OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION ISSUE 2 2025 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 90TH ANNUAL NCADA FAMILY CONVENTION 2025-2026 NCADA SLATE OF OFFICERS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN 4 Building On Our Accomplishments By Rob L. King III, Chairman, NCADA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN 6 Fueling Our Success By T. John Policastro, President, NCADA 8 Welcome to the 90th Annual NCADA Family Convention! 14 Convention Highlights 16 Convention Recognitions 18 NCADA’s Hometown Heroes Program Continues in 2025 19 2025-2026 NCADA Slate of Officers 20 Meet the New NCADA Chairman Rob King 24 Thank You, 2025 PAC Contributors! 26 Upcoming Events 27 2025 NCADA Partners Executive Committee RobKing....................... Chairman BradTyson.................. Vice Chairman MaryMargaretLatham .. . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer LawrenceWhite................. Secretary RandyHunter................ Past Chairman GregYork................... NADA Director Board of Directors Tom Hill District 1 Brad Tyson District 3 Reggie Robinson District 5 Greg Westcott District 7 Matt Birckhead District 9 Grant Loftin District 11 Rex Creech RV Dealer Director Tony Bertschi At-Large Darryl Jackson At-Large Adam Parks At-Large OPEN District 2 Mitch Abernethy District 4 Tim Mitchell District 6 Eason Bryan District 8 Mary Margaret Latham District 10 Neill Nelson District 12 Russ Ellett HD Truck Dealer Director Eric Flow At-Large Ken Jones At-Large NCADA Team T. John Policastro President Wayne Bell Accounting Manager Kobe Fike Marketing & Communications Manager Bridget Johnson Director of Events and Member Engagement Regan Andersen Membership Coordinator ©2025 North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (NCADA) | The newsLINK Group LLC. All rights reserved. NCADA Flashes is published four times per year by The newsLINK Group LLC for NCADA and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of NCADA, its board of directors or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. NCADA Flashes is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of NCADA. While a first-print policy is encouraged, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at (855) 747-4003. 8 20 3
CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN BUILDING ON OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS I WANT TO BEGIN THIS COLUMN BY THANKING MY FELLOW North Carolina dealers for the honor of being elected the 2025-2026 NCADA Chairman. I recognize that I follow in the footsteps of many outstanding leaders who gave selflessly of their time and energy to strengthen our association. Their efforts have made NCADA the premier trade association it is today — dedicated to advancing our industry, advocating for our future and serving as a strong voice for every dealer in our state. As we look ahead, I am excited to continue building on this foundation. We’ve had a great first half of the year with NCADA successfully completing an ambitious legislative agenda at the North Carolina General Assembly, delivering meaningful results for dealers and ensuring our franchise laws remain among the strongest in the nation. With the support of our membership and the hard work of our government affairs team, we achieved important improvements to our franchise laws, secured regulatory reforms that reduce red tape and defended against threats to the dealer system. These accomplishments ensure a stronger foundation for our dealerships and for the thousands of North Carolinians employed in our industry. Your calls, emails and personal outreach to legislators made all the difference in getting our agenda across the finish line. Also, we took the time this summer to gather for our NCADA Family Convention at the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City, Utah. It was a tremendous event — one that blended timely business sessions with opportunities to connect and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Our panels and speakers covered critical issues shaping our industry, from economic trends and regulatory changes to emerging technologies that are redefining dealership operations. Just as importantly, the convention reinforced the unique camaraderie among our dealer families. I want to thank each of you who made the trip and participated — your engagement is what makes these gatherings meaningful and valuable. No chairman’s column would be complete without acknowledging the extraordinary leadership of my predecessor, Randy Hunter. Under Randy’s guidance, NCADA navigated a year of challenges and opportunities with skill and focus. His commitment to strengthening our dealer