Pub. 1 2019-2020 Issue 1

12 a clear succession plan, so that leadership passes without missing a beat to the next generation. For those dealers that don’t have that next generation, consolidation may be a good option. Like many industries, the auto industry needs good people. I know that we all want to hire the “best and the brightest,” but, I am not sure that the auto industry is the first choice for the proverbial “best and the brightest.” This is an industry that requires hard work, and the ability to work with people. The auto industry is a tremendous industry with a lot of opportunity, however, I think we’re going to have to sell, if you will, the industry to younger workers. I believe that we will have to develop some type of program, that incentivizes young people to enter the industry, which will require creative compensation plans as opposed to some type of profit sharing. For those individuals that are interested in cultivating their leadership skills, I think we need to have a clear path to management. I think that if a few dealers start, the rest of the industry will follow. I think we’re going to have to get serious about courting younger workers over the next few years. 7. What is the importance of being a member of CNCDA? Education, hands down. It’s much easier to do what we need to do, when we, as dealers, have someone advising and apprising us of what we need to know. The auto industry has a lot of moving parts. Harold Meek, one of my mentors and someone I admire, always said that rather than sit back and complain about how things are, get involved and help make the changes you want to see. We’d all like to believe that relationships with our OEMs are solid and transparent, but, many OEMs have adopted a strong bottom-line approach, and I think that as dealers, we have a better chance for just and right mandates when we stay together and have a united voice. CNCDA gives us that voice. 8. Why did you want to become involved in a leadership role within the association? Nobody else wanted to! I think the reality is that we all have a responsibility to pay it forward when it comes to improving the industry that we are fortunate to be a part of. And I felt that it was my turn. 9. If you look back at your career in the auto industry, what would be three things that you have learned, that you would pass along to a younger member within the industry? First, I would say to cultivate and keep a small professional circle of people around you with whom you can share ideas and celebrate successes. Second, avoid procrastination. Do your due diligence, consult whom you need to, and make the best decision you can. Quite frankly, the worst decision is the one you didn’t make. And, remember that it is okay to make a mistake. Everyone fails at some point in their career, but the difference between success and failure is what you learn. 10. Describe your all-time favorite vehicle. What do you drive today? The Chevrolet Corvette. It’s just an epic car. I drive a 2019 Silverado, and I absolutely love it. 11. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? I would say with family. I have three kids – two sons and a daughter – and they are my greatest joy. My younger son, Chase, is an ice skater. We both enjoy ice hockey; we’re big Bakersfield Condors fans. 3 …it is okay to make a mistake. Everyone fails at some point in their career, but the di erence between success and failure is what you learn.