5501 Knox Ave Ste A Billings, MT 59106 406-317-7617

Meet the Staff of Sapphire Automotive

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Jake Thatcher - General Sales Manager

4063177617 - jake.sapphireauto@outlook.com

Jake Thatcher brings years of sales experience and a customer-first mindset to the Sapphire Automotive team. As Floor Manager and part of the sales team, Jake is focused on making every customer feel comfortable, respected, and confident throughout the buying process.

Originally from Montana, Jake believes the key to great business is treating everyone the way he would want to be treated. His approach centers around honesty, understanding each customer’s needs and wants, and delivering the best customer service possible. He takes pride in building real relationships with customers and helping them find the right vehicle for their lifestyle and budget.

Jake specializes in trucks — especially Ford trucks — and his favorite vehicle he’s owned is a 2013 Ford F-350. If money were no object, you’d probably find him behind the wheel of a Mustang. Outside of work, Jake enjoys spending time camping with family and making trips through the mountains, including one of his favorite drives from Billings to Banff, Canada.

At Sapphire Automotive, Jake helps build a culture that feels like a second family, where respect and teamwork come first. His goal is simple: continue improving the business, help the team succeed together, and create an experience that keeps customers coming back.

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George Gladstone - Finance/ Sales

4063177617 - george.sapphireauto@outlook.com

George Gladstone brings a customer-focused approach and a lifelong passion for vehicles to the Sapphire Automotive team. Working in both finance and sales, George is dedicated to making the vehicle-buying process simple, straightforward, and enjoyable for every customer.

Before joining the automotive industry, George worked as a land surveyor, where attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication were part of everyday life. Today, he uses those same skills to help customers navigate the car-buying experience with confidence and ease.

Originally from Bemidji, Minnesota, George has always had a passion for automotive culture. Outside of work, he enjoys automotive projects, drag racing, attending car shows, and spending time around classic muscle cars. He’s especially a fan of Chevrolets and Camaros, and some of his favorite vehicles he’s owned include a 2010 Camaro SS and a 2004 Pontiac GTO. His dream car is a legendary 1969 Yenko Chevelle.

George believes customers appreciate honesty, friendliness, and a relaxed buying experience. His goal is to build lasting relationships with customers while helping them find a vehicle that fits both their lifestyle and budget. He describes his customer service style as “painless, quick, and fun,” and works hard to make every customer feel comfortable from start to finish.

At Sapphire Automotive, George is proud to be part of a team that values relationships, trust, and customer satisfaction above everything else.

406-850-4533

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Sterling Hofer - Sales

4063177617 - sterlinghoferauto@outlook.com

Sterling Hofer brings a relationship-focused approach to the Sapphire Automotive team, combining honesty, communication, and genuine customer care in every interaction. Before joining the automotive industry, Sterling worked in botanical product formulation, bringing a unique background and strong attention to detail into his role in sales.

At Sapphire Automotive, Sterling believes great business is built on trust. His philosophy is simple: anyone can sell a car once, but earning a customer’s trust enough for them to return — and confidently send their friends and family — is what truly matters. He prides himself on being straightforward, transparent, and helping customers find the vehicle and financing options that make the most sense for their budget and lifestyle.

For Sterling, the best part of the job is seeing customers leave feeling confident and excited about what they drove home in. He focuses on creating a comfortable, pressure-free experience where people feel informed and respected throughout the process.

Outside of work, Sterling enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to music, and attending concerts. He’s a longtime fan of classic vehicles, with a 1977 SS El Camino ranking as one of his favorite vehicles he’s owned. If money were no object, his dream car would be a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

As part of the Sapphire Automotive team, Sterling believes in leading by example and helping create a culture centered around trust, professionalism, and strong customer relationships. One piece of advice he lives by is: “If it’s not in your hands, it doesn’t need to trouble your mind.”

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Sierra Walsh - Director of Operations

406-317-7617 - sierra.sapphireauto@outlook.com

Don’t let the calm demeanor fool you — Sierra Flippo is the operational engine behind the success of the companies under Iron Gate Capital. As Director of Operations, Sierra plays a critical role in keeping every moving piece aligned, organized, and functioning at a high level across all departments and companies.

Born and raised in Billings, Montana, Sierra joined the organization nearly four years ago and has grown into one of the most important leaders within the group. What started as an opportunity in the automotive industry quickly evolved into a passion for operations, accounting, organization, and team development. Today, she serves as the backbone for more than 18 employees across the organization, helping oversee the systems, communication, structure, and backend processes that keep the companies operating efficiently.

Known for her exceptional organization and personable leadership style, Sierra specializes in accounting and bookkeeping while also managing the behind-the-scenes coordination that most customers never see — but always benefit from. Her ability to create structure, solve problems, and support every department has made her the “glue” that holds the organization together.

At Sapphire Automotive, Sierra believes customer experience starts long before paperwork is signed. She takes pride in helping customers feel comfortable, informed, and stress-free throughout the buying process while ensuring the team delivers a level of service that brings customers back for years to come.

Internally, Sierra is passionate about building a culture rooted in communication, encouragement, accountability, and appreciation for every individual’s role within the company. She believes that as the organization grows, so do the opportunities for everyone involved — and that mindset has helped shape the strong foundation behind the continued expansion of the Iron Gate Capital family of companies.

Outside of work, Sierra enjoys spending time outdoors, working out, shopping, and planning future adventures — including a dream road trip through every national park in the country. She’s an SUV enthusiast with a love for the Porsche Cayenne and runs best on a brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso with peppermint cold foam.

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Donovan Luce - Owner

406-698-7184 - tdcapital1@outlook.com

From the moment you step onto the lot to the time you drive away in your next vehicle, Donovan Luce is committed to making your experience at Sapphire Automotive straightforward, comfortable, and built on trust.

Born and raised in Billings, Montana, Donovan attended West High School before continuing his education at Rocky Mountain College. As a local business owner with deep roots in the community, he understands the importance of building long-term relationships and standing behind every customer experience.

In addition to Sapphire Automotive, Donovan also owns two Allstate insurance agencies in Billings, giving him years of experience helping customers protect some of their biggest investments. That same customer-first mindset carries over into every part of the dealership. His focus is simple: provide reliable vehicles, honest service, and a buying experience customers can feel confident about.

Donovan believes purchasing a vehicle should never feel rushed or uncertain. Whether customers are shopping for their first vehicle, upgrading for their family, or searching for the perfect truck, he and the Sapphire Automotive team work hard to ensure every customer finds the right vehicle at the right price.

At Sapphire Automotive, the goal is not just to sell vehicles — it’s to build relationships, earn trust, and create an experience customers will recommend to friends and family for years to come.

Call today at 406-317-7617 to schedule your test drive and experience the Sapphire Automotive difference.