body and his steady leadership were instrumental in positioning us for success. On behalf of the board and membership, I extend our deepest thanks to Randy and his wife Alice for their service.. Looking forward, NCADA’s work will not slow down. The challenges facing our industry — from rapid technological change to regulatory pressures — require us to remain vigilant and united. Our priorities will include continued advocacy at the legislature, strengthening dealer education programs and providing resources that help members adapt to a changing marketplace. Our association’s strength has always been rooted in the collective involvement of its members. Whether through attending events, contributing to AutoPAC or volunteering your time on committees, your participation fuels our success. I encourage you to remain engaged in the months ahead as we continue to protect and advance the franchised dealer system in North Carolina. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me as your chairman. I look forward to working alongside you to build on our accomplishments and to ensure that NCADA remains the strong, unified voice of our industry. Rob L. King III Bob King Automotive 2025-2026 NCADA Chairman 4
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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN FUELING OUR SUCCESS AS WE TURN THE PAGE ON A BUSY summer, I want to begin by thanking all of you for your support of NCADA and for your participation in our recent events and initiatives. It is an honor to serve as your president, and I could not be prouder of the work we are accomplishing together. One of the highlights of this year has been the passage of our comprehensive franchise bill at the North Carolina General Assembly. This legislation represents years of hard work and collaboration, and it significantly strengthens the protections that ensure the long-term viability of our franchise system. Thanks to the unified voice of our dealers, NCADA remains at the forefront of protecting your investments and securing the future of your businesses. Another highlight was our Family Convention in Park City, Utah, which was a tremendous success. The energy, fellowship and learning that came out of that week reminded us all why NCADA is more than just an association — it’s a family. I want to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making it one of the most memorable conventions in recent years. We also had the privilege of honoring several outstanding leaders in our industry. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Pete and Mike Deichmann, recognizing the incredible legacy that Pete and his late brother, Mike, built together through years of service to their business, their community, and this association. Cyndie Mynatt was honored with this award for her decades of leadership and dedication to our industry. Each of these recipients reflects the very best of North Carolina’s franchised dealers, and we celebrate their example of leadership and service. With the legislative session now largely complete, our focus for the remainder of the year will turn to strengthening our legislative program support and continuing to build on the momentum we have created. This includes preparing for future challenges in Raleigh and ensuring our advocacy efforts remain strong. A critical part of that effort is supporting the NCADA Victory Fund and AutoPAC. These resources allow us to tell our story effectively, support candidates who understand the importance of franchised dealers, and maintain our position as a leading voice in state policy. I encourage every member to participate — your contributions directly strengthen our ability to protect the dealer franchise system. In addition, this fall, NCADA leadership will be traveling across the state for our Local Dealer Meetings. These gatherings are an opportunity to update members directly on legislative and industry issues, to hear your concerns firsthand, and to strengthen the connections that make our association so effective. I encourage you to attend when we are in your area — your feedback and participation are vital to ensuring NCADA continues to meet the needs of our dealer family. We will also continue investing in our members through educational programs. One of the most important opportunities ahead is the Executive Forum, where dealers will gain insight into the key issues shaping our industry and practical strategies to prepare for what’s next. NCADA’s strength lies in the collective involvement of its members. Your engagement — whether through advocacy, education, financial support of our legislative efforts, participation in local meetings or involvement in events — fuels our success and ensures that our industry’s voice remains strong in North Carolina. Thank you for your support. John Policastro NCADA President 6
