Pub. 1 2019-20 Issue 2

Issue 1 2020 13 WVADA involved in our industry on a state and national level – and to interact with other dealers. The more we know, the easier it is to plan for the future. And these are, of course, focus points of WVADA. Since its inception, WVADA has lobbied to protect our rights as dealers and the franchise system making it easier for us to do business. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? I am. I believe in giving back. I believe that with success comes a responsibility to give back. We contribute to include Kiwanis International; Logan Civic Little League; Boy Scouts of America Buckskin Council; Lo- gan County Chamber of Commerce; Logan County Parks & Recreation Committee; First Presbyterian Church of Logan; the Logan High School Improvement Council and to local schools for uniforms, books, backpacks and more. He also provides vehicles to athletic coaches at West Virginia Uni- versity in Morgantown and Marshall University in Hunting- ton, West Virginia, as well as donating to the Marshall Uni- versity Foundation. 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? First, I would say, stay involved in your community. Be mindful of what you have, and help whenever and wherev- er you can. What are some professional moments that make you the proudest? One of the things I am most proud of is being part of the development of the Chief Logan Recreation Center in Chapmanville. It’s a state-of-the-art complex with an indoor competition swimming pool, tennis courts, work- out rooms and more. The center was built to get more young kids and families out and exercising for better health. It has also opened up the availability for more sports teams to be added to local schools, including swimming and soccer. I currently serve on the board. I was also inducted into the Logan High School Hall of Fame as a booster. This meant a great deal. It stands for what I feel so strongly about. Every child needs an opportunity to grow up and know that they can become anything they want to be. Recently my wife, Martha, and I were recognized by our local Chamber of Commerce, which meant a great deal to both of us. Was there an “aha” moment in your career that defined you? I think we all have a lot of moments, but one that stands out is the day I owned my first dealership. Describe your all-time favorite vehicle (it can be one you’ve owned, or something on your wish list). What are you driving today? I drive a Ford F-150. My all-time favorite car is the 50th anniversary Corvette convertible. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? I play a lot of tennis. I love to spend my free time on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails on my Husqvarna 450 Dual Sport Trail Bike. Tell us about your family. My wife Martha and I have been married for 36 years – we’ve known each other for 40. It took me four years to get her to marry me. We have three children, Sydney, Brent and Nathan, and we’re so very proud of them. We have three grandchildren – two girls and a boy. I’m “pops” to them, and when they want to do something, I am right there. My family is the best part of my life. t