Corvette Museum’s New CEO David Hill Under Fire for Business Closure That Left Customers Hanging for Backordered Parts

By
Keith Cornett
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25
72415

Corvette Museum's New CEO David Hill Under Fire for Business Closure That Left Customers Hanging for Backordered Parts


The National Corvette Museum’s new CEO David Hill just started his new position last month, but now there are questions about how customers and employees of his classic trucks’ restoration parts company were handled after the company was abruptly shut down last month.

Mar-K was the name of the classic truck parts company that was based in Oklahoma City. Apparently, they offered sheet metal products which were used in restoring pick up beds. A video shared on Facebook says the company was very well-regarded among Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge enthusiasts who turned to the company for complete bed kits, tailgates, bedwood, body moldings, and more. Originally founded in the 1970s, Mar-K was taken over in 2016 by David Hill.

We’re not exactly sure for the reasons that Mar-K suddenly closed, but we were sent this link to a Facebook group that focuses on 1947-1955 Chevy Trucks. A member of the group posted on April 2nd that “Apparently Mar-K is no longer in business. Anyone know why?” The post had over 90 comments with some saying they have paid thousands in advance for parts that no longer appear to be coming.

Here just a few of the customer comments on this post:

  • “I have had wood ordered since October and they billed it out. When I talked to them they told me the wood was back ordered. Not sure what to do now.”
  • “I paid for trim, waited 8 months. Asked for my money back. They kept telling me that the money was in the mail. I finally threatened them with a lawsuit and got my money back.”
  • “I paid 1700.00 last November and nothing yet.”
  • “Um. They better still be in business. I paid 2200+ for a bed and other stuff a month ago that I haven’t received yet.”


In addition to these individual customers, larger corporate customers like Summit also appear to have been left hanging after the closure.

Just to be sure, we checked the Mar-k website which is down, and I called the main telephone number at 405-721-7945 and got the voicemail to talk with a representative, but there was no one who picked up my call and that went to voicemail as well. Local customers shared a photo that showed the facility was closed and locked, and Google was showing the location as “Permanently Closed.”

Members of that Facebook group are aware that David Hill is now the CEO of the National Corvette Museum, and we’ve started seeing posts and comments pop up on the NCM’s Facebook Page:

Mar-K customer post on FB


On Monday morning we reached out to the National Corvette Museum and shared some of the links that we had. They told us they were aware of the issue, and then they sent us this response which we received Monday afternoon:

The National Corvette Museum was very recently made aware of social media allegations concerning David Hill. These allegations are not related to any activities or functions connected to the Museum.

We take matters of this nature very seriously. Out of respect for all individuals involved, we are currently reviewing the situation internally to determine any appropriate next steps.

As always, the Museum remains committed to upholding the integrity and values of our organization and community. We will provide updates if and when appropriate.


We would like to hear from David Hill to get his side of the story. What was the reason for the sudden closure of Mar-K and what of these customers complaining about back-orders that they already paid for? Will they be made whole?

I can’t even imagine the feedback if it were Corvette owners that were getting blind-sided with a business closing while still being owed parts, and the last place we would want to see the owner of that company is at the head of our National Corvette Museum. David either needs to comment publicly about the closure of Mar-K, or the NCM Board needs to make a change immediately.

This is obviously very disappointing, and it’s the third strike for those on the NCM Board who have utilized the same headhunting firm that brought us Dr. Sean Preston and Sharon Brawner, both who were fired by the NCM Board during their second year in the position. As news broke over the weekend, we had several friends who are lifetime members of the NCM saying they are done providing donations unless or until they get things straightened out in Bowling Green.

We’ll be watching this situation and will bring you any more of this news.


Source:
47.5-55.5 GM Trucks Technical Info And Swap Meet

Related:
National Corvette Museum Introduces New CEO David Hill
The National Corvette Museum Names Sharon Brawner as New President and CEO
Dr. Sean Preston is Leaving the National Corvette Museum After a 19-Month Leadership Stint

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25 COMMENTS

  1. This situation is Bad, Really Bad for the Corvette Museum to be part of this scenario involving Mr. Hill and his former business Mar-K with these customers being owed money. Somebody at the Museum probably did not research his background to learn of these problems before interviewing Mr. Hill for this CEO position.
    I hope the NCM Board takes some positive action asap to correct this possible negative image of the National Corvette Museum hiring this guy that obviously stole customer’s money for truck parts.
    Good luck to the members of the NCM Board to make the right decision.

  2. This also shows us that these head hunting firms are not all that effective.

    My memory is fuzzy, but this kind of problem occurred elsewhere, re: head hunting firm not doing its job.

