A life-long resident of upstate New York, Pete graduated with a BS degree in marketing from St. Bonaventure University. After spending a summer as a river guide on the Snake River in Wyoming he began to put his degree to work in the advertising business, creating content and selling space in his hometown newspaper and then he realized he could provide even more for clients and opened his own agency in April 2005.
Pete always specialized in automotive advertising and it was in this capacity that he met VisionAST founder Jim Zappone. Over the past 12 years together he and Jim have developed VisionAST into this unique one of a kind break-through product. By BETA testing the product in the dealerships they own and operate together, they could refine this platform so it is a true value and benefit to the dealer.
Pete works hard and plays hard. Whether it’s fly fishing in New York’s trout streams, or traveling with his wife and four daughters, Pete always strives for a strong work life balance.
Born and raised in Arizona and currently residing in sunny Florida, Kyle attended the University of North Florida graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Business Finance. After spending several years working for a financial service firm, he soon realized his passion was in sales and business development. Starting his new career as a glorified drug dealer selling pharmaceutical drugs, Kyle was quickly called to the automotive industry where he found his values and goals right in line with those of VisionAST’s.
Joining the company in 2017, Kyle has spent time working in each department of the business perfecting each role. He has gained valuable knowledge and experience managing the inside sales and support teams and most recently worked to change company direction by shifting focus to disrupt the marketplace. When talking with Kyle, clients often comment on his passion and excitement he exudes for his business! Kyle is a strong believer in continuing to learn as you grow and now oversees all sales operations.
When Kyle is not working, he enjoys ‘beach cruising’ with his wife, Kristin, and their Vizsla, Hudson, in their local town of Jacksonville Beach. Kyle and Kristin are also very excited as they are expecting their first child on New Year’s Eve!
Kayla graduated with B.S. degree in Psychology from the State University of New York, College at Oneonta. She pursued city life for a few years in Boston, where she also obtained a M.S. degree in Business Management.
Feeling the call to return to upstate New York and be closer to family, through automotive connections she took a position at VisionAST. Her interest in business operations and ability to adapt to the daily challenges that come with a startup has made her an integral part of helping to scale the company as we progress.
When Kayla is not behind the computer screen, she enjoys all four Northeast seasons outdoors as much as possible snowboarding, hiking, camping, boating, and visiting family along with her Husband Chris, and their dog, Cali.
Growing up in the Capital Region of Upstate NY, Kyle graduated from Hudson Valley Community College with an associate’s degree in Civil Engineering. He ultimately found himself working for a CJDR auto group in Upstate NY, and with an interest in finance he worked his way up in the administrative office. Ultimately, he returned to HVCC and obtained a degree in Finance.
Recognizing his work ethic and abilities in working with and analyzing data, coupled with first-hand dealership experience, the VisionAST team knew he would be a great fit for the technical and support lead position they were looking for.
Outside of work, Kyle enjoys exploring his new hometown in South Carolina or finding a way to make every day an adventure with his fiancé, Jianna, and his Australian Shepherd, Hazel.
Originally from Upstate NY, Jianna graduated from Siena College with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Shortly after graduating, Jianna found herself working in the automotive industry in the F&I department. With warmer weather calling her name, Jianna transitioned to a client services position for a company in sunny South Carolina.
With a passion for client care, Jianna dedicates her time to building long-lasting relationships through understanding client needs and supporting their vision to help grow their businesses. This aligns with VisionAST’s mission and she found joining the client services team to be a perfect fit.
Outside of work, Jianna loves spending time with her fiancé, Kyle, and their two Australian shepherds, Millie and Hazel. She also enjoys weekend trips to the beach, exploring new places, and trying new restaurants.
Born and raised in Upstate NY, Jess started her career with the Zappone family, where she spent the last five years in variable operations. Her knowledge of a dealership’s inner workings brings great value to the VisionAST team, where she can easily relate to a dealer’s greatest challenges and provide valuable solutions.
While working with Pete at Zappone Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Jess was able to gain knowledge and understanding of the power of VisionAST’s analytics. While using the platform to see the sales side of the business, It sparked her desire to further her career beyond the retail auto industry.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, Blue and Gemma. She also enjoys hiking, traveling, poetry, and riding her Harley.
