Pub. 3 2021-2022 Issue 1

14 largest purchase most people will make in their lives, and I believe that is deserving of a relationship. Most of our customers feel the same way. What is the greatest importance of being a CNCDA member, what makes it beneficial? CNCDA is our watchdog at the state capitol, where they protect our business and our investment. They are a strong advocate, especially this year, which most dealers appreciate. Then there’s the education aspect of our business. There are always new laws, and the need to stay compliant is an ever-changing and ever-growing concern. The collective knowledge of our industry that the CNCDA staff has is phenomenal. As a dealer, I appreciate their dedication to my business, and I know that other dealers feel the same way. We are successful because of them. What inspired you to serve as a leader within the association? I think it was a matter of it was my turn — not too many dealers were stepping up — for many reasons; they are busy, corporate group owned stores may not have the stability in leadership to get involved, or it’s easy to put off. But here’s the thing, if you want to enact change, you have to get involved. I have been involved over the years in our local chapter, Silicon Valley Auto Dealers Association. I have seen how important getting involved at the metro level was for my dealership, so the leveling up to the state level was natural. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? Yes, our local Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts and the Boys & Girls Club, to name a few. We’re also very involved with our local schools and the library down the street. Giving back to our community is important for us. We’ve been here a long time. If you look back at your career and life, what would be three things that you have learned that you would pass onto a younger member within the auto industry? The first involves change. Be adaptable to change. As a business, we’ve been here since 1875, and we’ve weathered wars, depressions and recessions. Things CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 do eventually end, and you come out the other side. Knowing how to react to change appropriately is a big thing — not just professionally but personally too. Next would be cultivating a relationship with people. All people. Employees, co-workers and customers. Selling cars is a people business. And finally, never stop learning. This business is about disruption and compliance. The more you know, the better off you will be. If you could describe the best day in this business, what would it look like? It’s Monday morning, which means I get a “best day” once a week! I get to come to work. I love coming to work. My wife and employees think I am nuts, but I’m like, “It’s Monday, it’s Monday!” all morning. It’s like the office staff Friday afternoons, “It’s Friday, it’s Friday!” It’s never been a chore for me to come to work. It’s great, and I love being here. What are you doing, as a small business, to weather the pandemic storm? We’re doing what pretty much the standard things every business is doing: social distancing, wearing masks, hand-washing and hand sanitizer. But what we’ve also focused on is much more communication with our employees: reassuring them and reminding them to stay safe at the dealership and at home. We’re also having fewer meetings and more one-on-one time. The pandemic has been trying mentally and emotionally for everyone. We’re focusing on getting through this together. What are you doing to support your employees? We’re a people business; we need to be present. Techs can’t repair cars at home. We have to be here — parts, delivery, etc. Our work is done at the dealership. We Givingback to our community is important for us. We’ve been here a long time.