Staff

Hi, I’m Gabe Recker, Finance Manager at Statewide Ford. I’m a 2014 graduate of Continental Local Schools and proud to be part of the Statewide team. The automotive industry has been a part of my life for several years, and I truly enjoy meeting new people and helping them find their next favorite vehicle.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, spending time with friends and family, and taking as many adventures as possible. I’m also a big animal lover—even though I don’t have any pets of my own, I proudly consider myself a pet uncle to Bonnie (a Blue Heeler mix), Aster (a glorified dumpster cat), and Molly (a Goldendoodle).

I love being part of the Van Wert community and appreciate the people and local businesses that make it such a great place to live and work.

Jason Burkhart serves as the Parts & Service Director at Statewide Ford and brings more than 27 years of experience in the automotive industry to the team. He has been with Statewide Ford for the past four years and is dedicated to ensuring customers receive exceptional service and support every time they visit the dealership.

Jason believes the strength of the Statewide Ford service department comes from its people and takes great pride in the team that works together to provide a top-notch customer experience.

Outside of work, Jason is a devoted family man. He and his wife have four children, and he enjoys spending his free time attending and cheering them on at their sporting events. When the family gets the chance to travel, their favorite destination is Disney World.

Lori joined the Statewide Ford team in September 2024, bringing more than 15 years of experience in the automotive industry. She began her career in November 2009 as a receptionist and worked her way up through dedication, leadership, and a genuine passion for helping people.

Lori believes buying a vehicle should be exciting—not stressful—and she takes pride in creating a sales experience that’s simple, transparent, and comfortable from start to finish. Her goal is for every customer to leave feeling confident in their decision and excited about their new vehicle.

When she’s not at the dealership, Lori loves spending time outdoors. Whether she’s glamping, hiking, relaxing around a campfire, or fitting in a good workout, she enjoys any chance to recharge and enjoy the adventure.

Stacy Rife came to us in November of 2017. Stacy brings over 38 years of accounting background to Statewide Ford. While she did not graduate high school in the area, she did attend her first three years here at both Lincolnview and Van Wert High School. She moved away in 1985, where her career took her to the states of Indiana and Texas before returning to Ohio in 2010 to marry her best friend and high school sweetheart, Henry Rife. They reside in Ohio City and share 5 children and 8 grandchildren between the two of them. In her free time, Stacy is also a vocal coach and has traveled the world coaching vocalists who have performed on shows such as American Idol, The Voice and Amercia’s Got Talent.  She is also very involved in community theater at the Van Wert Civic Theater, where she has performed in 18 musicals back-to-back in the last nine years. She loves being back in Ohio where she gets to experience all the season changes!