What do you enjoy most about working with California’s dealer community? The relationships. I really enjoy getting to know our dealers, learning about their businesses and hearing what’s happening in their stores. I also love connecting people, and it’s rewarding when those introductions turn into valuable relationships. What’s something about you that people might be surprised to learn? I have a Great Dane named Clyde who weighs about as much as I do. He’s a very big part of my family — literally. Coffee or tea? Early bird or night owl? Pre-workout! A little extra power for my early morning workouts. What was your first car? My first car was a green Mitsubishi Galant. Any hidden talents or other fun facts about you? Singing! And, in a completely different arena, I was a nationally qualified bikini athlete. MICHAEL WALSH Chief Financial Officer Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan With CNCDA since: 2023 Tell us about your background. How did you end up at CNCDA? I have worked in the private accounting sector for 40 years. In 2016, I started working with some associations and small businesses as a consultant. During this time, I met Crystal, Cathy and Rebecca. In 2023, I was recruited by Cathy and Rebecca to join CNCDA. The rest, as they say, is history. What does your current role and position entail? I am the CFO, so I am responsible for safeguarding the association’s assets and financial stability. I am also the Assistant Treasurer of the CNCDA Foundation. I work very closely with the Operations and Membership departments, but I will jump in to help whoever needs assistance. When should a dealer member reach out to you? What kinds of questions or issues are you the best resource for? I can answer membership questions more directly, but I am open to any questions and can make sure you’re connected to the appropriate team member for any I can’t answer. What’s something you work on behind the scenes that directly benefits our dealer members? Supporting the staff in any way possible to help them focus on issues directly related to the dealership world. What’s a project you’re currently working on that directly impacts our members? I currently volunteer a lot of time assisting the CNCDA Foundation with their Career Day events. It is a wonderful opportunity to help show the younger generation the opportunities available to them in the auto industry. It gives me an opportunity to meet many of our dealerships that participate in these events. What do you enjoy most about working with California’s dealer community? I have made it a goal to visit dealerships in all regions to take tours, meet owners and staff and hear the many stories of how it all came about. I use it as an opportunity to ask questions about what we are doing right, how we can help and bring it back to the team to help build our goals and objectives. What’s something about you that people might be surprised to learn? One of my favorite hobbies is horseback riding and taking working ranch vacations. I just completed a week in Montana that was amazing. Almost 70 miles on horseback in five days with unbelievable views. Coffee or tea? Early bird or night owl? Coffee drinks and an EARLY bird. What was your first car? A 1970 Mercury Cougar. 17 California New Car Dealer Quarterly
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