago, where he spent over seven years working in finance. Though only with the Basil organization for less than a year, Will’s impressive resume, with experience in management consulting, investing, and mergers & acquisitions, coupled with his strong business acumen, allowed him to transition seamlessly into the auto industry. As a management trainee, Will is learning all aspects of the business, growing in his industry knowledge while sharing his own experience to improve processes, increase profitability, and drive employee and customer satisfaction. And when it comes to fun, Will’s answer is perfectly Basil: “I love horsepower.”

    Will’s WHY: Growing and sustaining the future of the Basil Family of Companies while maintaining each of the core principles that Basil was originally founded upon.

  • Chuck Basil II

    Chuck Basil II

    Service Director, Basil Ford

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    Chuck Basil II

    Chuck Basil II

    Service Director, Basil Ford

    Another Basil legacy, Chuck Basil II has been part of the family business since his childhood, and officially, for the last eighteen years. The Orchard Park native has done every possible job within the dealerships, and has spent the last two years as the Service Director at Basil Ford. Chuck Jr. (or C2) is a storehouse of information learned from his many years in the business. And talk about a cool fact — Chuck Jr. was a ball boy for Michael Jordan during a 1992 Bulls game played here in Buffalo.

    Chuck’s WHY: To mentor and develop the people around me. The most rewarding thing is to see
    someone push their boundaries to develop into a valuable part of the team.

  • Joe Basil III

    Joe Basil III

    General Manager, Basil Resale Delaware

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    Joe Basil III

    Joe Basil III

    General Manager, Basil Resale Delaware

    You could say that Joe Basil III was born into the auto industry. In fact, on the day he was born, his father, Joe Basil Jr., was attending General Motors Dealer School in Detroit (it was clearly a sign). He has been involved in the dealerships originally founded by his grandfather practically his whole life. Aside from a brief three year stint in Tampa, Florida, Joe has always lived in Western New York, and the West Seneca resident has done every possible job at Basil before settling in as the General Manager of Resale Delaware.

    Joe’s WHY: I have two. The first is my wife and children. They deserve the world. The second is my family legacy. My grandfather was presented with an opportunity almost 70 years ago that started the Basil Family Dealerships. It was grown by his sons into the pillar of this community that it is today. My goal is to continue that legacy and improve our family business to not only be better for our community, but especially to the team of employees that makes it happen every day.

  • Jim Basil Jr.

    Jim Basil Jr.

    Management Trainee, Basil Family Dealerships

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    Jim Basil Jr.

    Jim Basil Jr.

    Management Trainee, Basil Family Dealerships

    A Western New Yorker for the last 22 years, Jim Jr. is a third generation Basil who has grown up in the automobile industry. Several years after graduating from college, Jim joined the Basil Family Dealerships. He has worked in various departments for the last twenty-four months, learning the family business, and is currently in F&I at Joe Basil Chevrolet. Jim Jr. is an avid Bills and Sabres fan, and when not working, he can frequently be found on the links or the ice.

    Jim’s WHY: The aspects of working at Basil that I enjoy most are providing a great experience for each customer and providing the best place to work and grow careers for our team and their families. I look forward to the continued growth of the Basil Family of Dealerships, and I am proud of the positive impact Basil has had on our community for over 68 years.

  • Adam Beck

    Adam Beck

    General Manager, Basil Volkswagen

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    Adam Beck

    Adam Beck

    General Manager, Basil Volkswagen

    Adam has been with the Basil organization for thirteen years. An original Basil Toyota employee, Adam worked hard to establish that store as the leading Toyota dealership in the east region. Adam was rewarded for his hard work with a promotion to GM of Basil’s Volkswagen franchise, and has been leading the VW team since the day the store opened. A resident of Getzville, Adam was once roommates with Chuck Basil Jr., although he refuses to incriminate himself by sharing stories of their exploits.

    Adam’s WHY: At a young age, I learned the importance of having an above average work ethic and never saying “no” when an opportunity presented itself. Aside from the obvious why– being able to provide for my family in a monetary and material sense — it’s about setting my children up for their own success and leading them by example. I thrive on impacting the people around me, by lending a hand, providing an answer, or just listening. I hope that the people around me consider me to be an integral part of their success, just as I consider them part of mine. The benefit of being able to love what I do is just a bonus.

