Pub. 60 2019-2020 Issue 5

35 FALL 2020 It is going to change. They are going to find it harder and harder for these big guys to build these facilities. Now again, in some areas in the outlying areas it may work, but I don’t think it is as important to the customer as it once was. What is the biggest importance of being a TADA member, what makes it beneficial? TADA is a great partner to all the dealers here in Texas. My dad was involved, and he encouraged me to get involved as well. TADA is an excep- tional representative for the industry, from legislative concerns to new threats to the industry like what we’re seeing now. COVID-19 was new for everyone and TADA has done a wonderful job keeping us informed and fighting for our livelihoods. I don’t think anyone could have weathered well without their tireless work on our behalf. Speaking of this year, it’s been un- precedented to say the least. It was also a very interesting year to end your auto career. Absolutely! No one has seen anything like this. And like every industry, the auto industry has been tested. I think that we have learned a lot and will continue to learn as we move through this. As painful as this has been and will continue to be, I also think it gives us an opportunity to take a hard look at our operations. I think we’re going to find that a lot of things can be done remotely. I thinkwe’re I think that this industry is the last bastion of free enterprise, and it offers opportunities that few industries do. If you work hard and set a direction, you can achieve incredible things in this business. going to see that we can do things differ- ently and still be very successful. 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? I think that this industry is the last bas- tion of free enterprise, and it offers op- portunities that few industries do. If you work hard and set a direction, you can achieve incredible things in this business. Surround yourself with smart people. If you help others succeed, it reflects well on everyone. And finally, be honest and take care of the customers. A story comes to mind. We had a customer come in with a FIAT that had three transmissions go out. When asked what we should do, I told our service department to give her a new car. Our service department told me she didn’t buy the car from us, and I told them that I didn’t care. If we didn’t take care of her, she wouldn't be buying the next car from us either. What will you miss about this business? Any parting thoughts? I don’t know yet. This is so new. It was a big decision. It’s been said that in business you’re either growing or contracting, and the business had great momentum towards growth. So, it seemed like a good time to move onto the next chapter. I am genuinely excited to see what Lithia will do with the business, and I am confident that I have left it in good hands. The industry was great for us. The years that I spent in this business were wonderful. I think Texas is unique — we have an amazing group of dealers that inspire the industry to be better. I think the car business will be just fine for many years to come. Tell us about your family. My wife Jennifer and I have two daughters, Amanda and Alexandra, and two grandchildren who just light up our life. Any interesting hobbies, especially now? We play tennis. I like to read, and my wife is teaching me how to Swiffer the f loor. I’m getting pretty good! I am looking forward to doing some traveling and spending time with my family. 