Management Biographies

Doug Burton, PRESIDENT AND CEO

As the founder of Vision Service Group, Mr. Burton balances the role of primary visionary with that of the architect of Vision’s unparalleled company dynamics. Having spent over a decade in the retail automotive industry, he launched Vision Service Group with boundless professionalism and unequaled innovation. Mr. Burton’s comprehensive knowledge of all phases of business management and experience in various retail operations continues to fuel the development of Vision Service Group.

Shortly after receiving his B.A. from Pacific Lutheran University, Mr. Burton attended the National Automotive Dealership Association (NADA) General Management Academy. This education and training led to thirteen years managing every aspect of one dealership: from general accounting to fixed operations and service management, culminating in a position as Executive Manager. Additionally, Mr. Burton has served on the Board of Northwest Chevrolet Dealers, a regional cooperative of dealers, advertising agencies and manufacturer representatives, leading him to actively participate and manage local, regional and national advertising campaigns with budgets in excess of seven million annually.

Mr. Burton has the unique ability and passion to create a business culture that is focused on team-centered leadership, goal setting and motivation, and empowerment of core members of the team. This philosophy has created a culture that has allowed Vision Service Group to attract and retain its largest asset, a set of highly qualified employees.

CHAD BARNETT, VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Mr. Barnett invested approximately a decade with major pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline. During his tenure with GlaxoSmithKline, Mr. Barnett achieved the prestigious President’s Club designation awarded to individuals in the top 10% of sales nationally. Mr. Barnett also served as a Regional Sales Trainer from 2002 – 2005. He joined Vision Service Group in January 2007 with extensive sales experience, a majority of which is in direct sales. Mr. Barnett currently leads Vision’s dynamic, service-driven sales team, managing company sales expectations, goals and outcomes. He is well-versed in consultative selling, sales training and team management. Mr. Barnett has assembled a spirited sales team with far-reaching experience.

Mr. Barnett also enjoyed a very successful athletic career from which he has drawn positive interpersonal management skills and matchless work ethic. His enthusiastic ability to learn multiple fields/markets and meet with industry leaders is reproduced in his sales staff due to his limitless energy and talent at connecting with people. Mr. Barnett graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1994.

TRAVIS NESS, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Mr. Ness manages the operations and production at Vision, supporting and enabling the unimpeded growth that Vision anticipates. Mr. Ness joined Vision in January 2007, arriving from the Intel Corporation where he worked for a decade. Mr. Ness most recently managed path-finding efforts for Intel, working with collaborative partners across Europe and Asia as well as leading a team of program managers.

During his career with Intel, Mr. Ness managed the oversight of Intel’s desktop thermal mechanical industry events by planning, organizing, facilitating, and executing events in different parts of the country. He also managed a broad range of operations, including: customer accounts outsource manufactures, production lines, products, supplier selection audits, intellectual property, patents, and multiple aspects of enabling the desktop industry worldwide. Mr. Ness also has experience with start-up business and developing franchise opportunities. Mr. Ness graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business in 1996.