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THE 90TH ANNUAL NCADA FAMILY CONVENTION WAS HELD IN beautiful Park City, Utah, June 14-17. Attendees enjoyed the luxury amenities and welcoming atmosphere of the Stein Eriksen Lodge, which is nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountain Range. From white water rapids to horseback riding to glass blowing, there were activities for the whole family, and many great memories were made! In addition, our NCADA members had the chance to listen to and interact with an excellent lineup of speakers and industry experts. The conference wrapped up with a world-class closing ceremonies celebration at the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Utah Olympic Park. A BIG thanks to all of the sponsors and exhibitors who helped make this event such a success. We hope to see you at next year’s convention, being held at the historic Greenbrier in West Virginia! WELCOME TO THE 90TH ANNUAL NCADA FAMILY CONVENTION! 8
SATURDAY The 90th NCADA Family Convention kicked off with the arrival of the NCADA Board of Directors, Board of Trustees and other attendees at the Stein Eriksen Lodge. Once everyone was checked in and had picked up their convention packets, they explored the historic lodge, relaxed and unwound beneath the stunning mountain peaks and enjoyed all that Park City, Utah had to offer. The day wrapped up with the traditional NCADA Board & AutoPAC Superhero Dinner, which took place on the scenic Odin Deck. 9
SUNDAY The first full day of the convention started with the NCADA Board of Directors Meeting. While that was taking place, the board members’ spouses were treated to a unique outing to the Park Silly Sunday Market — an open-air market, filled with local food, live music, shopping and fun! The day capped off with the Welcome Party on the beautiful Flagstaff Mountain Deck. 10
MONDAY Monday kicked off with welcome remarks from Dan Bullert of the Stein Eriksen Lodge and Craig Bickmore of the New Car Dealers of Utah, followed by a presentation from the NCADA Legal Team featuring Shawn Mercer and Richard Vinegar. The morning also included sponsor recognition and a panel discussion on DMV modernization. The afternoon brought the first round of activities, including the Wasatch UTV Tour, NCADA Golf Classic, horseback riding and a guided hiking tour. Afterward, attendees had the rest of the day to explore Park City and enjoy the area at their own pace. 11
TUESDAY For the final day of the convention, attendees were inspired by a presentation given by Olympic skier Trace Worthington and walked down memory lane with the Convention-to-Convention video. Immediately following, day two activities got underway, which included fly fishing, bobsledding, glassblowing and rafting the Weber River. The convention wouldn’t be complete without taking the time to celebrate and recognize some of our amazing members, including: the AutoPAC Superheroes, NCADA Champions, Golf Classic winners, the TIME Dealer of the Year, the NCADA Annual Meeting and Lifetime Achievement Awards. 12
OLYMPIC PARK CLOSING CEREMONIES The final night was spent at the Utah Olympic Park, where we announced the bobsled winners, enjoyed an ice cream bar, and watched an incredible high-flying performance by the Flying Ace All-Stars. Everyone was surprised when our very own Alex Dillard appeared as part of the show! 13
NCADA Legal Team Presentation Our NCADA legal team, led by Shawn Mercer and Richard Vinegar, delivered an insightful update on the strategies they’re using to tackle the key issues facing North Carolina dealers this year. They also walked through specific sections of our franchise bill, ensuring dealer members left with a clear understanding of the challenges ahead and how we’re working to protect their best interests. DMV Modernization Panel NCADA brought together several of our expert sponsors for a panel discussion on DMV Modernization. The relationship between dealerships and the DMV is essential to day-to-day operations. Whether it’s titling, registration or dealer services, the efficiency of DMV processes and their integration with dealership systems directly impact how dealers serve their customers. DMV modernization has been a top priority for NCADA in recent years. We’ve worked closely with DMV leadership, legislators, policymakers and industry stakeholders to advocate for meaningful improvements that benefit both dealers and customers. The panel featured industry experts who work directly with the North Carolina DMV and other states across the country. They