Pub. 1 2013 Issue 4

Spring Issue 2013 11 After experiencing and surviving the industry's most challenging economic period in its history a few years ago, what lessons did you learn? We certainly have experienced very trying times these past five years that have provided us ample opportunities to practice our core principals. I’m fortunate to work for a great organization that believes and invests in its people. I was provided with the incredible opportunity to attend the NADA Dealer Academy in McLean, VA. It’s about having the right people, in the right positions, following the right processes and implementing sound business practices every day. Anyone can be successful and make money when times are good and you’re selling a winning product. We had many years of record sales and profits. But when times are tough, it’s the little things you don’t have to do, that make the difference when it’s too late to do anything else. The financial crisis taught me to take a proactive approach rather than a reactive one, to roll up my sleeves, and closely monitor and manage my expenses. What inspired you to serve as a leader in the Association? This business has been good to me. I believe that being of service is my personal responsibility. You can be part of the problem or part of the solution. I have always believed in being part of the process of identifying the problem and then finding and implementing the solution. I have always wanted to knowmore about the organizational makeup of NCDA and what I could do to make a difference. What do you thinkmakes the San Diego County automotivemarket different than other markets around the state? We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the state. San Diego County is unique inmany ways. The franchised new car dealers continue to be a significant economic factor throughout the county. We continue to be one of the largest sources of employment in all areas within the county. We collect and pay hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and fees. We are also very fortunate to have several military bases within our county. We support and value our military families for their service. We are secluded from areas to our north because of Camp Pendleton, creating a natural border fromOrange and Riverside Counties. All of this provides us with many opportunities for growth and allows us to keep the business within San Diego County. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? I serve as President of the San Diego Acura Dealers Association, Chairman of the Carlsbad Car Country Association and head a Task Force that has been working with the City of Carlsbad on a variety of changes to Carlsbad Car Country. I also serve on various committees and boards of non-profit organizations in my personal life. I have walked through some difficult times in my life and have always had people who have been there for me. I have been given many gifts in my life and believe in giving back and helping others. It’s my personal responsibility. My wife and I are both involved in service to our community in a variety of ways. What do you think makes membership in the NCDA beneficial? The NCDA does so many things for our dealer members. Keeping the dealers informed of pending legislative changes to our industry, providing guidance on the many legal issues facing our dealers, providing timely answers on matters of urgent importance, as well as providing necessary training and seminars. We have a dedicated staff at the NCDA fromDean to Amy, Kevin, Linda and Lisa. We are fortunate indeed to have such a great staff. Describe your all-time favorite vehicle (it can be one you've owned, or something on your wish list)? Oh, andwhat are you driving today? My favorite car of all time is the Acura NSX. As a matter of fact, I own one of the last NSXs ever produced; a 2004 NSX-T, shown here in Yellow on Yellow. Describe your background. What did you study in college? I studied business administration at Southern Illinois University. Have you always lived in California? No, I’m originally fromArlington Heights, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. I moved to San Diego in 1976. Two of the first people I met when I moved to California were Bill and Bob Hoehn. That was 37 years ago. Today, I feel privileged to be a part of their organization and to manage one of their dealerships. Tell us about your family. My wife Bette and I live in the Carlsbad community of Aviara. We’ve been married for 13 years. Bette, a retired teacher, continues to serve in the classroom, volunteers as a CASA with Voices for Children, and is President of our HOA. My son Mark is an aeronautical engineer and his wife Nicole is a teacher. They have been blessed with their first child; my first granddaughter. Bette has three daughters, two granddaughters, and a great-granddaughter. What's your favorite way to spend your free time? I love to spend time with family and friends. My wife and I enjoy playing golf while vacationing in Kauai and PalmDesert. I also enjoy cycling and photography.