Where do you see yourself and the dealership in the next 3-5 years? My hope is to stay in Lucedale as a general manager for the next three to five years. This store is where it all started. My dad spent so much time here at this specific dealership, and this campus means so much to both of us. He made so many good relationships with customers, the community and businesses around this area, I want to continue to build upon that. Additionally, I want to get more involved with the other 10 campuses and continue to make good relationships in all of our communities and with all of our employees. How long has the dealership been involved with MADA? We’ve been a member since 1993. My dad served as a chairman for MADA and is the current chairman of the Self Insurance Fund. As for me, I’ve always attended MADA conventions and any opportunity that I have to network with people. I appreciate that Marty keeps us informed about any political developments we need to be aware of. I look forward to becoming more involved with MADA in the years to come. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Do you have any hobbies? Besides golfing and tournament bass fishing, I am an avid bow hunter. My dad has a hunting camp in Illinois that we like to travel to. I also earned my pilot’s license a few years ago and love flying. But for the foreseeable future, my free time is focused on my upcoming nuptials in May and spending time with my fiancée, Whitney. How do you balance your professional responsibilities and personal life? It’s definitely challenging in this business. Surrounding myself with a good team is one way that gives me some time to focus on or do personal things. I know when I’m away, my team will take care of the store, our customers and our employees. Overall, because I love what I’m doing, there’s not a day I’m here that I’m mad or upset, and that makes it easy to balance things as well. The experience you’ll gain is invaluable. One of the biggest things I’ve taken away from it is the relationships with people. Have you had any mentors, and what did you learn from them? My dad taught me self-discipline. I grew up watching him work long hours. He taught me to focus on the important things in life, and in the car business — taking care of your employees and taking care of your customers. My mom taught me how to stay out of trouble, how to be respectful and kept me in church. I have to give credit to my grandparents as well; on both sides of my family, they definitely set good examples for me. What has been the most rewarding part of your career to this point? The most rewarding part has been the connections I’ve made with people and having the opportunity that my dad’s given me to grow and to one day take over the organization. I really appreciate this opportunity. He’s set me up on such a good path to learn the business and has supported me throughout the whole process. 13
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