Sparks, who studied early childhood education at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a stay-athome mom and community volunteer when her husband, Patrick DeCastro, the founder of Kerry Automotive, died suddenly. “My automotive career began on Christmas Eve in 2013, the day Pat passed away of complications following a surgical procedure,” she said. “I was completely overwhelmed at the prospect of running 10 stores with 450 employees but decided that I owed it to our loyal, hardworking and dedicated associates to do my best to keep the company viable and moving forward.” Sparks went to work attending meetings, getting to know every employee, understanding each job function and learning the auto industry from the ground up. She listened to feedback, identified the company’s strengths and weaknesses and came up with ways to overcome obstacles. “I faced many challenges but surrounded myself with smart, loyal and honest advisors from within the team who helped me navigate this new world,” she said. “I was determined to keep my late husband’s legacy alive, our employees’ jobs secure and adapt to the ever-changing car business.” Today, Sparks continues to oversee Kerry Automotive’s 10 stores in Kentucky and Ohio, representing Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. Her current husband, daughter, son and nephew are all part of her team at the dealership group. “In the past 10 years, every store has exceeded all expectations,” she said. “We have solidified our relationships with manufacturers and have established ourselves as a force to be reckoned with in the retail automotive industry.” Sparks is a champion of the Kentucky Automobile Dealers Association, where she is currently on the executive committee and has served as board chair. “The association provided me with invaluable insights from fellow dealers who share similar goals,” she said. “I have also had the privilege of representing Kentucky auto dealers in Washington, D.C., lobbying lawmakers on issues that affect our industry and business.” The bulk of her philanthropic giving and volunteer activities focus on helping critically ill children, a cause very close to her heart. “In March of 2016, my 15-month-old niece had an emergency heart transplant,” Sparks said. “I was inspired by the wonderful care she received and now try to make a difference for other children.” To that end, she supports Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the American Red Cross. “For Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, my contribution to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit has provided funding to enhance the level of care,” she said. “In addition, I have endowed money for the hospital’s Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center, the first program of its kind in the nation.” The Cincinnati Ronald McDonald House is the largest in its network and provides housing for families whose children are undergoing treatment at an area hospital. Sparks supports the group’s Taste of Hope initiative, which supplies meals to families staying in their facility so parents can completely focus on their child’s care. “I provide one-third of the annual budget for the group’s Taste of Hope kitchen,” she said. “Our employees also volunteer there one night each month, helping to prepare over 250 meals for sick children and their families.” Sparks added, “In the past seven years, I have donated approximately $3 million to many charities and institutions that benefit the most vulnerable people in our society.” Dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country. A panel of faculty members from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan selected one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists received $5,000 for their favorite charities and the winner received $10,000 to give to charity, donated by Ally. WWW.KYADA.COM 29
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