How did you become a car dealer?

In 1994, I graduated from the University of Miami, Florida, and came home to help my parents for a couple of years with the family business, Toothman Ford. Now here I am, almost 27 years later, with an amazing team!

Did you always aspire to be part of the automotive industry?

No, I really had no intention of entering the automotive business. I’m not an avid car junkie; I am just more appreciative of the business and the interactions with employees and customers.

Do you currently have family members in the auto industry?

My mother and father started Toothman Ford in 1967. They owned and operated the business hands-on for many years and are partially retired at this point (if anyone ever retires from the car business!!)

Describe your educational background. What did you study?

I received my degree in Business Management/Entrepreneurship, but probably the most valuable part of my education was being 1,000 miles from home and learning a degree of self-reliance and the ability to adapt to adverse situations.

Are there any specific individuals who had a major impact on your career? For example, who were your mentors, and what did each mentor teach you?

As I get older, I find myself continually trying to learn from people in my profession and successful people in general.

• Quite honestly, my father was a tremendous mentor. He allowed me to make mistakes without the “I told you so” mantra. His patience and courage have always stuck with me.
• Dan McCollough was also an early influence as our sales manager. He helped to modernize our operations and look outside the box.
• Frank Sowers, my partner at one of the stores, has a much different operations methodology than my own, but I learn from him and respect his years of wisdom and experience.

What is the most rewarding part of your career?

We have been fortunate enough to be able to pay it forward with our charitable efforts with WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital, which is more rewarding than words can describe. Also, it is very rewarding that at Toothman Ford, we can provide many good-paying jobs within our community.

What do you think will be some of the auto industry’s dominant trends in the next 5-10 years?

Adapt or die. Electric vehicles are coming fast, autonomous driving cars are on the horizon, and digital is fully entrenched and will continue to evolve.

What is the biggest impact of being a WVADA member? What makes it beneficial?

WVADA goes to bat for the interest of the automotive sector for the state of West Virginia, which employs so many people. Many communities and families rely on this industry to keep food on the table and a roof overhead. WVADA allows dealers in the industry to have a voice.

Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations?

I am on the Leadership Council at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital. It has been super rewarding to witness the construction of an all-new Children’s Hospital that will serve ALL West Virginia children!

If you look back at your career and life, please list three things you have learned and would like to pass on as a mentor to others within the auto industry?

1. Be Humble: We can always learn and evolve.
2. Adapt: Always be willing to adapt and overcome adverse markets or conditions.
3. Pay It Forward: If you are fortunate enough to attain some success, pay it forward to others and refresh them.