In 1987, Tim Helmers recognized that auto dealers needed expert guidance in ordering new vehicle inventory and determining optimal stocking levels. At that time, with interest rates hovering just under 10%, dealers were facing significant expenses from aging inventory on their floor plans. Helmers identified that by focusing on faster-turning vehicles, dealers could both increase their profit margins and reduce these costs. With this insight, he founded Helmers Group, starting with a single dealership client. News of success spread quickly, as Helmers Group helped clients achieve higher vehicle turn rates and grosses while minimizing inventory expenses. Within a year, the company grew to serve a dozen dealerships across Dallas and Fort Worth. Not long after, Helmers Group worked with 100 dealerships and has now expanded to nearly 200 clients from coast to coast.
As the client base grew, so did the company’s team and expertise. Today, the Helmers Group team brings over 175 years of combined experience in inventory control and vehicle ordering. Over the years, the technology used for ordering has evolved from punch cards to satellite systems and now to modern web-based applications. Despite these technological changes, Helmers Group’s mission remains unchanged: to help dealers achieve greater success by providing the most effective new vehicle inventory solutions possible
Meet the Partners
Tim Helmers
Tim Helmers established the Helmers Group in 1987 to reduce floor plan costs for auto dealers, enabling them to focus on selling cars. Prior to starting Helmers Group, he graduated from Phillips University in Oklahoma and spent
12 years working at Ford Motor Company. Tim enjoys spending time at the lake, saltwater fishing, hunting, and collecting guns.
Phil Spurlock
Phil is a partner at Helmers Group, dedicated to helping dealers maintain optimal inventories while managing floor plan expenses. He began his journey with Helmers Group in 1989, shortly after earning his undergraduate and MBA degrees from Texas A&M University. Alongside his wonderful wife, Kelley, Phil has built a loving family that includes a daughter and three sons. Their daughter, a dynamic commercial insurance broker, and their eldest son, now a proud team member at Helmers Group, are excelling in their careers. The two younger boys recently celebrated their college graduations. The family shares a passion for travel and water activities. On weekends, they often go boating or fishing, making the most of their time together. Phil is a devoted fan of Texas A&M athletics and spends many fall Saturdays at Aggie football games. He also enjoys attending concerts and live music performances.
Kenny Lemaster
Kenny is a partner at Helmers Group and has been an integral part of the team since 1991. He holds a degree from the University of North Texas, where he also met his wife, Liz. They have two daughters who are currently advancing in their professional fields. With their personal time, Kenny and Liz enjoy boating, wake surfing, and engaging in community activities with friends and family. Kenny is also passionate about bass fishing, actively follows college football, and enjoys serving in his church.
Helmers Group 