Meet the Staff of Direct Auto Exchange

Tyrone Davis - CEO / Sales Manager

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

A Native of Gadsden County with a strong value for family, hard work and for the community. Tyrone is a dedicated husband and wonderful father to his children. He is the proud Owner of Direct Auto Exchange, whose career began nearly 19 years ago right out of high school. His success has been driven by his strong faith, keen vision and precise work ethic. Over the years, he learned every aspect of the business, not only about selling cars but making a difference in customer lives. At Direct Auto Exchange, he has a strong and committed team with the goal and passion to cater to our customers. We are here for you, the Customer!

Tyrone The Mascot - Marketing and Public Relations

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Tyrone The Mascot has traveled a long way, to become a part of the Direct Auto Exchange team. 
Much like his real-life inspiration, Tyrone The Mascot is fun, friendly, and loves the community.  

Daphne Davis - Office Manager

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Daphne Davis proudly serves as the Office Manager here at Direct Auto Exchange and has been a part of the organization since 2007. She is happily married and values the family life that is also shared with their children. Much of her time is dedicated to making sure that the office runs smoothly, the remaining time is utilized in caring for others. In which, Direct Auto Exchange provides her the opportunity to do so. Her caring nature shows with the customer and employees, she aims to ensure that everyone is satisfied with their vehicle purchase and their jobs. “I’m Here for You”- Daphne

Chloe Davis - Pet Therapist

- directautoexchange@earthlink.net

W. Joe Thomas - General Sales Manager

850-574-8200 - joe.direct@earthlink.net

Joe has been with Direct Auto Exchange for many years now and as our General Sales Manager he loves helping the sales team get our customers (new and repeat) to “Drive What You Want”.  He has excellent relationships with the banks and credit unions that provide fantastic financing options for you.  Joe has lived here since 1997 and is originally from West Palm Beach, FL, he has a degree in Finance from the University of Florida and has been on the banking side of this business for many years as well.  Customer Service is #1 to Joe and with his experience, knowledge and passion for this business he continues to work hard to meet the financing needs of You, Our Valued Customers. 

Kyle Williamson - Sales Manager

850-574-8200 - kylewdirect@earthlink.net

Kyle Williamson is a career automotive professional with 25 years’ experience in automotive wholesale and retail administration and operations. She started as a part time data entry clerk, then moved up steadily through the ranks in auctions and retail stores in Georgia and Florida. She has learned from the best, and trained many associates, turned game changers, along her way. She’s enthusiastic and passionate about all things people and cars. She is the loving mother of two sons, two granddaughters and many bonus children and grandchildren. “Love what you do and do what you Love” is what she lives by. She lives to spread love and inspire others to make waves and elevate beyond what they can see.

Justin Gibson - Sales Representative

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Justin Gibson has been with the company since 2010; he has passion for Customer Service and is not afraid of challenge. A Native of Tallahassee; he is a family man and loves spending time with friends as well. His love for cars and continued dedication to customers makes him a valuable part of Direct Auto Exchange. He strives to earn customers business and become a part of “YOUR” family.

Lela Lucas - Sales Representative

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Lela has joined our staff and brings over 12 years of automotive car experience. She is a native of Illinois and has a loving son and daughter. Lela takes pride in making every customer’s buying experience as seamless as possible. In her down time, she enjoys riding her bicycle on the beach or swimming at the pool.

Harvey Brown - Sales Representative

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Harvey Brown, a career automotive salesman, comes from a decorated background working for several of the biggest franchise names in the automotive industry.  With a people’s first mentality, Harvey has enjoyed servicing his local community with honesty and integrity for a little over a decade.  Harvey keeps family values at the forefront of his life, and we are excited to have him as a part of our team where you can “DRIVE WHAT YOU WANT!”

Jay Moore - Sales Representative

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Jay was born in Columbia, SC was brought up in a Military family so it wasn’t odd that he would later grow up to serve our country with 4 years in the U.S. Air Force. He has been in Sales for most of his working life and he really enjoys helping customers get into their new vehicles. In his leisure time, he spends quality time with his 8 year old son who is his world!

Calvin McGriff - Sales Representative

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Calvin McGriff is a Quincy, FL native; whose love for cars has kept him in the Auto Industry for over 23 years. He is a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother who enjoys spending his spare time with family and has a great love for sports; especially college football! Because of his knowledge and years of Auto experience Calvin is a great asset to the Direct Auto Exchange family and we welcome him with open arms.

Ryan Shaw - Sales Representative

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Ryan has been in the car business since 2005. He enjoys helping people that are in need of transportation. He also like helping customers with purchasing a car that they have worked for and wanted for some time. In his spare time, he enjoys maintaining a healthy life style by working out, running, and playing basketball. He also enjoys the water (beach and pool).

