Pub. 60 2019-2020 Issue 5

18 become a dealer, but that’s what hap- pened. I got a job at a local dealer- ship in Austin, and coincidentally at the time, electronics were first being introduced in cars. Because of my training in electronics, I was able to diagnose and repair issues that the technicians at that time hadn’t been trained on. Suddenly I was making more than I could make with my degree at an electronics firm. I liked working on cars, liked the business and most importantly the people. I decided to give it a try, and here I am today. As far as leadership is concerned, I feel like I have a duty and responsibility toward helping others because of the investment that so many other people made in me. There are a number of people who helped me along my jour- ney, and without their help, I wouldn’t be here today. Are there any specific individuals who had a major impact on your career? How? I’ve been blessed in that I have worked for only a handful of dealerships. The most important person I met along my journey, hands down, was Ken Ruddy from Beaumont. At the time, he had just bought a single-point Oldsmobile dealership in Round Rock when I went to work for him. His business grew, and I grew with him. Eventu- ally, many years later, I was fortunate in that he offered me a chance to buy into the business. Ken Ruddy was by far the biggest influ- ence on me and my career, and he was very instrumental to me in pursuing my dream because of the deep respect I developed for him. Ken was a rare individual. He graduated from West Point and was a decorated military veteran. But even more importantly, he was a man of high moral character and integrity. If he shook your hand after agreeing to a deal, you could depend on that handshake. That’s a rare thing in today’s world. Watching him through the years, I became firmly convinced this was where I wanted to be. He set the standard that I still work to achieve every day I go to work. What’s the most rewarding part of your career? It’s helping employees grow and reach their potential. I enjoy seeing others achieve their goals and work toward their dreams. How has the automotive industry changed in the last five years? There’s been an overall improvement in the dealers who have survived and worked through the Great Recession. Out of that experience, you are seeing dealers now who are more likely to react positively to change when it comes. And change always comes. What have been some of the major challenges in creating a balance in customer dealership and digital- based transactions? There’s going to be a higher use of digi- tal practices online for researching the purchase of a vehicle, but I don’t think you are ever going to see a time when people don’t want to come in and look at a car on the lot. They instinctively want to touch their new car and drive it before they buy it. If there’s a major challenge, it’s for us to be receptive to hearing what the customer wants and then giving it to them. Sometimes we think we know what the customer wants versus what they tell us, but in the end, they vote with their pocketbook. What is the biggest impact of being a TADA member? I appreciate all the effort the TADA goes to for its members. Over time, I have come away with a deeply appreciative view of my fellow deal- ers. Many of them work tirelessly behind the scenes. They aren’t doing it for pay or recognition. They are do- ing it because it is the right thing to do. I respect this group because they helped me improve and be a better leader as well. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? I’m active with my church. We have small-member disciple groups where we mentor individuals. I lead one group and work with the men in it during my spare time. If you look back at your career and life, what would be three things that you have learned and that you would pass on to a youngermember within the automotive industry? I would share this one lesson or thought. Intelligence or education is not the only asset you have, or always the most im- portant. Being persistent, not quitting and not giving up are more important qualities in the long run. Don’t feel like you can’t succeed because maybe you don’t have the best pedigree or your family doesn’t come from the car business. It’s about making an effort, doing the work and improving yourself and associating with people who are going to better you and who see you as a worthwhile investment. What a re some professiona l moments that make you the proudest? It’s been the addition of having my two oldest sons work with me in the busi- ness. They are both general managers, and each runs a store for the group. Was there an “aha”moment in your career that defined you? There was a moment like that in my career. In 1990 or 1991, before I was a dealer, I had become somewhat continued from page 17