Pub. 6 2017-2018 Issue 3

10 San Diego Dealer AN INTERVIEW WITH TIME DEALER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE ED WITT The TIME Dealer of the Year Award has been called the most prestigious honor a new-car dealer can receive. In partnership with Ally and in cooperation with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), this program honors new- car dealers in America who exhibit exceptional performance in their dealerships and perform distinguished community service. Now in its 49th year, dealers are nominated by members of the ATAE (Automotive Trade Association Executives) and the winner is acknowledged during the opening business ses- sion of the 2018 NADA convention. TIME, Ally, and NADA honor outstanding new-car dealers across America and their unyielding commitment to improving their communities. For 2018, the New Car Dealers Association San Diego County nominated Ed Witt, of Witt Lincoln, for the TIME Dealer of the Year award. Following is an interview with Ed Witt that demonstrates why he was selected by his peers to represent San Diego County. Tell us how you got into the automotive business. I grew up in a little town in Wisconsin of about 800 people. My mom and dad owned a soda fountain, a beer bar, a gas station, and a Ford dealership. That dealership in Crivitz is still open. Growing up around the family businesses, I learned the ethic of hard work. I watched my mom and dad work side by side for years, and while they were both prudent business owners, they weren’t afraid to take a risk when one was warranted. I graduated from high school in 1963, and attended the University of Wisconsin in Green Bay. I also served in the Wisconsin National Guard for 10 years reaching the rank of Captain. In 1977, I set out on my own, and opened a Ford store in Denmark, Wisconsin. After the industry downturn in ’79 and ’80, I moved to Milwaukee, and became the new car manager for Foster Pontiac. After six months, I was promoted to general manager and stayed there for five years and then opened my own Ford store in the Milwaukee market. Then in 1997, I got an opportunity that not only changed my life, it came with the most unbelievable weather. I was asked by the Ford Motor Company to move to San Diego and run a store that would consolidate several Lincoln Mercury dealerships under one roof. My wife, Ann and I thought seriously, and decided to take the unprecedented step of moving to San Diego to become a Lincoln Mercury dealer. Do you have family in the business? My parents of course started my interest in the automobile industry. Here at Witt Lincoln, I have three sons, Todd, Scott and Patrick, working with me side by side. It’s a joy to have them work with me and see their professional growth over the years. I am very proud of them. We have a small family, which makes the people we work with family as well. Our employees are the cream of the crop. They are kind, respectful