Perry Glait is one of five partner/owners of The Combined Group. He joined the company in 1989 and became a partner in 2000. Perry focuses on the retail side of our business, calling on the automotive, marine and specialty accounts.

 

Over the course of his career, Perry has been recognized as “Rep of the Year” by several vendors. Always striving to be an integral part of the manufacturer/customer equation, his creative and energetic approach to problem solving has been a key component in turning sometimes difficult negotiations between parties into a solution where everyone benefits. This, coupled with a deep desire to help vendors and accounts meet and exceed their sales expectations, is the driving force that helps to explain and define the strong business relationships that he has built.

 

Before joining The Combined Group, Perry worked as a product manager for an industrial distributor in Chicago, then moved to South Carolina to work as a National Sales Manager for a manufacturer. He holds a B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University with a double major in Marketing and Psychology.

 

In his free time, he enjoys sports, music, travel, and spending time with family.

Jared Baier is one of five partner/owners of The Combined Group. He joined the company in 2007 and became a partner in 2022. Jared focuses on the automotive accounts covered by The Combined Group.

 

Jared began working in the automotive industry at the age of 13 in his family’s independent NAPA Auto Parts store in Abilene, Kansas. By the time he was 15, he was just as comfortable talking about transmissions and engines to customers coming into the store as he was talking about football and baseball to friends at school.

 

Today, as one of the most reliable people in the industry, Jared takes pride in his ability to present new products to category management teams. Developing creative programs that pull these products through to end users is part of the value he adds to the process. His extensive experience in the auto care industry and ability to recognize trends in the market, coupled with his technical knowledge in both parts and service, continues to be a huge asset to those working with him.

 

Jared attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. After graduation, he was hired as a district sales manager for a large aftermarket distributor. He then moved on to spend several years as a product manager. Jared is actively involved in the AutoCare Association and enjoys attending various industry events throughout the year.

 

In his free time, he enjoys travel, sports, and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

Bo Spock is one of five partner/owners of The Combined Group. He joined the company in 1989 as the Vice President of Sales and became a partner 2000. Bo’s main focus has been on the OEM, heavy-duty segment of the business.

Bo has had a lengthy career — with over 35 years of experience in OEM supplier management, innovative OEM and service programs, and highly technical and broad-based entrances into the marketplace. Bo’s leadership skills have brought together business associations with worldwide contributions.

Bo began his career with Ford Motor company in the manufacturing capacity. Before joining The Combined Group, Bo worked for International Harvester’s Truck, Ag, and Construction Equipment Divisions. Bo rose to the director level before coming to The Combined Group. Bo has a degree in Industrial Engineering. 

When not working, he enjoys golf and travel.

Mike Bartz is one of five partner/owners of The Combined Group. He joined the company in 2014 as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing and became a partner in 2022. Mike focuses on the heavy-duty side of our business, calling on OE, retail, and specialty accounts.

 

Mike is a highly motivated individual with proven leadership skills and 20+ years of heavy-duty sales management experience at the supplier and OE corporate levels. Mike brings exceptional coaching, along with interpersonal, technical, and business skills to provide superior customer service. 

 

Before joining The Combined Group, Mike worked for a transmission remanufacturer based in the Chicagoland area. He started as an inside sales rep and rose to VP of Sales & Marketing. His next career opportunity took him to a truck and transport OE based in Chicago, where he became Director of National Accounts. Mike holds a B.S. degree from Southern Illinois University with a major in Marketing.

 

When not working, he enjoys collector cars, volleyball, winter sports, and travel.

Alan Elkes is one of five partners/owners of The Combined Group. While Alan is the newest partner joining our group in the fall of 2023, his automotive career began in 1980 working for a newly formed automotive warehouse distributor calling on independent jobbers in Illinois.

His desire to expand his network led him to joining an established manufacturers rep agency in 1984 that concentrated on the National Hardware and Automotive Accounts as well as regional warehouse distributors.

Alan developed into one of the lead agents at his firm. His knack for finding new business while growing existing business accelerated his desire to continue to branch out.

In 2000 Alan formed LKS Midwest, Inc. and has grown his business exponentially over the years. A focus on key Automotive, Hardware and Marine accounts led to an expansive network of associates. His over 40 years’ experience and hard work plus his ability to be creative and persistent to meet the needs of the customer and supplier make him a tremendous addition to The Combined Group.

In his free time Alan enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, golf, and travel.

Ellie Snell is the general manager of The Combined Group and has been with the company since 1985. Her main responsibility is overseeing the daily operations of our corporate office. Throughout her tenure Ellie has maintained several positions within the company, including positions in Human Resources, Office Management, IT, Commissions Statements, and Financial Reporting.

 

Before joining The Combined Group, Ellie worked in Commercial Real Estate/Property Management and Estate Liquidation. Ellie holds a bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University with a major in Public Administration.

 

Ellie prides herself on the volunteer work she does in her spare time. For the last 39 years, she has helped fundraise and volunteer for many organizations, including two police and fire departments, Orchard Village, Maryville Academy, and several non-profits.

Jennifer Markman joined The Combined Group in 2022. She focuses on the retail side of our business, calling on automotive accounts and aiding in new market development.

 

Jennifer brings 20+ years of manufacturing sales experience to our group. Her dedication and contributions have earned her seven Vendor of the Year and Top Sales awards. With the customer’s best interest as a top priority, she offers unique perspectives and creative solutions to every challenge. With a continuous drive to grow sales, she’s always bringing new opportunities to the table for her customers to consider. 

 

Before joining us, Jennifer was a National Accounts Manager for several Fortune 500 companies, including Kimberly-Clark and ITW, Inc. Her sales experience ranges from independent store owners, to national automotive chains, to big box retailers. She holds a B.S. in Business Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, with minors in Marketing, I.O. Psychology, and Economics.

 

She serves on the Board of Directors for Global Impact Homes, loves a good roller coaster, is an avid reader, and enjoys world travel.

Sheri has been an integral part of The Combined Group since 1986. She has built a successful career calling on National Accounts that span the industrial, automotive, and heavy-duty Markets.

 

She is meticulous when it comes to her attention to detail and follow-up. Sheri values both the relationships that she has developed and the trust she has earned with the customers and manufacturers she represents.

 

Sheri attended the University of Illinois, Chicago, where she earned a degree in finance. In her free time she enjoys reading, needlepoint, Peloton and walking her goldendoodle, Ruey.

Bob joined The Combined Group in 2004. He is involved with both OE programs and aftermarket projects. Bob’s main focus is the heavy duty market, including OE manufacturers, as well as specialty accounts and dealers.

 

Before joining The Combined Group, Bob’s career started by completing the apprenticeship program as a Class A machinist with a bearing company, where he later worked through many levels of management to become Vice President of North American Sales.

 

Bob attended Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business and Marketing.

 

Bob resides in Canada, giving both our group and our manufacturers exposure to the Canadian market. In his free time, Bob enjoys golfing, boating, and travel.

Richard began working in the automotive industry in 1967.

After a summer as a lifeguard in Atlantic City, NJ, Richard got his first job working for Pep Boys as a counterman. He left Pep Boys in 1968 and became a store manager in a local automotive retailer.

In 1970, Richard left the retail side of the automotive business and became a manufacturer’s representative in the mid-Atlantic region.

In 1987, he started calling on Pep Boys exclusively and soon after joined The Combined Group, which in those days was called Combined Automotive Representatives.

Richard continues to call on Pep Boys and works out of our east coast office.