Pub. 1 2019-20 Issue 1

http://wvcar.com 10 WVADA I am not sure about why, but, West Virgin- ia was the epi-center of opioid addiction and it was a vicious cycle of babies being born addicted, a rise in foster children and ultimately more crime. We became ground zero for treatment and as a state, we’ve seen incredible results in rehabilita- tion and public awareness – all of which has been the result of organizations, busi- nesses and citizens working together. Do you find that it is more dif- ficult for a business to conduct business today than when you first became a dealer?  If yes, in your opinion, what would make it easier? It’s complicated, so much more so today. I think that’s both good and bad, actual- ly. Technology has made a lot of things better, and an equal amount worse. We have to train our people in using the technology, we have to protect people using the technology and we need to manage the metrics we gain from the technology that we use. Yet, at the heart of the deal, is a human interaction. If you look back at your career and life, what would be three things that you have learned, that you would pass onto a younger member within the auto industry? Well first, the pace of the army is the pace of the general. You have to learn to motivate, engage and connect with the people you work with. If you are going to succeed in this business, or any business for that matter, you need to understand that people are your best resource. Next, develop a sense of urgency. I think many people are too complacent. You have to be able to run to the fire, if you will. The ability to jump out ahead of the problem is a good trait to learn. And finally, a positive attitude and a sense of enthusiasm is irreplaceable. It’s contagious. What are some professional moments that make you the proudest? Watching people grow and develop. We started with one dealership and about 60 employees. Today, we have 6 dealer- ships and about 300 employees. From there to here, we’ve had a lot of success stories and for me, being part of those success trajectories is the best. It’s a shared pride of performance that just never gets old. If you could describe your best day in this business, what would it look like? My best day is when everything is click- ing. The interaction with our teammem- bers and customers is on point and cars are selling. Retail is a blast when every- thing moves like a well-oiled machine. My goal is to have a lot of “best” days. Was there an “aha” moment in your career that defined you? For me there hasn’t been that one mo- ment,it’sbeenallthemoments–thelosses, the gains and all the tinkering in between, until one day I looked around and realized that I understand how this works. I know how to make it all work. That’s a comfort- able feeling – not sure if it’s an “aha!” but a satisfied “I’ve got this” moment. Describe your all-time favorite vehicle (it can be one you’ve owned, or some- thing on your wish list). What are you driving today? I drive a Dodge Ram pickup. But my all- time favorite ride is the KIA Stinger; it’s a super fun car to drive and what you get for the money is great. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any un- usual hobbies? Spending time with my family is my fa- vorite way to spend free time. I do a little amateur boxing, which might be consid- ered unusual. Tell us about your family. I have a gorgeous wife, Cassie, who is the most terrific person and is just a dyna- mo in everything she does. Cassie teach- es 5th, 6th and 7th grade English. We have three kids, Fletcher who is twelve, Carter who is 10 and our daughter, Char- lotte, who is 6. t