Publication1 2021 Issue 1

10 KENTUCKY AUTO DEALER I did the same with his sister, who used to be a homicide detective. She is extremely intelligent, analytical, detailed and very educated. That is what was needed. I said, “I have a position I would like you to do, but it is going to take a lot of cleaning it up.” She took over the HR department and has just flown with it. When she does her typical background detective work on job applicants, sometimes she says, “Nah, this is not going to work for us.” She is such a benefit to the company. What do you think will be some of the auto industry’s dominant trends in the next 5-10 years? We will see a lot more business done the way it has been during the last year. More potential buyers will talk on the phone or use the computer. More EV cars will come in. There’s also going to be a huge change in the work environment. A larger group of young employees are going to be back into that work-home-life balance. Why is it important to be a KADA member? What makes it beneficial? The Kentucky Auto Dealers Association works really hard to protect the dealers. We work on the legislative side to protect with incoming laws. We also work with manufacturers to make sure they don’t strongarm a dealer. There are a lot of changes going on. To be a member means you are going to be protected with the behind-the-scenes activity. If we were not in place right now, dealers of different manufacturers would all be scrambling to figure out how to protect themselves. One side of the state would have a different way of doing business than the other side. We make sure everyone is represented well. I am the very first woman to chair KADA. Each year, our chair has a purpose and a direction that they want to go. My behind-the- scenes purpose has been the same for many years: working with the legislature and manufacturers to protect dealer rights. Also, this year we are working to improve communication between 120 county clerks and dealers. The system has been the same for 50-60 years. We are working with the clerks to streamline work as it goes back and forth. We are always asking, “How can we be more efficient?” What inspired you to serve as a leader within the association? When I was asked to start about 10 years ago, I realized that it was a benefit to me because I could bring the information I was learning back to my corporation, and then I realized that maybe having a voice in what I wanted was going to help it come true. You keep changing powers politically every year, but you can make it work for everyone if you are true to what you believe. We have a whole lot to give to our members. I think it will be just as strong for another 20 years. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? I do many charity projects, but I keep it low-key. I work with the American Heart Association and the Red Cross, and I do a lot with my church, especially projects for children. The auto industry is a huge contributor to our community. We do a really good job of giving back to the community. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been someplace, like a school or medical building, and been told a specific manufacturer or dealer has donated money for it. If you look back at your career and life, what would be three things that you have learned that you would pass on to a younger member within the auto industry? The auto industry is also a very good industry for providing for your family, and it’s a lot of fun. I will never speak poorly of a competitor, and I won’t let my employees speak poorly of a competitor because my competitors are my friends. We work together on a lot of things. I have a lot of fun with them. What are two things that you have learned from past experiences that are helping you navigate now? To ask those who are in the business their opinion. Older employees have a history, and younger ones understand technology. Merging the two gives you the complete package. This industry is evolving rapidly, and I cannot see it going anywhere but in a positive area. Dealers collaborate and work together to solve the problems. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9