January 22, 2024

Valued Business Partners,

It is with a heavy heart that I am addressing you today with the unfortunate news that our Chief Executive Officer, Peter Willingham, has passed away. Less than three weeks ago, Peter was diagnosed with Leukemia. The diagnosis, along with the rapid progression was unexpected to all. During Peter’s short stay in the hospital, he was continually surrounded by loving family members and a steady flow of friends, day and night. During the late evening of January 18, 2024, Peter passed with loving family at his side.

Peter began his career with our organization in 2001. Following several well-earned promotions, Peter was ultimately appointed CEO in 2010. At that time, the industry was facing unprecedented economic turbulence. In response, Peter initiated ARS’s transition from a repossession company to the industry leader in technology. Through technological advances, including the proliferation of LPR technology throughout ARS’s agent network, direct vendor systems integration, and the innovation of the LPR Staging concept, ARS reached a new level of efficiency and scalability under Peter’s direction. Peter believed in being impressive, creative, uncompromising, and accountable as a leader. These words were not only a part of our Core Operating Values but a part of Peter’s everyday life both in and out of the office. His commitment to his faith and family was a core motivation in his decision-making process. He believed that there was more than just a business interest in every decision – big or small. Ethics, honesty, and “being on the side of righteousness” were always central to Peter’s motivations.

In 2014, Peter was the primary driver behind redefining our core values and mission as an organization. He truly believed in his vision of our business model: “To not only meet but exceed our client’s expectations through superior performance, integrity-based communication, integrated technology solutions, and compliance-driven business practices.” That is precisely what our organization will continue to do in his honor.

This unexpected course of events has resulted in our organization implementing a pre-designed succession plan. While mourning the loss of our great leader, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our clients and agent partners. As a tribute to Peter and a testament to our core values, the leadership team and the entire PKW Family are fully engaged in the operations of our organization.

Peter expected his executives to approach matters with humility. He expected self-accountability while taking a personal inventory of motives coupled with a service-oriented mindset. His charismatic persona challenged each member of the team, and many times, helped guide matters to the best possible outcome. These standards will live on in memoriam to Peter. We are a better organization for Peter’s 23 years of dedicated leadership, and he will always be remembered for his contributions to improve the standard by which our industry is measured.

In the event you have the desire to make a remembrance, it can be addressed to The Willingham Family C/O ARS, 5118 Robert J Mathews Parkway, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. Memorial information will be available at a later date. We appreciate your concern and thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers during this time of our great loss as we embrace the legacy of Mr. Peter Willingham.

Warm Regards,

Dave Copeland, CEO (Acting)

Patrick K Willis Company, Inc.

American Recovery Service & Skipbusters