Pub. 2 2019-2020 |Issue 2

25 B rad f ord Strong Strong Volkswagen | Salt Lake City, Utah I started washing cars at the dealership at age 14,” Strong remembers. “I’ve worked as a mechanic, service advisor, parts counter person, salesman, F&I manager, new car sales manager, general manager and now dealer principal. S trong comes from a long line of Salt Lake City auto dealers. His grandfather, Leroy Hobson “Roy” Strong, opened a Hudson car store on Main Street in the 1940s. And then in 1955, his grandfather brought the iconic Volkswagen Beetle to the area, creating a legacy of innovation and originality. Strong’s father, David, was next to take over the family enterprise, and today, Strong and his brother, Blake, run the auto group, which also includes Porsche and Audi stores. Strong is very active in the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA), having served as chairman in 2018, as well as serving on the group’s board since 2008. “As an AIADA board member for the last 10 years, I have been exposed to the political side of the business and learned how important this component is in the big picture,” he said. “Getting to know your state and national elected officials, and meeting with them to explain your investment and the well- paying jobs it provides, is essential for the long-term success of our industry. Strong and his dealerships support numerous local and national organizations, including Toys for Tots; the Children’s Tumor Foundation; Camp Kostopulos (a Salt Lake City organization that provides recreational opportunities to people of all ages and abilities); Park City Kimball Arts Festival (which is the main fundraiser for the Kimball Arts Center) and many others. Strong was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Craig A. Bickmore, executive director of the New Car Dealers of Utah. He and his wife, Sana, have four children. 3 Congratulations to NCDU’s