Pub. 1 2018-2019 |Issue 1

8 Getting to Know Tim Dahle, NCDU’s Incoming President Tim Dahle NCDU President How did you become a car dealer? Did you always aspire to be part of the automotive industry? I grew up in a “car” family. Back in 1968, my dad, Cline Dahle, had a Datsun dealership (which later became Nissan). The dealership was located at 4608 S. State Street, in Murray, and I worked as a lot boy and helped detail cars. When I was 18, I sold my first car. It was a purple Datsun F-10 which was Datsun’s first front-wheel drive car. It was such a rush. I decided right then and there what my life course would be and I never turned back. In April, 1989, I became the newest and one of the youngest Nissan dealers in the Country, when I bought the dealership frommy dad. With the support of wonderful customers and dedicated hard-working employees whom I consider to be my personal friends, we have managed to thrive for 23 years. Do you have family mem- bers in the auto industry? I do. My dad mentored a lot of people, and many were family. My Uncle Brent is in the business, and my brother, Den- nis, owns D. Dahle Mazda. My wife and I have two sons, Steven and Marcus, and son-in-law, Vic, who will carry the torch for hopefully another 44 years. Describe your educationback- ground.What did you study? I attended USU and studied history and political science. Are there any specific individuals that had a major impact on your career? My mom and dad, as well as my two uncles. Watching my parents create and cultivate a new business provided me with countless rich experiences, instilling the importance of sound principles. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and lessons learned under their watchful eye. In mid-1967, my mom and dad took their life savings of $3,200 and decided to realize their dream. My dad told the story “I went to California with a cashier’s check for $3,200 and a flooring plan of $36,000. They told me I didn’t have enough money or experience. Another guy said, ‘A cashier’s check, OK.’ They took the check, loaded the parts into the back of a car and sent me back to Salt Lake with a BMW franchise.” Through hard work and the support of many loyal customers and dedicated employees, their dealership, called Cline’s, sold 78 BMWs in their first year making them the No. 1 BMW dealer in the Western Region. Shortly thereafter Dad was awarded the Datsun franchise which meant he had to relinquish the BMW franchise. Times were tough and my mom, Marsha, recalls “just grinding through.” They had an incredible product and business picked up which enabled them to buy property near 4500 S. State Street where my dealerships, Tim Dahle Nissan Murray and Tim Dahle Infiniti, still operate 40 years later. My dad ran the sales and day-to-day operations while momwas in charge of the books and licensing. My parents loved the car business, and I grew up loving it too. What is the most rewarding part of your career? Honestly, selling cars! That initial rush when I was 18 and sold my first car has never left me. I love to see good sales numbers. I also enjoy working with the many great people at the dealership. I enjoy passing on the love of cars and this business to others. If I can help someone, by mentoring them or providing opportunities, it’s a privilege Are you involved with any civic or charitable organizations? I have served in many positions with my church. I’m also on the board at the Arthritis Foundation and the