shared valuable insight into common challenges dealers encounter, the ongoing efforts to improve DMV systems, and — most importantly — best practices that can help modernization move forward. Panelists also answered a wide range of questions about how dealers can support and accelerate this process here in North Carolina. We would like to thank the sponsors on panel: LT Slater (Champ Titles), Darrin Wissinger (CVR), Bob Priselac (DLRdmv), Yossi Amuial (Executive Tag & Title Services) and John Brueggeman (Vitu). Comments from NCDU’s Craig Bickmore It was an honor to hear a welcome message from Craig Bickmore, executive director of the New Car Dealers of Utah. He has served in this position for an extraordinary 38 years, guiding the organization with steady leadership and a deep commitment to Utah’s franchised dealers. He shared with attendees a brief history of Utah and gave some great suggestions on how to experience best the diverse beauty and landscapes that Utah has to offer. Olympian Trace Worthington Inspires We were honored to welcome Olympian and Hall of Fame freestyle skier Trace Worthington as a keynote speaker. Trace brought the perfect mix of inspiration, storytelling and humor as he shared his journey from a small-town kid with big dreams to competing on the world’s biggest stage. With two world championships and 39 World Cup wins under his belt, Trace spoke about the mindset it takes to succeed under pressure, adapt to change and keep pushing forward — messages CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS 14
that resonated deeply with our dealer members and their families. Trace’s presence reminded us that excellence takes vision, grit and a strong support system — values that run deep in both our industry and our association family. Adding a special personal touch to the weekend, Trace stayed to enjoy our final night at the Utah Olympic Park, where the Flying Aces All-Stars delivered a thrilling aerial performance. It was a fitting finale—not only because of Trace’s ties to the sport and venue, but also because his daughter was one of the featured athletes in the show. Having him there to cheer her on made the evening even more meaningful for everyone in attendance. Joe Amendola and Robert Walton Joe Amendola and Robert Walton from Assurant Dealer Services gave a great presentation on the evolution of the F&I space. They walked dealer members through the latest findings from the Global Automotive Mechanical Repair Inflation Report, which included, key claim trends and actionable strategies for managing portfolios in a shifting market. Their insight helped our dealers better understand the forces driving cost increases and how to stay ahead in today’s F&I landscape. It was a timely and informative session that brought real value to our members. 15
TIME Dealer of the Year We were proud to recognize our NCADA 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year nominee, Neill Nelson. John Hiester, the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year nominee, presented Neill with the #1DEALER frame during the event. The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious honors, recognizing top dealers nationwide for their business success and long-standing commitment to community service. And to that point, Neill has a long history of giving back, from the C12 nonprofit organization he joined in 2017 to being an active member of the Rotary Club and creating Davenport Autopark’s Community for Life program to give back to local charities on a regular basis. Neill was humbled by the recognition his fellow dealers bestowed upon him and gave a heartfelt speech after receiving the award. Neill embodies all that it means to be a TIME Dealer of the Year. Congratulations, Neill! Lifetime Achievement Awards Each year at our Family Convention, we take time to recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact on North Carolina’s automotive industry — and this year was no exception. During a special presentation, we honored the recipients of our prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA), the highest honor our association bestows. This award celebrates a career marked by dedication, leadership and service to community. As part of the ceremony, we shared touching tribute videos that captured the stories, relationships and milestones that shaped their journeys. Surrounded by peers, family and friends, recipients were presented with a commemorative award in recognition of their decades of commitment to their dealerships, their communities and the continued strength of our association. Congratulations to Pete Deichmann, the late Mike Deichmann of Trent Cadillac Buick GMC and Cyndie Mynatt of