Leadership
Tim Lewis
President & Managing Partner
Tim Lewis joined Optimus with 35+ years in the automotive industry. His experience has been in retail, income development, and reinsurance.
He began his career in retail with a large dealer group in Houston, TX. He then moved into the wholesale financial services sector focusing on income development while building reinsurance programs for dealer groups throughout the country. He has also served as the General/Executive Manager for a large consolidator. Most recently Lewis has developed and built his own company, while never losing focus on his retail roots of providing dealer-oriented products and training. His expertise in the legal and compliance field, building top-producing sales and management teams, and implementing profitable strategies bring a wealth of knowledge to Optimus and its dealer partners.
Mr. Lewis graduated from Baylor University in Waco, TX with a BBA in Marketing/Management. He resides in the DFW area with his wife. They love to spend time with family and friends. When not working, you can find the Lewis’ attending live music events and traveling the world.
Starla Wachsmann
Director of Operations
Starla Wachsmann is responsible for operations and risk management, DOWC, reinsurance, compliance, and more. She has over 20 years in the automotive industry beginning in risk management.
Mrs. Wachsmann graduated from the University of North Texas with a BAAS Technology & Performance Improvement. She met her husband in the historic Ft. Worth Stock Yards and have been married for 26 years. They have two boys and a small farm with many animals. She enjoys the outdoors, working out, and volunteering.
Valerie Benish
Customer Service Manager
Valerie Benish has been in the automotive industry for over 15 years. She is our Customer Service Manager while also assisting with accounting and increasing client satisfaction.
Mrs. Benish is very detail oriented and takes great pride in her work while providing top-notch customer service. She enjoys spending time with friends and family when she isn’t working.
Michelle Duncan
Accounting Manager
Michelle Duncan is our Accounting Manager and has over three decades of dedication to the automotive dealership sector. Throughout her career, she has thrived in various roles within dealerships, starting as a receptionist and steadily advancing to become an Assistant Controller.
In addition to her professional achievements, Michelle finds joy in her personal life thanks to her wonderful son and her husband. Beyond the dealership world, Michelle is an avid sports enthusiast, loves her travel adventures, and is a music enthusiast, often enjoying various music festivals and concerts.
In addition to her professional achievements, Michelle finds joy in her personal life thanks to her wonderful son and her husband. Beyond the dealership world, Michelle is an avid sports enthusiast, loves her travel adventures, and is a music enthusiast, often enjoying various music festivals and concerts.