Our Story

Leadership Team

• 

  Hunter Gorham

  Founder, CEO

  Why did you start Joydrive?

  I love creating simple solutions to complex problems—from helping lead the start-up of a digital auto lending business at a $13B finance company to securing four patents for my photographic art frames. After 14 years working in the automotive industry, I decided to follow my passion and create a simple solution to the greatest problem facing the auto industry: the car buying experience. My unique intersection of auto, digital, finance and entrepreneurship gave me the vision and courage to start Joydrive.

  How has your background prepared you for Joydrive?

  Prior to Joydrive, I had 14 incredible years with Ally Financial, formerly GMAC, the largest Automotive Finance Company in the nation. My career gave me insight into several distinct areas of the industry, including leading consumer and commercial operations, financing corporate bond exchanges during the 2009 bailouts, and most recently helping lead Ally's National Digital Auto business. I learned the valuable lessons that: 1) relationships matter and 2) working with dealers, rather than circumventing them, may actually lead to a simpler solution.

• 

  Gavin Tronset

  Technology

  Why did you join Joydrive?

  I have a passion for building new tools to solve existing problems, and I love using technology in everyday life. During my seven years at one of the largest car dealerships in the nation, I came to appreciate the overwhelming challenges of buying a car. Given the opportunity to help build the tool which solves these problems, I quickly joined the Joydrive team.

  How has your background prepared you for Joydrive?

  Over the course of my career, I led several teams that utilized technology to help a dealership scale from one store to seven. I became an expert in many of the systems powering the dealer industry and developed custom digital solutions to fit our individual dealer's needs. That experience gave me the skill set required to lead the creation of Joydrive's technology platform, which seamlessly integrates with dealers to deliver an easy experience for customers.

  What excites you?

  I'm a big foodie, love board games, and have a weakness for sparkling water.

• 

  Brad Lynch

  Marketing & Analytics

  Why did you join Joydrive?

  After working for seven years in the automotive industry, knowing every facet of how the business works, even I had to sit in the dealership for 6 hours to complete a purchase. I was thrilled to join the Joydrive team to make the process easier for everyone.

  How has your background prepared you for Joydrive?

  During my seven years at one of the largest dealerships in the nation, I worked across several roles including marketing, sales, and business development, touching every facet of the business. Doing so gave me the experience to understand dealer needs—their pain points and their desire to improve the customer experience. All of that has helped me in my current role of managing dealer relationships to provide a hands-on experience which ensures every customer is treated with professionalism and respect.

  What excites you?

  Spending time with my wife & little girl, puzzles and RazzApple Fun Dip.

• 

  Johnny Bennerson

  Dealer Relations

  Why did you join Joydrive?

  It’s simple! I joined Joydrive because this is a game changer for the automotive industry! People are busier than ever in life and Joydrive makes what’s a necessity in many cases easy.

  How has your background prepared you for Joydrive?

  I was in the military prior to being in the auto industry for 24 years. I’ve worked all sales and executive management positions in the industry. I have worked for some of the largest dealers in the country and have seen first-hand how excited customers are for a new buying experience like Joydrive.

  What excites you?

  I’m a big golfer (but not that good!) and have a great family. Oh yeah, and my 3 dogs are awesome!

• 

  Jessica Thormodsgard

  Customer & Dealer Relations

  Why did you join Joydrive?

  I come from a line of auto industry veterans, and I have seen the absolute best and worst of the industry. I believe Joydrive offers a unique experience which customers deserve, and I am excited to join the team that wants to make the car buying process easier for customers and for dealers.

  How has your background prepared you for Joydrive?

  Prior to Joydrive I was part of the Joydrive team at Northwest Motorsport, the first dealership on the Joydrive platform. While working for the dealership Joydrive team, I went on over 300 deliveries and listed over 5,000 vehicles. I know the Joydrive technology inside and out, both from the perspective of a dealer and from the perspective of the customer. I am excited to apply my experience to helping other dealers build and grow their Joydrive business.

  What excites you?

  I love riding ATVs, playing with my dog, and spending time with family and friends.

• 

  Charlotte Deardorff

  Strategy

  Why did you join Joydrive?

  I recently purchased my first pickup truck. The dealership experience was 1) waaay too looooong 2) stressful 3) annoying. I’m thrilled to work for a company whose main goal is to take the hassle out of an event that should be fun and super exciting. Why wouldn’t you want to join a movement like this!? I’m ALL IN.

  How has your background prepared you for Joydrive?

  First and foremost, I’m a MOM. This basically means I can do anything, anytime, anywhere… PERIOD. My life is filled with experiences of being an entrepreneur, campaigner, mediator, advocate, architect, logistician, and an adventurer. I wear bossy pants really well and I’m not afraid to roll my sleeves up and do what it takes to get it DONE.

  What excites you?

  Louis Vuitton, Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food ice cream, a full-bodied glass of cabernet, warm tortilla chips with a mean salsa, running, chillaxin’ in the pool with my cute family.