iA American’s Sales Leadership

Eric “Frenchy” Mélon

Executive Vice President of Sales

An industry legend, Eric, or “Frenchy” as he is widely known, has spent more than 35 years in the automotive industry, training thousands of successful sales and management personnel throughout the world. Now executive vice president of iA American’s sales efforts, Frenchy drives sales growth across all sales distribution channels, including agent channels, dealer channels, national accounts, and training. Prior to joining iA American, he directed training initiatives and national dealer relations growth for First Dealer Resources. Frenchy also served as a Dealer Development Consultant for Chicago-based Stuker & Associates, a world-renowned sales training organization. Prior to Stuker, Frenchy enjoyed a successful career working in automotive retail, with extensive experience in sales, sales management, and upper management.

Todd Stewart

Senior Vice President of Marketing Services and Business Development

Todd joined iA American in 2013. Prior to his current role, he served eight years as Chief Sales Officer for Dealer Wizard, iA American’s comprehensive reporting and sales generating tool for the retail automotive industry. Todd’s passion for the automotive business started in college, while working at a Ford dealership in Texas. He transitioned to the OEM side of the business after graduating from college, and enjoyed a 23 year sales and marketing career at Fiat Chrysler. While there, he led multiple regional sales teams and dealer advertising associations, and was rotated through numerous international and headquarter assignments. Todd earned his MBA from Southern California University, and his BA from Sam Houston State University.

Carmen Torres

Senior Vice President of Agent Sales

Carmen has been with iA American since 2003. Prior to her current role, she also served as VP of Sales and Marketing and VP of Client Services. She has spent her career working with general agents to develop client-centric reinsurance solutions, facilitate development of private label programs, structure dealer cap loans, and provide support to drive business growth goals. In her current position, she leads a team of seasoned industry experts that support iA American’s national agent base. Carmen studied Communication and Economics at the University of New Mexico, and holds Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI), and Associate, Reinsurance Administration (ARA) designations. She is licensed for Life, Accident & Health Insurance in the state of New Mexico, and has the authority to do insurance business in 30+ other states. 

Shon Sanders

Senior Vice President of Sales

Shon has been with iA American since 2013. Because he has actually sat in nearly every seat available in a dealership, Shon has the advantage of being able to share his real world experience, hands-on expertise, and inside knowledge of best practices to assist our dealer clients. He began his career in the automotive industry over 19 years ago as a Sales Associate, and subsequently worked his way up to Sales Manager, F&I Manager, F&I Director, General Sales Manager, and ultimately General Manager. Upon joining iA American, Shon served as National Sales Director for six years before being promoted to Vice President of Sales, Midwest Division in 2020. He was promoted again to his current Senior Vice President of Sales position in 2021. Shon attended Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma.

David Grier

Senior Vice President of Sales

David Grier is a results-driven sales professional with over 30 years of industry experience. David joined iA American in 2007 and has held several positions of increasing responsibility, including Account Executive, National Director, and Vice President of Dealer Development. In recognition of his experience and significant positive impact across the sales organization, he was most recently promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales.

David grew up in the car business, where he performed nearly every role, including Sales Associate, Sales Manager, Finance Manager, Finance Director, and Platform Finance Director for a large dealer group. Throughout his career, he has built long-lasting relationships with his customers across the country and has earned their trust and respect.

Rob Jensen

Vice President of National Accounts

Rob joined iA American in 2013, and has over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. As Vice President of National Accounts, he leads iA American’s efforts to maintain and expand our relationships with large, multi-location customers, including Sonic Automotive, Penske Automotive, and Group 1. Rob began his career as a salesperson in a dealership in 1986, and was subsequently promoted to Finance Manager, General Sales Manager, and General Manager. After serving 10 years with Honda, Rob opened and operated a Hummer dealership in the Austin area. Under Rob’s leadership, the dealership was recognized as the #1 Hummer dealer in a 5-state region and among the Top 20 of all Hummer dealers nationwide.

Glenn Nielsen

Vice President of Enterprise Sales

Glenn has over 22 years of experience in the automotive industry and has been with iA Americansince 1999. As National Sales Director, he was responsible for servicing and training general agents and dealers across the country on iA American’s aftermarket products and services. He also oversaw a team of Regional Sales Managers that supports these efforts. Now in the role of Vice President of Enterprise Sales, he focuses on strategic projects important to iA American’s sustained growth. Prior to joining iA American, Glenn worked in copier and insurance sales. He has a property & casualty license (registered in all 50 states) and a life insurance license. He also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from the University of New Orleans.