money was very helpful as we had just had a new baby. Two and a half years later, Larry said, “I’m going to try and buy my own store. Would you come with me?” I told him it depended on where he was going. In 1979, while Larry was on vacation in Utah, he bought a Toyota store in Murray, Utah. He asked me to be the New Car Manager. That was the second major turning point in my life. We were going “home” after being away for five years! I worked 11.5 years in Utah with Larry. I learned a lot during those years, but eventually, I couldn’t keep working 70-hour weeks on a regular basis. Something had to give. While still working for Larry, I had the opportunity to purchase Toyota of Ogden with Larry as my partner. After this, I left the Larry Miller Group, and in 1995, Larry allowed me to buy him out of his investment. This chance was the third major turning point in my life. I purchased and sold a Mazda franchise and a Lincoln-Mercury franchise along the way, but my true passion was Toyota. How has NCDU benefited you professionally? Craig and Jason Bickmore represent about 142 new car dealers in Utah. They see what is beneficial to everyone and know exactly where to turn to help all of us. Their perspective and know-how are so beneficial for everyone. There’s no way I could keep up with legal and legislative concerns on my own. I am willing to go to the state and help lobby, but we would never get anything done if we all had to do this independently. The NCDU is very supportive of all dealers, never favoring one over the other. continued on page 10 What have been some of your biggest challenges? It’s a challenge being an independent single-point store, getting funding and building banking relationships. Large dealership groups have economies of scale that a single point doesn’t have. Another challenge is finding time to be with my family. Sometimes the car business is a 24-7 job. I learned to pick family over work. It was the right thing to do. What are the major milestones in your life? Successfully raising our children was a major life goal. My wife and I have good children, although my wife gets the credit because she did the parenting when I was working such long hours. I am grateful to have Cynthia. I was able to coach two of our girls in basketball after cutting back my work hours. Work milestones include becoming a dealer, being nominated for Time Quality Dealer of the Year and being inducted in the NCDU Hall of Fame. How do you feel about being inducted into the NCDU Hall of Fame? I was on a boat in the middle of the Pacific fishing when Craig called me to tell me. I felt shocked and flattered. It’s truly an honor and a big deal, and it’s very humbling in a lot of ways, especially when you are recognized by your peers. 9
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