Ben Mynatt Family of Dealerships on receiving this well-deserved honor. Their legacies continue to inspire the next generation of dealers across North Carolina. Recognizing AutoPAC Superheroes and NCADA Champions The 2024 AutoPAC contributors were recognized during the convention, including a special presentation of plaques to our 2024 NCADA Champions in appreciation for their outstanding support. NCADA Golf Classic Winners We teed up for a day of friendly competition and fun on the beautiful Canyons Golf Course. The NCADA Golf Classic Winners and runners-up were: Winners with a score of 54: Charles Williamson, Tripp Williamson, Stony Baker, Tyler Parker. Their names will be engraved on our NCADA Golf Classic Trophy. Runners-up with a score of 57: Matt Birckhead, Anderson Birckhead, Nathan Griffen and Nick Moyes. CONVENTION RECOGNITIONS 16
DIAMOND Assurant Dealer Services TITANIUM Ally Capital Dealer Services Cox Automotive CVR Dealer Merchant Services (DMS) Executive Tag & Title Services Gallagher MOC Mid Atlantic Reynolds and Reynolds Reynolds Law Spectrum Reach Automotive Vitu PLATINUM DLRdmv GOLD CDK Global Dynatron KPA SILVER ACV Brightline Dealer Services Brown & Brown Capital Automotive Real Estate Services ComplyAuto Crandall Corporation Cross-Sell Dominion DMS EasyCare Grow Financial Federal Credit Union LotLinx MetroTech Automotive StrategicSource Truist BRONZE Bass Sox Mercer Bowtie Solutions Champ Titles Forvis Mazars Haig Partners HHM NADA Retirement Phelps Digital Porter and Company Vinegar Law Zurich Mike Alford Recognition Mike Alford was elected as North Carolina’s NADA Director in 2017, beginning his service on the national board, just as he was wrapping up his term as NCADA Chairman. As Mike is concluding his service on both the NADA Board and the NCADA Executive Committee, we took a few minutes to recognize and thank him for his outstanding contributions — not only to NCADA, but to dealers throughout North Carolina and across the country. Mike has truly done it all. In addition to serving as our chairman and holding every officer position leading up to that role, Mike has dedicated the past 12 years to serving on the NADA Board. His service to North Carolina includes his 2010 appointment to the North Carolina Board of Transportation. And in 2023, Mike was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine — our state’s highest civilian award. Mike’s achievements received national recognition in 2013 when he was named the national winner of the TIME Ally Dealer of the Year award. Mike has set the bar high for those who come after him. Thank you for your unwavering example of what it means to be a car dealer, Mike! Sponsor Recognition The convention would not have been possible without the support of our incredible associate member sponsors. We want to take this opportunity to once again thank them for all that they do. This year, 42 convention sponsors played an essential role in the success of NCADA through their ongoing participation in our sponsorship program. They help make events like this possible. NCADA presented each sponsor with a gift to take home as a token of appreciation and a keepsake from the convention. 17
NCADA’S HOMETOWN HEROES PROGRAM CONTINUES IN 2025 Curious about our past Hometown Hero Winners? Scan the QR code to explore their inspiring stories. https://ncada.com/ hometown-heroes/ honorees/ HOMETOWN HEROES IS AN INITIATIVE THAT BEGAN IN 2016 IN THE AFTERMATH of the 9/11 attacks on America. The program of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (NCADA) Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, has a mission that is simple yet profound: to serve as a positive and unwavering voice for North Carolina’s first responders. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of recognizing and honoring more than 1,000 extraordinary individuals who selflessly dedicate their lives to the safety and well-being of our communities. Once again, we’re calling on our very own dealer members to nominate outstanding first responders who have gone above and beyond in service to their communities. Selected honorees will be recognized during our Hometown Heroes Luncheon at the Executive Forum this December. In addition, we’re encouraging dealers across the state to host Hometown Hero Events at their dealerships to celebrate and honor local heroes. If you’d like to plan an event but aren’t sure where to start, NCADA is here to help — we can provide a helpful event checklist and guidance to make it easy. To submit a nomination or request event assistance, please contact Kobe Fike at kfike@ncada.com. 18
