Pub. 2 2019-2020 |Issue 2

21 day, I had eight orders for electric vehicles. Eight. As an industry, we dealers are used to adapting. What is the biggest impact of being a NCDU member? What makes it beneficial? I can’t say enough good about NCDU and Craig Bickmore. The franchise law in our state protects our local industry and the NCDU is our greatest advocate. The training that is available to us through our association is parallel to none, and the opportunity to form relationships within our industry is a huge benefit. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? Yes, we’re involved in several sponsorships of local events, like the rodeo and derby and many community sponsorships. 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, recognize that this is an industry that demands hard work. Second, be willing to learn — be open to new ideas and be willing to participate in industry training. We have many opportunities through NCDU. And third, be ready for the inevitable downturn. When I bought my dealership, I was 28 years old. Chevrolet, concerned with my age, suggested that my stepdad, who had sold his dealership by then, act as a consultant for 18 months, just to get me ready to run my dealership successfully, year over year. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the implications, but when an economic downturn happens, it sucks everything in the world out of you, so running a dealership with an eye toward the normal ebb and flow of the economy is a skillset that every dealer needs to develop. What are some professional moments that make you the proudest? When I bought my dealership, my daughter Savanah was two years old. We lived above the dealership — there was an apartment — so I watched Savannah play with cars on the showroom floor. As she grew, so did the dealership, from 11 employees to 40. Today, Savannah is 20 and working in the F&I department, and I continually hear good things about her from customers. I am very proud of what we have accomplished here. Was there an “aha” moment in your career that defined you? Yes. About two years into running the dealership, one of the local people I had met made the comment that things would be a lot easier for me as a dealer if I would support the local livestock sale. The comment took me aback at first because I couldn’t figure out what me buying a cow or a pig had to do with me selling cars. I thought about it and that “aha” moment happened — it wasn’t about the livestock sale, it was about being invested in the community. My community. The community where I ran a business. That person was right. Since then, I have made it a point to be involved and support the events that I can. I look for opportunities to make a difference. I realized early in my career that work wasn’t just about me. 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’m driving my all-time favorite vehicle, a Ford Raptor. I’m a truck guy. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? I don’t have a lot of free time, but when I do, I really enjoy boating with my family. Tell us about your family. I met my wife, Rachel, in Phoenix when I was working with my stepdad. We have two daughters, Savannah who is 20 and Kenadee who is 16. I am very proud of my family and consider myself very lucky. 3