  • Craig Colby

    Craig Colby

    Fixed Operations Director, Joe Basil Chevrolet

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    Craig Colby

    Craig Colby

    Fixed Operations Director, Joe Basil Chevrolet

    With thirty years in the auto industry, Amherst native Craig Colby has been sharing his talent and expertise in fixed operations at Joe Basil Chevrolet since 2003. For the last 18 years, Craig has worked his way up the ladder, and is now the Fixed Ops Director, in addition to earning a place on the JBC Leadership Team. Craig and his family enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting, four wheeling, snowmobiling, and kayaking.

    Craig’s WHY: My why, personally and in my career, are very much the same — to raise, teach, guide, help, advise, and instill moral values and ideals to help develop outstanding people who succeed in life.

  • Brad Coon

    Brad Coon

    Chief Executive Officer

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    Brad Coon

    Brad Coon

    Chief Executive Officer

    Hailing from Walworth NY, also known as Farmtown USA, Brad has lived in Western New York for
    25 years. He began his career in the auto industry 36 years ago, and joined the Basil Family
    Dealerships in 2018. Did you know? Brad holds a recorded time record/certificate for traveling
    solo on a Buell Ulysses motorcycle. He rode 1,400 miles non-stop, from South Florida to New
    York, in 25.5 hours…and the last five hours were in a snowstorm!

    Brad’s WHY: I am driven to teach and help elevate anyone around me to be more than their best. Ultimately, my goal is for them to be better than I am, have more knowledge and skills than I do, and eventually outperform me.

  • Steve Dietzen

    Steve Dietzen

    New Vehicle Sales Director, Joe Basil Chevrolet

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    Steve Dietzen

    Steve Dietzen

    New Vehicle Sales Director, Joe Basil Chevrolet

    Western New York native and Dunkirk resident Steve Dietzen has been at Joe Basil Chevrolet for twenty years. Not only is Steve the New Vehicle Sales Director, but he is also a member of the JBC Leadership Team. In his spare time, Steve, an avid outdoorsman, is often found hunting and fishing, as well as spending time with his family.

    Steve’s WHY: My why in life will always be my family, but my passion has become seeing the team grow. We have a fantastic group of people working here, and watching them learn and grow is my passion.

  • Kevin Galligan

    Kevin Galligan

    Director of IT, Basil Family Dealerships

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    Kevin Galligan

    Kevin Galligan

    Director of IT, Basil Family Dealerships

    Originally from Cheektowaga, Orchard Park resident Kevin Galligan has been in the automotive industry for 44 years. Three and a half years ago, Kevin brought his industry knowledge and IT expertise to Basil, as the Director of IT, and has been busy making an impact on our efficiency, agility, and compliance ever since. Kevin has 3 GREAT grandchildren, and he loves camping…or should we say Glamping?! And when it comes to Kevin having fun, let’s not forget about the Harley!

    Kevin’s WHY: I love the automotive industry — I have been in it in some fashion since I was 16 years old. I have a passion to provide the best services with and for my fellow employees. The very first thing in the morning(eyes barely open), I am checking for any IT issues that may have appeared overnight. The last thing I want is for a customer not being served because something is down. I have pleasure helping everyone reach their goals.

  • Steve Heary

    Steve Heary

    Fixed Operations Director, Robert Basil Buick GMC Cadillac

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    Steve Heary

    Steve Heary

    Fixed Operations Director, Robert Basil Buick GMC Cadillac

    West Seneca native Steve Heary has been a car enthusiast his whole life. Now in his 39th year in the industry, and his third at Basil, Steve has turned a love of all things motorsport, along with a keen eye for business, to a successful career managing fixed operations in multiple dealerships.

    Steve’s WHY: It started 39 years ago with a toolbox and the excitement of repairing what others couldn’t. Over the years it has evolved, from repairing vehicles, to the enjoyment of creating a fully functional, efficient work environment for my fellow team members to prosper.

  • Heather Markowski

    Heather Markowski

    Controller, Basil Toyota

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    Heather Markowski

    Heather Markowski

    Controller, Basil Toyota

    Batavia native Heather Markowski has an impressive 36 years in the automotive industry. Heather
    brought that experience to Basil five years ago, and has been the Controller at Basil Toyota ever since. Heather is tough, but firm, with a commanding knowledge of accounting, specifically as regards our industry. Not only is she a valuable asset at Basil, she was also a valuable member of the first Women’s Rugby team to participate in the Empire State Games. No wonder she’s great at guarding the net at Toyota and preventing anything from getting past her!

    Heather’s WHY: Being a part of the “bigger picture” is more rewarding and challenging than standing by as an “extra” in the movie!