Rob King Chairman Bob King Automotive Winston-Salem, North Carolina Brad Tyson Vice Chairman Cloninger Automotive Group Hickory, North Carolina Mary Margaret Latham Treasurer Parkway of Wilmington Wilmington, North Carolina Lawrence White Secretary White Motors Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina AS WE TURN THE PAGE TO A NEW CHAPTER, NCADA EXTENDS HEARTFELT APPRECIATION to those who have guided us over the past year. We are especially grateful to NCADA Chairman Randy Hunter and his wife, Alice, for their steadfast support of North Carolina’s dealers and our association. Their leadership, energy and commitment have left a lasting impact — not only on the success of this past year but on the dealer community as a whole. During our recent Family Convention, Randy officially passed the gavel to Mr. Rob King, who will now serve as NCADA Chairman for 2025-2026. This transition marks an exciting new phase as we continue to grow, adapt and advocate for our members. We also proudly welcome several new faces to the Executive Committee. With a fresh mix of experience, insight and enthusiasm, we’re confident this team will bring forward-thinking ideas and innovative strategies to elevate our work in the year ahead. As always, our foundation remains rooted in collaboration, service and dealer-driven leadership. We look forward to seeing how our new Executive Committee will build on that legacy and continue to strengthen the NCADA mission. 2025-2026 NCADA SLATE OF OFFICERS 19
MEET THE NEW NCADA CHAIRMAN ROB KING 20
ROB KING, CEO OF BOB KING AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, WAS ELECTED AS THE 2025-2026 chairman of NCADA during the Annual Family Convention this past June. Rob’s 45 years in the industry and his involvement with many nonprofit and community organizations have prepared him well for this position. He firmly believes that “to whom much is given, much is required,” and is extremely active in his local community of Winston-Salem. Rob and his wife, Kristen Martin King, have four children in their blended family, ages 17 to 38. We recently sat down with Rob and learned more about him, his career journey and what he wants to accomplish as chairman. The following are excerpts from our conversation. How did you get started in the automotive industry, and were there any formative experiences that guided you to where you are today? At the ripe age of 14, I unwisely announced to my parents that I would not be running spring track in school as expected, to give myself more free time. I planned on having fun and goofing off. My parents had other ideas for my schedule that had suddenly opened up. My mom candidly told my dad that I would end up driving her crazy. So, Dad put me to work at the dealership washing cars and cleaning the mechanic’s bathroom after school. I worked there until I left for Appalachian State University. I came home over the Christmas break and spent that time working at the dealership. I ended up selling so many cars and making so much money that I had very little intention of returning to college, but I ended up going back. I had the opportunity to attend the NADA Academy — the third one ever held — and that solidified my path in the auto industry. My career started at the bottom of the food chain in the dealership, and I worked my way through every job until I took over the company at 32 years old. What inspired you to take on the role of NCADA chairman, and what aspects of your background prepared you for this leadership position? Funny you should ask. I happened to be at a board of directors meeting where we were holding a vote to spend a fair amount of money on advertising. Our bylaws stated it had to pass with unanimous consent. When my turn came, I was the only one to vote no. I thought we were chasing the wrong clients. We didn’t need to use cable TV to talk to people about EV cars because those consumers don’t watch traditional TV. I felt that we needed to chase them via computer or handheld device. Once I had explained my concerns, the board decided to go in a different direction. As I left the meeting, two of my good friends said to me, “We need to put you on the EC.” Not paying any attention to what that was, I said, “Sure!” The next thing you know, I’m on the EC (executive committee) as secretary of NCADA, the next year as treasurer, then VC and now chairman. I have learned a lot through each role while working alongside so many smart and talented dealers. I have been fortunate to have served on a number of university and community boards that were struggling when I came on, and we were able to turn them around. I’ve had a great deal of experience working with higher education: faculty, donors, stakeholders, etc. As a result of these opportunities, my skill set has evolved beyond that of a car dealer or a businessperson. I served as president of 21
