Car dealers are doers. They have to be. They do for a lot of people. They are very giving people, and couldn’t be more proud to be part of the ranks. What are some professional moments that make you the proudest? In 2002, I became the first person in Florida to win the TIME magazine Quality Dealer of the Year award, which is probably the most prestigious award a dealer can earn. That was a moment I was very humbled. I was also named a Northern Illinois University Husky Legend. They held the ceremony where I was honored on the football field. It was raining, but it was one of the best moments. As you look back on your career and life, what would be three things you have learned that you would pass onto a younger member within the auto industry? I’m a big believer in making your own luck and getting out of your own way to do it. I went to college for seven years, got a law degree and changed careers immediately. I think a lot of people wouldn’t have walked away from that kind of time and money investment in their education, but I saw an opportunity, and I took it. I think a lot of people let their perceptions of how things should be limit their abilities in terms of how things could be. I would encourage young people to take a chance on opportunities as they come. I am proud to be a car salesman. I may be a dealer, but I am a car salesman at heart. Car dealers are doers. They have to be. They “do” for a lot of people. They are very giving people, and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of the ranks. And then, I would encourage people to take life more as it comes. Learn to play the hand you’re dealt – but play it well. I think that’s the key. What is the most rewarding part of your career? As a salesman, as a sales manager and as a dealer, this is what I’ve always wanted to do. I like to sell cars. Was there ever an “aha” moment in your career that defined you? There have been lots of moments. Life is a culmination of moments, I think. I am driven by accomplishments. I never did anything for money. I want to be the best at whatever I do. I want to know that I did the best I could. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? I am; I believe in giving back to our communities. I have been chairman of the Florida Citrus Sports Association for many years. I’ve been a director for the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, as well as a member of the Eustis Rotary Club. One of the things that I am most proud of is the ten and a half million dollars our association raised for our automotive training center, the Barbara Miller Central Florida Automotive Training Center at Seminole State College. I think we all know that we are facing a terrible shortage of trained auto technicians, and 10 years ago, we decided to do something about it. I think a lot of young people are pushed into going to college when they would be better served to look at a trade instead. We don’t have enough people who can do things with their hands. We need to change that. Describe your all-time favorite vehicle – it can be one you’ve owned or something on your wish list. What are you driving today? Well, today I’m driving a used Equinox. My favorite car was the Corvette I drove when I couldn’t afford it. What is the biggest impact of being a CFADA member? What makes it beneficial? I’ve been a member of CFADA since I’ve been a dealer here in Florida. As dealers, we’re all involved in the communities we live and do business in. Giving back is important, making things better. Our association is very active, we’re supportive of one another, and we get things done. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? Nothing really unusual. I play some golf – not as much as I used to or would like. And I sell cars. Tell us about your family. My wife, Ann, passed away when she was 38 years old. Way too young. I am still single. 12 Pub Yr 2 | Issue 4
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