Pub. 60 2019-2020 Issue 5

19 FALL 2020 disillusioned with the business. I was working in a very large metro store as a service director, and I had a supervi- sor who I did not feel was on the same level as me from the standpoint of character or integrity. I did not respect him. And at the same time, we were growing fast. I felt overmatched, and I knew that if I had to emulate my direct supervisor at that time to be successful and to advance, then this wasn’t the job for me. My hero in the story was the GM of that store. I walked into his office and told him I was quitting on two dif- ferent occasions and actually turned in my notice. He talked me out of it both times and told me, “You are the right guy for the job. You need to stick this out.” He assured me of his confidence. He said, “Work through this, and you will be better when you get to the other side.” I took his advice and stuck it out. Ultimately, it was the other supervisor who ended up doing something different. After that lesson, I never looked back when facing adversity. It impressed upon me that we all have to learn how to serve before we can learn how to lead. You may not always like who you are following, but short of violating your moral code, you follow. And you don’t ever give up. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Do you have any unusual hobbies? I’m a pilot, and I like to fly. I have a small general aviation airplane that my wife and I use to travel. I enjoy flying because it is something outside of the car business that I can also learn and grow in. Also, I have some property in the country, and I enjoy working there, too, doing ranching stuff. Sometimes I can get saturated with people, so I am always happy when I am out in the country working on a tractor, by myself, without a phone. Finally, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have five children and five grandchildren. A couple of my children work for me, and we are very blessed in that regard because we get to see each other and work together. I love my grandchildren, too. I would have just skipped to being a grandparent if I’d known how great they were going to be. I enjoy being with them so much; that’s my biggest reward.  Success is no accident It is hard work, perseverance, commitment, never giving up, sacrifice, getting results and the LOVE of what you are doing. For over 20 YEARS we have been LOVING what we do…. WHY WOULD YOU TRUST YOUR BUSINESS TO ANYONE ELSE? 20 years of putting YOUR dealership profits FIRST! www.firstinnovations.com www.firstinsuredgroup.com The First Group Family of Companies Better Products • Better Prices • Better Service