Jerry Zmyslo: Bart and Jerry were long time business partners. Jerry was working for Ford Motor Company in the late 1970s and explains, “Bart was traveling to Detroit to buy used trucks. My father-in-law, Harry Pritchard, who was a consultant to Rick Warner, called and asked me to assist Bart in any way I could. Bart came out quite often; we got to know each other. I was able to ‘bootleg’ him some new trucks. I also introduced him to several used car managers at dealerships I worked with to give him an opportunity to expand his network.” In 1980, at Bart’s request, Rick Warner invited Jerry out to Salt Lake City for an interview, which led to Jerry accepting a Controller position at Rick Warner Ford. Jerry became an amazing business partner for Bart, working in various capacities such as Controller, CFO, and COO. Jerry set a high bar for everyone with his work ethic and standard of excellence. He is highly respected and loved by his former coworkers and employees. Russ Castleberry: Russ is a longtime employee and Sales Manager of Bart’s. Russ shared, “On March 1, 1984, Bart Warner allowed me to begin the ‘truck transportation journey’ with him and his team. Bart has done a great deal in the past 39 years to encourage and help not only me, but many others towards goals and self-improvement —occupationally, personally, and spiritually … Bart understands that if you want to achieve your goals, you need the right people in your life. If you want to be successful, you will need some help along the way … Bart has been the ‘right person’ to help, encourage, and inspire me to reach higher on many levels.” Family Bart could not survive the demands of his career, his church service, and raising four children without the steadfast love and support of his wife, Liz. She has stood by his side through the good and the tough times, including challenges that come through family business transitions, health scares like when Bart had a pulmonary embolism in the late 1990s, and the many financial risks that come with being married to an entrepreneur with big ideas like building the biggest truck dealership facility in the country. Bart’s son, Tony, shares this about his dad: “I’m grateful for the example and legacy that my father has created and established. He has shown us the benefits of forward and progressive thinking, taking calculated risks, discipline, and employee focus within all the organizations he’s established. He seeks to share the work and the success of his dealerships with the employees and is personally dedicated to each employee becoming the best version Success is no accident It is hard work, perseverance, commitment, never giving up, sacrifice, getting results and the LOVE of what you are doing. For over 24 YEARS we have been LOVING what we do…. WHY WOULD YOU TRUST YOUR BUSINESS TO ANYONE ELSE? 24 years of putting YOUR dealership profits FIRST! www.firstinnovations.com www.firstinsuredgroup.com The First Group Family of Companies Better Products • Better Prices • Better Service 14
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