  • Allen Miller

    Allen Miller

    Controller, Robert Basil Buick GMC Cadillac & Basil Fredonia

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    Allen Miller

    Allen Miller

    Controller, Robert Basil Buick GMC Cadillac & Basil Fredonia

    Allen, a native of Rutland, Massachusetts, has lived in WNY for about fifteen years, and has spent eleven years in the auto industry. He joined the Basil organization two years ago, and has played an integral role in consolidating the accounting offices in Orchard Park and Fredonia. Fun fact: When Allen and his wife were vacationing in Mexico on their honeymoon, they got to swim with sea turtles.

    Allen’s WHY: I like to be challenged and continue to learn new things. I began working in the auto industry part time while I was in college, going from a title clerk to accounting to controller, and I have always eagerly looked forward to new challenges and growth. This industry is always evolving, and I want to grow with it and not become stagnant. My wife and I recently had our first child, and it has been such an amazing experience. Working for a family dealership has provided me the opportunity to balance a happy, satisfying life with a successful career.

  • Bill O'Brocta

    Bill O'Brocta

    Commercial/Fleet Sales Director

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    Bill O'Brocta

    Bill O'Brocta

    Commercial/Fleet Sales Director

    Tonawanda native Bill O’Brocta has spent the last 38 years in the automotive industry, the last 28 of which have been with Joe Basil Chevrolet. At JBC, Bill wears two hats — he is the Commercial/Fleet Sales Director, as well as the JBC Leadership Team Director. Bill enjoys playing golf and softball, watching the Bills and the Sabres, and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

    Bill’s WHY: The Basil family has given me great opportunities to be successful in both my professional and personal life. I want to be part of the team that helps the next generation of Basil Employees achieve the same success that I have.

  • Steve Pankow

    Steve Pankow

    Director of Used Vehicle Acquisition

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    Steve Pankow

    Steve Pankow

    Director of Used Vehicle Acquisition

    With twenty-one years of industry experience, Steve joined the Basil Family Dealerships in 2019, and has been training, mentoring, and guiding our employees to become better ever since. Steve’s vast knowledge of used vehicles and F&I has made him a valuable resource for each of our stores. Grand Island born and raised, Steve has infinite patience, energy, and creativity…and he also has four beautiful daughters.

    Steve’s WHY: To give my family the best life and future moving forward .

  • Megen Schiffler

    Megen Schiffler

    Controller, Joe Basil Chevrolet

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    Megen Schiffler

    Megen Schiffler

    Controller, Joe Basil Chevrolet

    Megen began her career while she was still a high school student in Elma, almost twenty years ago. She worked her way up from part time night cashier to accounts payable to assistant office manager, with a lot of roles in between. Meg had her eyes on the prize, though, and was rewarded for her hard work with not only the Controller position, but also a role on the JBC Leadership Team. In her free time, Meg enjoys traveling, as well as all types of outdoor activities.

    Meg’s WHY: I was hired as a part time cashier at JBC when I was a junior in high school. My plan was to continue working for JBC through my senior year, which turned into college…and, well, I never left! I feel I was given opportunity, guidance, and mentoring throughout my career here, and many have assisted in my personal and professional growth. As they have done for me, I love to see my co-workers grow and love to assist in any way I can to get them to the next level.

  • Shannon Shick

    Shannon Shick

    Human Resource Manager, Basil Ford

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    Shannon Shick

    Shannon Shick

    Human Resource Manager, Basil Ford

    Shannon has spent eleven years in the automotive industry, and fortunately for us, all even of them have been here at Basil. Working her way up to her current role, Human Resources Manager, Shannon has developed extensive knowledge and skills that make her a valuable asset to our organization. Fun fact about Shannon — she loves camping so much that if she could live in her trailer, she would!

    Shannon’s WHY: To make a positive impact in someone’s life, to help others achieve their dreams and goals, and to provide the best example I can for my children of how to work hard and treat people right.

  • Frank Zambito

    Frank Zambito

    General Manager, Basil Ford

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    Frank Zambito

    Frank Zambito

    General Manager, Basil Ford

    Frank has been with the Basil Family Dealerships for over twenty-five years. When Frank started at Basil Ford on Main Street in Buffalo in 1995, he had no transportation, so he took the bus to work every day. Through hard work and dedication, Frank worked his way up through the ranks, earning praise and the respect of his peers, customers, and employees.

    Frank’s WHY: I am driven to help the Basil organization continue to flourish. My goal is for Basil to be recognized as the premier auto group in WNY, known for our employee growth and opportunities, and for our superior customer service.

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