the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Foundation for five years, on their board of trustees for nine years, including five as the board chairman. I also chaired the search committee during this time for multiple deans and chancellors for the school, an honor I took very seriously. Additionally, I have served two terms on the Kia National Dealer Council, the Mitsubishi National Dealer Council, the Hyundai National Dealer Council and two terms on the Mazda National Dealer Council, including serving as chairman of the council one of those years. Our dealerships have been the corporate sponsor for the Forsyth Humane Society Furr Ball, the main fundraiser for our local Humane Society, for the past eight years, raising over $2.5 million to increase community awareness of the need for fostering and adopting the animals in our community. My wife, Kristen, and I are the lead corporate sponsors for the Smiley Kids for Kids Triathlon, the No. 1-ranked kids triathlon in the United States. I also spend a great deal of time on the Grandfather Community Foundation Board serving Avery County. This foundation raised $2.7 million for hurricane relief in a short three-month period and is committed to educating the less fortunate in the Avery County area. I understand that when it comes to leading and in order to get things done, one must first learn to figure out what people really want and why they want it. Oftentimes, understanding the why is the catalyst for moving forward with an action plan. What are you focusing on during your term as chairman? We need to continue to protect the franchise model. Throughout the history of automobile sales, OEMs that have decided to build and sell cars have been epic failures. Ford tried to sell cars at Sears, Roebuck and Company; it didn’t work. However, when Ford switched to the franchise system, it became highly successful. Again, in the 1990s, Ford and General Motors tried to sell direct by owning auto dealerships — the formation of the Utah Auto Collection proved disastrous. This was a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and a group of 13 local Ford dealers. The aim was to operate the dealerships under a single name and marketing agreement, reportedly to reduce competition among Ford dealers and improve business. The model proved unpopular with dealers and customers. My focus will always be on protecting dealers and their investments first and foremost. We have to make sure that we take care of our members and the citizens of North Carolina. Additionally, we’ve already worked with legislators on moving titling to an electronic method in the future. But again, moving the DMV is kind of like moving the Queen Mary and asking it to be nimble. Some things just don’t happen as quickly as you need them to happen, but we will keep working on them. How do you manage to balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life? I am of the mindset, “Work hard, play hard, but be present.” If I’m having a conversation with you, I don’t need to be thinking about where I’m going to be tomorrow. I need to be 100% present. Today, having had a lengthy professional career, my family remains first in my life, and I try to maximize time together with my wife and children, making as many memories together as possible. 22
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THANK YOU, 2025 PAC CONTRIBUTORS! AT NCADA, WE STRIVE TO RECOGNIZE AND THANK OUR MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT, ESPECIALLY those who go above and beyond in their commitment to advocating for the franchised dealer system. A critical way our members demonstrate this commitment is through their contributions to the NCADA AutoPAC and the federal NADA PAC, ensuring that the voice of North Carolina’s automobile dealers remains strong and influential in legislative and regulatory discussions. These dedicated contributors play a vital role in protecting and advancing the interests of our industry, helping to shape policies that promote a fair and competitive business environment. Thank you to all dealer members for recognizing the importance of our state and federal PACs! NCADA AutoPAC Contributors AUTOPAC SUPERHEROES (ABOVE $3,000) Rob L. King III — $6,400 J.W. Wyatt III — $6,400 AUTOPAC SUPERHEROES ($3,000) Michael Alford Mitch Abernethy William S. Brown N. Eason Bryan III D.E. Deichmann David E. Durst Mark Fisher John Hiester David R. Hunter Darryl Jackson Alycia Kellum Mary Margaret Latham Grant Loftin David McNeill Jeff Michael Cynthia Mynatt Neill Nelson Dale A. Stearns Natalie Tindol Bradley Tyson Lawrence White Douglas Wilkinson III Charles M. Williamson III Greg York AUTOPAC CHAIRMAN’S CLUB ($2,000) John Feduke Bobby K. Jones II Adam Parks Mat C. Raymond Jr. AUTOPAC ALL-STARS ($1,000) Rusty Cox Rex Creech Dave Everett II Dan Lackey Wayne Perry Timothy Price Todd Rakes Gregory Westcott AUTOPAC CONTRIBUTORS Bennett Johnson Crystal Massie Through August 15, 2025 24
