Pub. 1 2019-20 Issue 1

Issue 1 2019 9 WVADA Are there any specific individuals that had a major impact on your career? My dad is my hero. He’s a tough guy and a class act. He did ev- erything he could to nurture me and propel me forward. He’s a world class businessman – the smartest businessman I know. I was also fortunate to attend some seminars and business re- treats with Paul Cummings. I found his view of the world in re- gards to attitude and enthusiasm to be a great way to conduct your life and career. What is the most rewarding part of your career? Working with people. I really like people. I think any business is as good as its people. We run our dealerships with four core values in mind: inven- tory, advertising, people and processes, with people being the number 1. What do you think will be some of the dominant trendswithin the auto industry in the next 5-10 years? I think we all hear about the coming tsunami of EVs, ride-shar- ing, ride-hailing and autonomous vehicles, and I think that there is a great deal of prognostication about what it all looks like and what we need to do to be ready. Being ready, of course, is a good thing and what responsible business owners plan for. However, I think a big part of meeting the future is knowing your local market. The U.S. is a collection of individually unique cultures, which has different needs. Cars in this country sym- bolize freedom. While I think that people in big cities will em- brace ride-sharing and ride-hailing, the people in rural areas, like many of those in West Virginia will want their cars. I just don’t see “Bubba” ride-sharing to work Monday morning in his electric pickup. As business owners I think we need to know our customers and put the so-called trends into perspective. I do believe that electric is interesting. I believe that combus- tion is more reliable. And that over time technology will be- come better and better, and that the best will win. What is the biggest impact of being a WVADA member? What makes it beneficial? WVADA offers many benefits through membership. As mem- bers we can become familiar with statewide economic trends, which is so important for small business owners, generally. West Virginia dealers are good solid dealers, so through WVADA you just have access to a network of really smart people. WVADA’s involvement in legal issues that affect our industry is paramount to us as dealers being able to run our businesses within the sem- blance of free commerce with the least amount of government involvement as possible. I think membership is invaluable. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? We’re involved in a lot of charitable organizations. I believe that business owners have a social andmoral obligation improve their communities and make them better.