Meet the Owners

Meet the Team Behind Valor: Jace Grabouski & Dustin Zeck

At the heart of Valor is a powerful partnership built on shared values, decades of experience, and a passion for people. Jace Grabouski and Dustin Zeck aren’t just seasoned automotive professionals—they’re longtime friends and like-minded leaders who believe in doing business the right way: with integrity, transparency, and a relentless focus on customer experience.

Jace Grabouski – The Reluctant Manager Turned Strategic Leader

Jace’s journey began in 1999, when he moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, to play college baseball at the University of St. Mary. Like many college students, he worked part-time—his first job was at Applebee’s—but it didn’t take long for the next chapter to begin. In 2004, a friend, Ross Dessert, recruited him into the automotive world at Rusty Eck Ford. That first sales job lit a fire.

At Zeck Ford, Jace met Dustin, who was then the Used Car Manager. Recognizing Jace’s potential, Dustin promoted him to Internet Sales, and their partnership began. Despite resisting the move to management at first, Jace eventually took the leap—thanks to a call from Derek during the College World Series that didn’t exactly ask for permission. That decision launched him into leadership.

Jace helped Zeck Ford scale up dramatically—taking the Kansas location to nearly 600 units monthly and playing a role in expanding into three more stores across Oklahoma and Texas.

Later, he returned to his hometown in Nebraska to work alongside his brother, where he deepened his understanding of the business and accounting sides of the dealership world. That time gave him a broader perspective—one he’s bringing to this next chapter at Valor.

Dustin Zeck – A Lifetime in the Automotive World

Dustin Zeck’s automotive journey started at just 14 years old, detailing cars after school. By 21, he was already building a strong sales career, eventually becoming a Lease Renewal Manager after completing Ford’s Half-A-Car program in Philadelphia.

In 2000, he took things to the next level by attending the NADA Dealer Candidate Academy in Virginia, gaining hands-on experience in every dealership department. By 24, he became Assistant General Manager at Jeff O’Neil Superstore in Hutchinson, Kansas, followed by leadership roles at Friendly Ford and Danny Zeck Ford in Leavenworth.

By 2008, Dustin became the Dealer Principal at Zeck Ford and quickly built it into one of the most successful dealerships in the Kansas City metro area.

For Dustin, business has always been about people and relationships. His philosophy is simple: transparency, accountability, integrity, and a belief that we rise by lifting others. His leadership is defined by empowerment—creating a workplace where people thrive, both professionally and personally.

Building Valor Together

Now, Jace and Dustin have reunited at Valor, excited to grow a locally-owned dealership with big ambitions and even bigger heart. With years of trust, teamwork, and complementary experience between them, they’re laying the foundation for something special.

“We’re building more than a store—we’re building a culture,” says Jace. “One that spills over into the best customer experience in the Midwest.”

Together, they’re creating a dealership where culture drives success, people come first, and every customer walks away feeling like family.