NADA PAC Contributors NADA PAC PRESIDENT’S CLUB ($5,000 INITIAL CONTRIBUTION, $2,500 ANNUAL RENEWAL) Michael Alford Matthew Birckhead Eason Bryan Norwood Bryan Jr. David Durst Dave Hansing John Hiester Thomas Hill Thomas Hunter David Hunter Sr. Tim Ilderton Sr. Jim Keffer Alycia Kellum Rob King III Mary Margaret Latham Randall Marion Jeffrey Michael Mary Rice Mark Thompson Jr. Brad Tyson David Westcott C. Donald Williamson Charles Williamson II J. Wyatt III Gregory York NADA PAC CONTRIBUTOR ($2,500) William J. Lennon Jr. Timothy M. Mitchell Raymond J. Vrscak NADA PAC GOLD LEVEL ($1,000-$2,499) Joseph Alvarez William H. Black III William S. Brown II Rusty Cox Luke Czubay* D.E. Deichmann John Feduke Jr. Mark Fisher Tony Fisher Macon Griffin Manny Kahsai* L. Steven Lee Sr. Cynthia L. Mynatt David Odom Mat C. Raymond Jr. Natalie Tindol Michael W. Toler Christopher H. Vester* Freddie S. White Douglas Wilkinson III NADA PAC SILVER LEVEL ($500-$999) Ralph L. Abernethy III William H. Bulluck Steve Carson Stephen F. Cella Ray Czerw Wayne Dubois David Hansing Bennett Johnson* Brian Palm* Dale A. Stearns Vincent P. White Reginald White Douglas Wilkinson Jr. C.E. (Ward) Williams III NADA PAC BRONZE LEVEL Harry C. Brown Neill Nelson Garson L. Rice Jr. Reginald Robinson D. Wayne Thomas K. Dean Wagaman *Also NADA PAC NextGen Leadership Club 25
Title Clerk Seminar October 9 Hotel Ballast, Wilmington Our popular Title Clerk Seminar is back on October 9 at Hotel Ballast in Wilmington. This seminar is designed for both new and seasoned title clerks looking to sharpen their skills, better understand titling regulations and improve day-to-day efficiency. Whether you’re training new staff or need to stay current on recent DMV updates, this session delivers relevant, real-world instruction you can apply right away. What You’ll Get: • Step-by-step walkthroughs of key processes from DMV professionals. • The latest on regulatory and documentation changes. • Tips to reduce errors and streamline your workflow. • Interactive scenarios with practical takeaways. Seats went quickly at our last session — don’t miss your chance to attend this one! 2025 Local Dealer Meetings NCADA’s Local Dealer Meetings return in 2025, allowing dealer principals, GMs and key leaders to hear legislative and industry updates while sharing feedback directly with NCADA leadership. These meetings give dealers the chance to stay informed on the latest industry issues, from legislative updates and DMV changes to manufacturer activity and important developments affecting your business. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with NCADA leadership, share perspectives and make sure your dealership’s voice is heard. Meetings will be held in Rocky Mount, Asheboro, New Bern/Jacksonville, Wilmington, Burlington, Greensboro/ Winston-Salem, Asheville, Fayetteville, Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte and Greenville. Find a location near you at ncada.com/events. 2025 Executive Forum December 11 Research Triangle Park (RTP) Mark your calendar for the 2025 Executive Forum, happening December 11 at the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in Raleigh. This exclusive event brings together dealer principals and top executives for a dynamic afternoon of strategic discussion, expert-led breakout sessions and forward-looking insights. The day also features our annual Hometown Heroes Luncheon, celebrating the meaningful impact our dealer members make in their communities. UPCOMING EVENTS 26
2025 NCADA PARTNERS NCADA DIAMOND PARTNER NCADA TITANIUM PARTNERS NCADA GOLD PARTNERS NCADA SILVER PARTNERS NCADA BRONZE PARTNERS 27
PO Box 12167 Raleigh, NC 27605 This magazine is designed and published by The newsLINK Group LLC | (855) 746-4403 Truist Bank, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. © 2025 Truist Financial Corporation. TRUIST, the Truist logo and Truist Purple are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All rights reserved. Your dealership doesn’t need a bank. You need a true partner. In today’s complex auto dealer industry, access to capital is only part of the picture. To get ahead and stay ahead, you need a strategic partner expertly versed in this industry. Highly resourced, and completely invested in you. That partner is Truist. Truist.com/DealerServices
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