Pub. 2 2021-2022 Issue 2

continued from page 9 I believe that we are looking at a paradigm shift. Cars, in the future, will be more sophisticated. I think we’re seeing a big wave of change in electrification, and those dealers who embrace change and learn to evolve with the market will continue to be successful. Dealers have a place in the auto industry. The services we provide are valuable. As we faced Y2K in 2000, no one thought about doing business online, yet here we are. Industries change, which is not a bad thing. But change is something to be aware of and adjust for. Why is it important to be a CFADA member? What makes it valuable for the dealers? I think the most important value of any trade association is in monitoring the legal landscape and keeping members informed. You don’t know what you don’t know, and CFADA plays such an important role in keeping our members abreast of the laws. CFADA is such a valuable resource. The next and most immediate benefit for me has been camaraderie. Sitting in a room with peers and gaining knowledge from bright and accomplished business people is a big benefit. My takeaways are so valuable: other ways they do things, how to resolve industry issues in ways I haven’t thought of, and the list goes on. Peer mentorship is valuable and has made an impact on my success in this industry. You are involved in many civic and charitable organizations. Many notable people have said that philanthropy has to be taught and instilled while young. What are your thoughts, and what motivates you to give to the extent you do? I came from a family that was big on giving back; it was instilled from a young age. It’s topdown. The people around you need to practice it for it to make an impact. We all learn by example. I have been so blessed — it’s more fulfilling to give. I get joy from giving, not just financially but with time and experience. My daughters joke that it takes me two hours to fill up my car with gas. I have a penchant for exotic cars — l love them. So, when I pull into the gas station, a lot of kids (and some adults) want to see the car. Many have never seen or will see the type of cars I drive. Those cars are great to drive, but taking people for rides is far more fun, and I have opened up someone to an experience. And who knows where that will go. That’s the exciting part. We can all give back to our communities. We can all learn, and we can all do. If you could choose one charitable cause that will be your legacy because it meant the most to you personally, which one would it be? For my local community, it’s the United Way. Our local United Way partners with 17 or 18 agencies, and all money they take in stayed here, in Highlands County. It’s a chop-wood-carry-water approach to local needs. The United Way supports a battered women shelter, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and Girls Club, to name three. Our dealership group also supports other community programs we initiated, such as Wheels for A’s. It’s a lottery. We have given away almost 100 cars over the last 25 plus years to graduating seniors. We also offer a scholarship program for the kids of our employees: $1,000 per semester toward tuition. I think being involved in your community is essential, and I genuinely believe that when our employees see the focus we have on giving back, I think it’s something that they embrace on their own. We have a pay-it- forward approach. Sebring International Raceway is the birthplace of American endurance racing. Originating from a WWII B-17 training base known as Hendricks Field, Sebring has been the home of the legendary 12- hour endurance race since 1952. The 3.74-mile circuit is considered the world’s most demanding road course. Your name is on the International Raceway’s Paddock. Tell us a bit about that? That has an interesting back-story. It’s well-known that I love cars. I am also close with the NASCAR organization that owns the Sebring raceway. They approached me with the opportunity to become a more significant partner. It fit. It made sense. It’s an industry alliance, and it’s in our backyard. We give all our team members tickets every year for the 12- hour race. It’s been a really fun thing to do. Again, it’s providing people with an experience. I think being involved in your community is essential, and I genuinely believe that when our employees see the focus we have on giving back, I think it’s something that they embrace on their own. We have a pay-it- forward approach. 10 Pub Yr 2 | Issue 2