Pub. 1 2018-2019 |Issue 1

9 Hogle Zoo. I think giving back to our communities and serving others is very important. What do you see will be the dominant trends in the next 5-10 years? The “smart cars” are intriguing and the potential of defensive and safer driving is very interesting to me. I’m optimistic and enthusiastic about the opportunities and prospects evolving in the car industry. There are so many exciting new Nissan and Infiniti products on the horizon. Technology, research and development have opened doors we never imaged possible. I believe that we will see the emergence of alternative solutions to the internal combustion engines, which will require less maintenance. I also suspect that our vehicles will be integrated with all our information devices. I also believe that platforms of vehicles will become much more generic, which means that OEM can save money and time, which will be passed onto the consumer. It’s an exciting time to be in the auto industry. What is thebiggest importance of beingaNCDUmember, whatmakes it beneficial? I believe that NCDU provides that important “chair at the table,” so to speak for the dealers. There are huge demands on dealers from all sorts of interests, from the manufacturers to the business requirements of the state. As dealers we have made tremendous investments in our dealerships: inventory, parts, training, facilities and local branding and marketing. NCDU advocates for us that is invaluable. What inspired you to serve as a leader in the Association? I like getting involved. On a personal note, I meet new and interesting people and I learn things that didn’t know before. I like that. On a broader note, I think we all have a responsibility to do what we can tomake the industry that we earn a living from – and I think we can all agree that it’s a nice living – continue on as a strong and vibrant community. I think the franchise dealers have a proud heritage of doing good in their respective communities, and I want to be part of what propels that forward, and I felt it was time to give back to the industry. What areyourpriorities and goals as thePresident?What’s instore forNCDU in the short termand/or long term? I think we have a great association and exceptional internal leadership. Personally, if I can help facilitate dealership growth as we in this industry face new trends, changes and those natural industry disruptors, I’ll be satisfied. Change is naturally uncomfortable, but, it’s also very exciting as it can lead to new ways of doing things and new opportunities. I also have a personal interest in the legislative process, and I want to make sure our collective dealer voices are heard. In the short term, I am interested in the dealer distribution system, and long term, I want to work with lawmakers and OEMs to ensure a vibrant future for our industry. What is your approach to helpingdealers facechallenges at theirdealerships? Providing information. Dealers are resilient. We have to be. But, withmore and better information, we can be better dealers. I don’t think that there is any such thing as toomuch information, especially when we as dealers are running businesses that are inherently complicated because we are a people business. Yes, we sell cars, but, we need people on both sides of the transaction, and people issues can be complicated. If you could look back at your career and life, what would be three things that you have learned and would pass onto a younger member within the auto industry? Stay consistent over the long haul. Make decisions that benefit employees and customers, and the rest will take care of itself. If you could describe the best day in this business, what would it look like? For me, it’s about the relationships with my employees and customers, and sell- ing lots of cars! Describe your all-time favorite vehicle. What are you driving today? My all-time favorite car was a 1970 Datsun 240z. It’s iconic. These days I drive a Nissan. I’d love to have a new Ford GT – but, I don’t qualify and it’s too expensive! Tell us about your family. My wife MaryLynn and I have been married for 37 years. We have three kids, and 6 ½ grandkids. Both MaryLynn and I are very proud of our family. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? I love to eat and see a movie. Marylynn and I like to travel. I am also into mountain biking, and I recently rode the Whole Enchilada in Moab, and it was an epic experience. 3