    It looks like the NCM will need to fire this gentleman. Perhaps they will hire Harlan… that would be cool.

  3. What about the Mar-K employees that show up to work one Friday and are told that they won’t be paid and that the doors would be closing…

  4. Time to fire him before he puts a bigger black mark on the NCM………………………..

  5. As a lifetime member just hearing of this I’m stunned and seriously disappointed. Time for a Harlan or Kirk or Tadge to be offered this crucial position to restore confidence and integrity in the NCM.

  6. Mar-K used to be a reputable supplier to the restoration and hot rod industry. I am a long time street rodder/ hot rodder and purchased items from them in the past. Recently I also became a Corvette owner first with a Z06 and currently with an E-Ray. Mr. Hill doesn’t appear to have any integrity and should become unemployed immediately!

  7. As a lifetime member I have been very disappointed in the current NCM Board and many of their recent decisions and actions. We have stopped all donations and visits there until there is a Major change in NCM Board leadership. Seems to be one dumb move after another the past few years.

  8. Pardon the pun, but who ” Vetted ” Mr. Hill prior to his hiring ? Somebody had to say it !

  10. This is disheartening to read of but thank you for reporting. The NCM has a crucial duty to the greater community which starts by having unwavering integrity on the part of its leadership.

    We all make mistakes in life and all are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This said, we’ll maintain hope that the NCM handles the matter appropriately & professionally and arrives at an outcome that is favorable for both the museum and the community.

  11. Don’t forget that he didn’t pay his employee’s salaries and took some of their IRA contributions.

  15. As a distributor of the antique & classic line of parts, let’s not forget all the individual companies die’s and tooling that is now wrapped up in foreclosure with the bank. They held tooling for MANY distributors across the US that was paid for long ago when it was created. Now we are all just left without the dies, or product. It’s a very bad thing.

  17. How can anyone allow this person to take over the Corvette
    Museum with his past reputation? Put someone in there who
    knows how to run a company and keep it running well.

  18. Hill should do the right thing and resign. If not then the board should resind their offer. The board should do some introspection as to how they how they are making these decisions. Currently a museum member, but I have gotten bad vibe over the last several years about decisions at the museum.

  19. I wouldn’t opt for NCM delivery with the current kerfuffle of incompetence. I really would love to. But when I know that as an “outsider”, I could probably do a better job than these people–just starting from scratch–I refuse to sanction their employment with my money.

    Gun-for-hire CEO’s are all like this now a days. You could take the average joe who just got hired into an entry level position at the company 6 weeks ago and hand them the reins–and they’d do just as good of a job if not better. For the quality you’re getting, you could pay somebody 1/10th as much and do better.

  20. Effective immediately, David Hill has submitted his resignation as President and CEO of the National Corvette Museum, which has been accepted by the Board of Directors. We thank him for his time with the organization and wish him well in his future endeavors.

    We are proud to share that Bryce Burklow has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. A dedicated 15-year veteran of the Museum, Bryce has served in key leadership roles across Events, Facilities, and most recently as Interim Chief Operating Officer. His deep understanding of our operations and passion for the Corvette community position him to lead the Museum forward with strength and purpose.

    We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition. The high level of interest and engagement from our Members and the Corvette community has been a powerful reminder of how much this institution means to so many.

    Thank you for your continued support as we drive into our next chapter.

  21. If you look at the National Corvette Museum Board of Directors, no one is impressive. (See https://www.corvettemuseum.org/leadership/). The “Board Officers” seem to be hamburgers and the “At Large Members” are mostly nothings. Several NCM people should get in trouble over this.

    I think that the new CEO, Bryce Burklow, looks great. He should know how things work, what is wrong and how to fix it. Bryce has been there 15 years and will cause me to continue my support of the Museum.

  22. I have a family member that worked there most of his life at Mar-K and the whole situation there was ridiculous after he took over. Sad situation for not only the many customers that were left in the dark not getting their products but even worse for the employees who were just left go randomly.

  23. David has submitted his resignation and the appointment of Bryce is the 1000% right thing to do. How many dollars were wasted to ultimately get the answer that was obvious from the get-go.

    A lot of folks have mentioned the change since Wendell left, and while the hole left by Wendell is massive, the BOD that led that coup are still pulling the strings, as indicated by the EMBARRASSING hires of unqualified people and exodus of staff that made the magic happen.

  24. The post by Smiley McDermot hit the ball out of the park! A nine month search for a new CEO, & the best the search firm & the Board could come up with was Mr. Hill. Totally embarrassing!
    I welcome the appointment of Bryce Burklow!

  25. Hopefully, the new CEO will review the effectiveness of the BOD and take all ne essay action to right what’s wrong!

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