Pub. 5 2016-2017 Issue 4

Issue 2 2017 11 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 I didn’t knowbefore. I like that. On a broader note, I think we all have a responsibility to do what we can to make 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. What are your priorities and goals as the incom- ing chairman? What’s in store for the NCDA in the short term and/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. What is your approach to helping dealers face challenges at their dealerships? Providing information. Dealers are resilient. We have to be. But, with more and better information, we can be better dealers. I don’t think that there is any such thing as too much 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. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? I believe in doing good for the community. I like “low to the ground” type of charities – the ones where you see immediate results. For instance, do something here and that library over there happens. Or that park or that event. 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 drive an Infiniti QX80, and I like how I feel when I drive it. After you have solved getting frompoint A to B, owning a car is about how you feel while driving it. I think the dream car would be a Ferrari, but, I like my Infiniti. It also has great acoustics, which is important, since I sing in my car. Tell us about your family. I have a great family. They are all in Colorado. I have two grown sons, and two grandchildren. My sons are good people. They have a sense of humor, a glimmer in their eyes and they just naturally show up and participate. As a father, I couldn’t ask for more. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? I love playing golf. I never turn down an opportunity to play golf with friends – it’s such a great combination. I’mnot sure if singing is considered unusual. But, I like to sing. I sing in the shower; I sing in my car – music just makes me go. I was raised aroundmusic and I love all genres: gospel, opera, oldies, you name it, I’m there. Advertising in your association’s trade journal is a solid approach to business development. In fact, a recent survey done via the PPA, called The Essential Medium, found B2B publications such as NCDA , to be the No.1 information source within any given industry when compared to other media. In the survey, respondents were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with a series of attitude statements and the PPA compiled the data, resulting in the percentages. Verbatim responses were collected by the survey, which are added to exemplify the points. Here are a few excerpts: • Business publications are rated the first choice for staying in touch with what’s going on in their sector by 61% of decision makers. • 83% of managers would recommend to people starting a career in their sector to read the business publications. • “If I didn’t read them I wouldn’t know what’s going on.” • 71% of decision makers believe that B2B magazines are essential reading. • “I would be lost without my business publications.” • “With the information we gather from the publications, we can determine if we are on the right track or if we need • to change direction.” BENEFITS OF ADVERTISING