Pub. 5 2016-2017 Issue 1

10 San Diego Dealer Tell us how you got into the automotive business. Interestingly enough, it was an accident. I had graduated college, and I was working at Exxon when I went with a friend to pick up a car at the auto auction in Los Angeles. I had no idea that this business even existed – and I was completely enthralled with what I saw at the auction. A couple of years later, I left Exxon, got a license and got into the wholesale business. I started buying and selling cars. My wife, Marybeth, and I detailed and sold them. In 1974, I bought a rental car business, and by 1976, the car business had gotten into completely into my blood, and I bought my first dealership – Anaheim Subaru. Do you have family in the business? At the time I started in this business, I didn’t. Now, of course I do – both my sons work in the business. What’s the most rewarding part of your career? Encouraging people to grow within our orga- nization. It’s really the best part. And, I’m really proud of our equity incentive in rewarding our managers. Back when I started in this business, starting a dealership and obtaining a franchise was a much easier possibility than it is today. The barriers to franchise ownership are high, and quite frankly, it would be near impossible for a GM of a store today to strike out on their own. Our GMs all have an equity share of their store, which means that we’re all in it together and the success is shared.We can train and keep good people, and they in turn see a long term future with our organization. I think our business model has worked. Today, we have 7 dealerships: Subaru, Ford, Cadillac, Mazda, Lexus and Buick. I’m fortunate to have a career that I’m not only passionate about, but I can see first-hand the positive impact it has made on my own family and those that work for us. Over the years, we've sponsored employees who became U.S. citizens and pulled them up through the organization. A former lot porter is now a top sales representative at our Ford Store. And a salesman who started at 18 is now the general sales manager of our Lexus store. These are the types of stories that I ammost proud of. What do you think makes the San Diego County automotive market different than other markets around the state? Well, for starters, we’re a bit unique, since we’re really an island. We’re surrounded by Camp Pendleton, Mexico, the ocean and the mountains. We’re a little more isolated. The people here are very family-oriented, and heathy lifestyles and sports are a big focus. Tell us about the civic or charitable organizations you are involved in. I believe that it is so important to give back to the community. We’re involved withWounded Warriors, the National WWII Museum, Rady Children’s Hospital and the Susan B. Komen AN INTERVIEW WITH TIME DEALER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE JAMES CROWLEY