Pub. 1 2021 Issue 2

26 Q: What did your mentors teach you? Are there three life lessons you would pass on to the people you mentor? A: First I would say, be disciplined. Work harder than everybody else around you, but remember to play along the way. Second, find your spiritual center. Find God. And third, be fair, always, with everyone. The right thing may not be the popular thing. Q: Are you still working, or have you retired? A: I am not involved in daily operations in any of our stores or businesses, but I am still working on a few projects. I also assist our businesses in large projects, and do our corporate flying. Q: You founded Jim Taylor Motors in 1989, and you currently co-own the company with Michael Schneider. How did you get to know Michael, and what’s the story behind his becoming a co-owner? A: I got to knowMichael Schneider through a longtime friend Dan Clowes, who is now one of our partners at our Taylor’s Automax Buick GMC Nissan store. Dan knew that I was looking to have a partner or sell the store in Fort Benton, and he was also friends with Michael Schneider. I was basically looking to retire from that operation, and I had the financial wherewithal and knowledge, but I didn’t have a family member ready to step into Jim Taylor Motors. It’s the reverse story that I had with Mike Tilleman. Dan suggested interviewing Michael Schneider. Michael Schneider has incredible integrity. His family is known for it, and he also has a heart as big as he is. We knew it was a gamble because of his limited financial capability, but it was worth a try, the same way it was with me and Mike Tilleman. He intends to own the dealership. We’ve been partners for two years, he is doing an incredible job, and he is very successful. He is already a half-owner, and he plans to buy the rest very soon. My children are part of my legacy as well. Two of my sons are in business with me, and one son is on his own. My youngest son, Jim Taylor Jr and my brother Mark are in charge of the automotive efforts in Great Falls, Montana. I am still partners with my brother Mike and my wife Bamma in all operations. My oldest son, John Schmiedeke, runs our transportation company as its president. Our son Scott has his own large construction equipment sales business. Q: What are the most important issues facing dealerships in the next 5-10 years? A: Many interruptive technologies are emerging. They are pointing to the electrification of our industry in the form of EVs. In the northern tier states, we have great distances and a scattered population. Electrification is going to be a complex transition here. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 It will be very difficult for dealers to make good, informed decisions and take calculated risks for their futures. I recommend that Montana dealers stay involved in NADA and MTADA. The two associations will keep them informed at the highest level. The associations are an important source of the information stream these dealers need. Q: Tell us about your family and your corgi, Gracie. A: We have three sons and with those three sons, 11 grandchildren. We are an extremely close family. We work hard and play hard together. Gracie is our director of activity: she is in charge. She is one of the most delightful, engaging, vocal, fun animals we have ever had. Q:What do you like to do for fun? A: I’m a musician. I play the guitar. I was involved in a rhythm and blues band for many years, and I’ve also been a Christian worship leader in the church for many years. I like to ride Harleys and dirt bikes, and I really enjoy boating and snow skiing. Also, I fly high-performance aircraft and I do all of our corporate flying. I tell people I spent 45 years in the car business to get the job I really like, the high office! I also like to golf. I love to read, and I have a big library. I have studied world history and the history of our nation at a high level. I also love spiritual books, especially Christian Inspirational.