Pub. 1 2019-2020 Issue 1

10 Incoming Chairman: Getting to Know CNCDA’s Chairman Ted Nicholas, President, Three-Way Chevrolet 1. How did you become a car dealer? Did you always aspire to be part of the automotive industry? That’s a million-dollar question. It certainly wasn’t the plan early on. I originally wanted to be a doctor. But, when I finished my undergraduate degree, I got a job offer with GMAC for $1,000.00 per month and a company car. I really wanted the car. I worked for GMAC for nineteen years. It was the best education I ever had. My years with GMAC prepared me for running a dealership in many ways, not just in real world skills and financial analysis, but, also emotionally. I met some of the most amazing, gracious dealers all over the U.S. I was always so impressed with the hard work and the high stakes of dealers and their families. They put everything on the line; I was inspired by their passion and their commitment to their employees and their communities. I had some great assignments with GMAC, and I got to travel. My last assignment was in Denver, and I received a job offer from one of the dealerships. I called Harold Meek, a dealer friend and mentor I had met through one of my GMAC assignments, and talked to him about my possible career change. Long story short, Harold Meek made me an offer as well; one that I accepted. In 2008, Harold retired and I became president. It’s been a great ride. To this day, I still love this industry. That’s a million-dollar question. It certainly wasn’t the plan early on. I originally wanted to be a doctor. But, when I finished my undergraduate degree, I got a job offer with GMAC for $1,000.00 per month and a company car. I really wanted the car.