Giving Back to His Community

By Noelle Bartl

Mark Wiggins (BBA 84) is a natural at running a thriving Albuquerque car business and finding ways to help New Mexico youth.

After working as a district sales manager for the Pepsi Company in Roswell, New Mexico, Mark found his calling in auto sales. He transitioned to car sales with Gene Messer dealership in Lubbock, TX. Over the next few years, he broke sales records, which motivated him to experience other areas of dealership structure including finance and management.

In 2005, Mark was promoted to COO and moved to Albuquerque to oversee four stores in New Mexico and Colorado. Then in 2008, he became partners with his two longtime associates in Mark’s Casa Auto Group selling Chevrolet, Jeep, Mitsubishi and Chrysler vehicles. Mark and his business partners own three dealerships in Albuquerque and have achieved much success and growth despite some difficult years in the auto industry.

Mark Wiggins

New Mexico children have been helped by Mark Wiggins and Mark’s Casa Autogroup with their ongoing program donating infant and toddler car seats to families in need and by assisting in the build of a playground for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico.

Mark is a strong supporter of the Special Olympics. As a parent volunteer, he donated time, materials and labor to prepare land and build a horse arena for the New Mexico Special Olympics Equestrian program. He also volunteers for Christina Kent Early Childhood Center and helps with the organization’s annual auction.

“I think getting involved in the community and giving back to the community that gives to you is extremely important,” explained Mark. “Taking care of the children and promoting the importance of education are issues the dealership supports wholeheartedly.”

ENMU helped to launch his career success by providing Mark a quality education. Mark isn’t the only family member to attend ENMU. His brother Mike (BBA 87) and his son Miguel (BS 13) are also Eastern graduates.

“The marketing and finance instructors at Eastern took a genuine interest in me as a student and gave that personal one-on-one attention that helped me to succeed. For that, I am forever grateful.”