The franchise system creates competition and allows local people to help local clients fulfill their wants and needs in a vehicle. We train our sales consultants to evaluate the situation and help the consumer find the vehicle that best suits them and fits their budget. If you take a genuine interest in their needs, you will have a client for life. Also, local communities are supported by the franchise system in a number of ways, including sponsorships that benefit activities, civic clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, etc. Dealerships give back to the community, and I think that’s important. How long have you been a GADA member, and why did you get involved in the association? Our dealership has been in GADA for decades. Several years ago, I wanted to get more involved to help the association continue, what I consider, outstanding work that supports the franchise system and its dealers. I was asked to serve on the Board of Directors by a dealer friend. He shared with me the benefits and opportunities of getting involved. I told him I was interested, he submitted my name, and I was elected to serve on the board. The rest is history. What do you see as the benefit of being a GADA member? GADA provides so many benefits and resources to its dealers; it would be impossible to list them all. The association does a great job representing its dealers on legislative matters. They advocate on behalf of their dealers on franchise law, employment law, tax and fee legislation, as well as many other relevant issues. It provides workers’ compensation, property and casualty, group health, and other insurance solutions for its dealers. These services are designed to fit the needs of franchised automobile dealers and to save them considerable money. Other benefits include title services, workforce development and business forms to name a few. I don’t think dealers know all the benefits that GADA offers. They do an outstanding job. What are your goals as GADA Chairman? My goals as Chairman are to do my part to continue the success that has been achieved by those who preceded me. I plan to support the association and all its endeavors and to promote the viability of the franchise system and dealers in our state. What help do you need from members to accomplish those goals? We need all franchise dealers in our state to become members. We have a good majority, but there are still some that don’t participate. We need them to get involved by attending the regional meetings, Dealer Day at the Capitol and the Annual Convention. We also need every dealer to support the Committee of Automobile Retail Dealers (CARD). CARD supports legislators at the state level concerned with the welfare of franchise dealers. Through CARD, the influence we have by working with these legislators has gone a long way in the past and will continue to go a long way in the future to protect franchise laws and promote the well-being of franchise dealers. Have you had any mentors? What did you learn from them? My mentors are both of my parents, Jim and Judy Prater. They taught me that if you’re a hard worker, you will be successful. They also taught me to be honest and forthright. We always went to church on Sundays, where I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Dad taught me the ropes of how to be a good car guy and a good
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