It seems like just yesterday that we sat around the table interviewing the person who would lead the troops. We were right on with the hiring of Dean. He immediately took charge and, through hard work and innovative ideas, turned our almost broke association into a financially stable organization that was in a position to serve its members and the community. With Dean’s guidance, the San Diego NCDA is a model for associations throughout the states.
Dave Ezratty
Past NCDA President
What can you say about an individual that came into the original Motor Car Dealer Association that was struggling and lacked the revenue, and brought the guidance and leadership that was needed to take the association to the next level. I remember Dean flew in from Montana for his interview, left weather in the 30-40 degrees and came into Lindbergh field on a Chamber of Commerce day! Dean told me that he said to himself, I need to come here! After a day of interviews with many of the dealers you would recognize, Stephen Cushman, Roger Sather, John Hine, Doug Fuller and many others who were looking for the individual who could turn things around and make a difference — Dean was this individual. He took the bull by the horns and created revenue sources through the Auto Show that was originally started in the Community Concourse in downtown San Diego and eventually relocated San Diego Convention Center. Dean created strong relationships with our public and government officials here in San Diego, Sacramento and Washington, D.C., including state and federal associations, all for the betterment of our industry and local community. He has been a pillar in this area and has made the NCDA the association others want to replicate.
Dean, thanks for all that you’ve done; you’ll be deeply missed but never forgotten.
All the best in your retirement!
Gary Fenelli
Past NCDA President
Dean has been a rock-solid, steady hand at the helm of the SDMCDA for many years, He has represented us well in the local and state political arenas. He has guided us through several rocky periods that could have been catastrophic for our businesses. He positioned our association well to survive the pandemic. And he is leaving us on a solid financial footing. I wish Dean the best for a long, healthy and well-deserved retirement. Bravo!
Bill Hoehn
President
Hoehn Motors
No one has done it better than Dean. Through all the challenges (buying our association offices, starting the Auto Show, lawsuits, factory and unionization issues and threats to the Dealer body), Dean guided us with a steady hand. The only slightly questionable memory I have regarding Dean was during his interview process. I invited him to join me in a round of golf at San Diego County Club. All I will say is it was obvious that he hadn’t played recently … or ever. And with that small criticism aside, I wish Dean a very happy and well-deserved retirement for many years to come.
And maybe some golf lessons!
Thanks for everything, Dean.
Doug Fuller
Past NCDA Board member
Dean has been a fixture in the San Diego Auto scene for 34 years and has made major accomplishments for all the San Diego New car dealers. His leadership and his desire to do his best really show when you get on the NCDA Board. One of my favorite things is going as a group led by Dean to Dealer Day in Sacramento to fight for our rights as Dealers. We will be in great hands with Scott Webb taking over his spot.
If you have never been on the NCDA board, I suggest you try to get voted in on the next election. It’s a great learning experience.
Paul Dyke
El Cajon Ford
NCDA Board member since 2014
Dean’s leadership has been impeccable when it came to leading our association through both difficult and good times. He came at a time when our association was essentially deficit spending. With Dean leading the way, we were able to turn that around. Dean’s accomplishments of helping to purchase our own building, bringing the San Diego International Auto Show in-house, implementing the Sales Training Academy and creating lasting relationships within the community will benefit the NCDA for years to come. His strong support of dealers and the industry has made all the difference. Dean will be sorely missed. I wish him all the best in retirement.”
John Hine
Past NCDA Chairman
Dean is a very exceptional person. He served for the NCDA for 34 years and his contributions are almost immeasurable, not only in a financial manner but also in his dedication and focus. Typically, someone in the position of head of any association doesn’t last for 34 years, nor do they leave the legacy that he has. His dedication and focus through good economy and bad, like in 2008, kept the association steady and financially sound. In terms of the evidence, the building he helped facilitate is remarkable — I was Chairman at the time, and I signed the check to finalize the purchase. Working with Dean on that was one of my honors and privileges. In all he did, Dean took complete ownership of the association. He is one-of-a-kind and I will miss him!
John McCallan
Past NCDA Chairman
Past CNCDA Chairman
I wish Dean well. I’m impressed that he worked so long and hard for the San Diego New Car Dealers Association and created the value that it brings to the community, especially when it comes to the auto show. Without Dean’s guidance, the auto show would have fallen apart long ago. He was always committed to finding a way to make the auto show work. I can remember how disappointed he was at the beginning of COVID-19 when the situation would not allow us to have an auto show. And then, in the first year out of the pandemic, we were going to have to have a smaller auto show. The question we all asked was, “What could we do?” Dean reached out to the community in San Diego to make that auto show worthwhile and it was a success! I always felt that Dean was not only committed to the community at large in San Diego, but also to the community of New Car Dealers in San Diego. He was always looking out for what was best for the association.
Richard Newendyke
Past NCDA Chairman
