The Marathon
Group Family

Our Mission

Driving success together with our business partners

OUR COMMITMENT

Deliver on all promises and exceed expectations. Our commitments reflect our team’s passion and drive to push pass existing paradigms and create breakthrough business solutions that promote customer and client satisfaction. In a world where mediocrity is the norm, we strive to be, in a word,… Better!

Our Story

Marathon Group was formed in 2000 with the mission and purpose to provide high quality Vehicle Service Contract (VSC) Administration for direct marketing companies and automotive dealers. Soon after inception, Marathon Administrative Company organized insurance operations to underwrite VSC’s and continued to expand claims administration services, recognizing unmet opportunities in the market to provide a higher level of client and customer service, and to support clients’ objectives to attract and retain long-term customer relationships. Over the years, as the company expanded into additional markets, it acquired or formed customer contact centers and a Premium Finance company, Sparta Capital Management. Today the Marathon Group of companies are licensed to operate across all 50 United States and Puerto Rico.

The company was originally founded by JP Bryan, his son John Bryan, and co-founder Allen Kreke, who joined from Underwriters Insurance Company with extensive experience managing insurance and service contract operations.  The founders today include Shelby Bryan, JP’s brother, and all continue to serve as Board members.

Marathon Group has distinguished itself by being an innovative and trusted partner of corporate clients who share its customer-centric values to develop long-term relationships. The company prides itself as a premier provider of automotive and ancillary vehicle protection products and B2B marketing programs that promote customer acquisition, retention and client profitability. This is the platform from which Marathon Group has designed unique programs for Professional Employee Organizations, the Rideshare market and other retail channels within the automotive industry. 

Marathon’s management team have essentially leveraged their extensive knowledge and experience in month-to-month subscription-based warranty products, to create revolutionary low-cost VSC programs that are disruptive in an otherwise mature business, to further differentiate itself from mainstream competition.

Our Team

Chief Executive Officer, Marathon Group & President, Sparta Capital Management

John B Bryan

Texas Christian University

John Bryan is a principal owner, Chief Executive Officer of Marathon Group, and residing President of Sparta Capital Management. A dual degree graduate of Texas Christian University, affluent in Spanish and proud veteran of the US Marine Corps, John oversees the management side of the company’s people and employees. With a passion for developing strong teams and sound business practices, John has brought synergy across the group of companies. His background in business development and operational management has allowed Marathon to negotiate multi-million dollar lines of credit for the company and its customers.

When John’s not working, he enjoys the great Texas outdoors, hunting and vacationing with his family.

Chief Financial Officer, Marathon Group

Phillip R Smith

MBA, Baylor University

Phil is the Chief Financial Officer of Marathon Group. Previously he was the CEO and CFO of Torch Energy Advisors Inc., a privately-held company primarily operating in the upstream, midstream and renewable sectors of the energy business.  

Phillip has been in public accounting for over 37 years with both KPMG LLP and Arthur Andersen as previous employers. His accounting and financial management expertise have helped Marathon maintain its strength in financial security both as a company and partner to our customers and client accounts.

Chief Financial Officer, Sparta Capital Management

Chris S Lewis

University of North Florida

Since joining the group in 2016, Chris has been responsible for Sparta’s financial analysis; as well as taking an active role in its operations and business development. A summa cum laude graduate with a BBA in Finance and Economics, Chris is dedicated to perfection in every effort of the business. A sound financial analyst and strategic-minded leader, Chris has supported the financial growth and success of the group and our partners. 

Outside of the office, Chris is a single handicap golfer and frequently caddies for his sister on the LGPA Tour.

VP of Administration, Marathon Administrative Company

David M Gebke

Southwest Illinois College

As Vice President of Administration, David is responsible for overseeing the daily operations within the claims and customer service divisions of Marathon Group. Joining the organization in 2010, David brings over 10 years of customer service and team leadership experience to the company. David served as a Paramedic, where his training in critical thinking and problem solving under extreme pressure provided a vital skill set necessary to lead the fast-paced claims and customer service centers. David’s focus on operational efficiency and training helps Marathon Group to provide a wide range of personalized products while maintaining the highest level of service to our clients.

In his off time, David enjoys golf, the outdoors and spending time with his wife and family.

VP of Marketing & Business Development, Marathon Group

Quentin D McClung

University of Kansas

Quentin McClung joined Marathon Group in 2016 with 27 years’ experience in the insurance and vehicle service contract industry. As the head of our Client Services, Quentin is accountable for anticipating and responding to clients’ needs across all of Marathon’s business-to-business distribution channels, managing a spectrum of client services ranging from marketing and sales support, product management, program pricing and design, campaign development, and client-program performance tracking.

Quentin has held active Property and Casualty and Life and Health Insurance Broker licenses since 2001.  

In his spare time, Quentin enjoys the outdoors with his wife, kids, and grandkids.

VP of Strategy and Operations, Marathon Group

Alex Beckham

University of Texas

Alex joined Marathon in 2023. As VP of Strategy and Operations, she plays a key role in shaping our strategic growth plan and optimizing our day-to-day operations. Graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in finance from the McCombs School of Business, Alex brings a deep understanding of strategy and finance to our team. 

Coming from a consulting and startup background, Alex has worn many hats, gaining valuable experience in navigating diverse challenges and driving results in dynamic environments. This hands-on experience has provided Alex with a practical approach to problem-solving, which she applies to every aspect of our business.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys staying active through workouts, hiking, pickleball, and she also enjoys a good book.

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