Pub. 60 2019-2020 Issue 6

19 WINTER 2020 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 having served the group continuously for more than 30 years in various capacities, including area director, district director, vice chair and, currently, trustee for the Texas Dealer Academy, which he considers his greatest achieve- ment for the group. Crenwelge founded the academy in 2010 to create a structured program of educational and operating train- ing for sons and daughters of Texas auto dealers and other employees identified by the dealers as tomorrow’s leaders in the industry. “It has been a labor of love for me to make decisions that influence the future of my family and the families of my fellow dealers,” he said. “As a third-generation auto dealer myself, I understand the importance of grooming eventual successors and providing them with the tools and knowl- edge necessary for success.” For spearheading this valuable program and his efforts to advance higher education opportunities through the Hill Country University Center in Fredericksburg, Crenwelge received the Northwood University Dealer Education Award in 2016. He is equally committed to making a difference in his community. After watching a presentation by a developer for a hotel on Marktplatz (Market Square) in Fredericks- burg, Crenwelge decided to run for city council and later mayor, to help curtail further commercialization of the property and maintain the quality of life in the area. “During my 20-year tenure on council, we returned this land to its originally intended purpose as the cultural and recreational focal point of our community,” he said. He was also instrumental in the historic St. Joseph Halle’s successful renovation, one of the last historic buildings restored in the town. “I served on the capital campaign that raised the $3 mil- lion to restore the structure to its original grandeur and to- day, it serves as a beautiful performance and event venue,” Crenwelge said. Other groups that he has supported and served include the Gillespie County Historical Society, City of Freder- icksburg Market Square Redevelopment Commission, National Museum of the Pacific War (Fredericksburg), Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Ker- rville Noon Rotary Club and many others. continued on page 20