V'Lisa Norton - Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator

850-574-8200 - vlisa.direct@earthlink.net

V’Lisa Norton is a native of Havana, FL.  She has a background in management, customer service, sales and event planning.  She obtained her certification as a Certified Public Manager from Florida State University.  V’Lisa’s greatest joy is making a difference in the lives of other by contributing her time and many talents.  When she is not serving, she spends her quality time with family and friends.  I’m here to make a difference in the community!

Allen R. Stephens - Advertising and Marketing Designer

850-574-8200 - allen.direct@earthlink.net

Allen was born in Pensacola, FL. and spent most of his life in Northeast Georgia and here in Tallahassee.
He has over 15 years of experience in graphic design, and has a passion for the automotive
industry. Direct Auto Exchange has merged his passion with graphic design and automotive together
forming a unique view in advertising and marketing which makes him perfect for the job. In his spare
time Allen enjoys spending time with his dog, wood crafts, painting and Cooking.

 

Michele Pagels - Office Assistant

850-574-8200 - michele.direct@earthlink.net

With 21 years of Customer Service experience and a bubbly spirit, Michele brings a positive and friendly attitude into the atmosphere. She has been with the Company for over 6 years and is one of the main team players here. Outside of work her time is filled with her children and family.

Joy Benton - Title Clerk

850-574-8200 - joy1direct@earthlink.net

Joy was born and raised in Tallahassee. She returned home 8 years ago, after living in the DC Metro area for 20 years. With a wealth of knowledge and over 20 years of customer service skills, Joy dove into the car business 5 years ago. With contract knowledge, title experience, and an overall "get it done" attitude, she brings to the table versatile talents to lend a hand wherever needed. Outside of work, Joy spends time with her family. She loves to indulge in beach therapy, cooking and gardening.

LaQuana Jones - Office Assistant

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

LaQuana Jones serves as an Office Assistant here at Direct Auto Exchange. She has over 15 years of customer service and administrative experience.  LaQuana is always looking for ways to make sure everything runs as smooth as possible. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, family time and loving on her teenage son. Welcome to the Direct Auto Exchange Family.

Christina Faris - Office Assistant

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Born and raised in Tallahassee, Catt brings 13 years of customer service experience and a “can-do” attitude to the team. She prides herself in bringing a smile to every co-worker and customers’ face. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her fur babies and being near the water whether she is swimming, diving, fishing, or being a marine biology enthusiast. 

Ty Davis - Reconditioning & Customer Service

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

A student at TCC, studying to become an Engineering Tech. Ty is one of DAE’s Customer Service Reps and Auto Detailer, whose love for cars, especially his 5.0 Mustang, makes him a perfect fit here at Direct Auto Exchange.

Lester Albert - Detailing & Customer Service

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Since 2009, Lester has been a part of the Direct Auto Exchange team. He takes great pride in his work and does an awesome job to keep the inventory looking pristine. His loyalty and dedication does not stop here with the company, Lester also is a loving and caring father to his son. During his leisure time, he enjoys fishing and playing a good game of horseshoe. He’s a great person to work with and it shows in his character.

Michael Denson - Detailing & Customer Service

850-574-8200 - directautoexchange@earthlink.net

Michael Denson is a native of Quincy, FL, during his free time when he’s not detailing cars he enjoys fishing, listing to music, watching movies and spending time with his children. Michael brings over 26 years of detailing experience to Direct Auto Exchange. His goal is to take detailing to the next level by delivering every car sold, looking show room ready.

Sarah Grady Ackerman - Advertising & Marketing

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Sarah Grady Ackerman has worked in the Broadcast Journalism filed for 20 years. As a former news anchor at WCTV and she uses her talents to promote Direct Auto Exchange through television commercials, radio Ads, testimonials and social media, Sarah is helping spread the word that you can "Drive What You Want!" at Direct Auto Exchange. She also works full time at her Church Restoration Place Tallahassee as the Media Director as well as hosts WCTV's daily segment, "Moms Everyday." Sarah and her husband Tank have a busy household with three beautiful children ages 10, 8 and 4. The Ackermans are very blessed and thankful to be a part of the Direct Auto Exchange family!

Elton Gumbel - Advertising & Marketing

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Elton joined our Direct Auto Exchange team in 2014, and is most recognized in Tallahassee and surrounding areas because of a long career as Sports Director/ Main Anchor at the CBS affiliate in Tallahassee, Florida. He brings his winning smile and creativity to our team as a spokesperson for TV commercials, helping in the video clips, script-writing and advertising areas. He is making his own mark in the media world following in the footsteps of other members of his family. The Florida A&M University graduate, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, currently resides in Tallahassee with his lovely wife and their 2 children.

Darian Colbert - Graphic Designer

850-566-6235 - darianjc@gmail.com

Darian has been a great asset to Direct Auto Exchange and the branding of the dealership as a whole to the community and outside world. All visual communication with the Direct Auto Exchange name is done by him - Billboards, web advertisements, print materials, logo, etc. are all created by him. His website and online portfolio may be viewed at http://darcocreative.com