Pub. 58 2017-2018 Issue 2

9 WINTER 2017 our fellow dealers. It’s important for us as members to understand the complexi- ties of the franchised dealer challenges in today’s market and to be the clear and concise voice on their behalf while also understanding government influences, market trends and the overall landscape of the industry. TADA makes that a more realistic endeavor. Because they do what they do, we can sell and service cars, impact our communities and make a positive difference. Do youhavepast experiences that help your leadership inTADA? I have great respect for Bill Wolters and his staff because they have put together a great organization, one that I am very proud to be a part of. As dealers we all have a responsibility to self-govern and make good decisions. TADAmakes that process a lot easier. I watched as my parents worked hard and built a business. When I bought the business from my father, I had some background, of course, but growing a business is a lot of hands-on training. You learn as you go. TADA brings together a lot of people in many stages of their dealer paths, so you can learn from each other. There were times when I neededmentoring and now I can return the favor bymentoring some- one else. TADA makes that possible. What inspired you to serve as a leader in the Association? Concerns about our future. A lot of changes are going on. There is no doubt we are facing unprec- edented threats to the future of theTexas franchised dealer network with new industry players and third parties inter- vening between the customer and the dealer. The disruption of the franchised dealer network as we know it would have a profound effect on the local, state and national economy as well as a devastating effect on the individual communities we as dealers serve each day. If you are not part of the solution, you become part of the problem. Getting involved inTADA forme was becoming part of the solution. What are your priorities and goals as the new TADA Board Chairman? What’s in store for TADA in the short termand/or long term? From the very first day of opening any dealership in my organization, the goal – and the overall business plan – is to be the best at everything we do.The answer as to what my priorities and goals are for TADA is the same. What isyourapproachtohelpingdeal- ers facechallengesat theirdealerships? First and foremost, find good people that you can trust and allow them to do their jobs. I’ve found that micromanag- ing is more harmful than helpful, but it’s also imperative that you have strong management. It’s important as the dealer to set a good example. If there are challenges at the store, he or she needs to be on site and involved, not phoning it in from the golf course. If you keep your focus on the customer, the future will take care of itself. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? My wife Susan and I have always been supporters of the local community. Over the last 5 years alone, Classic Chevrolet has raised over $2.5 million dollars for local charities, and Susan and I per- sonally match every dollar raised. We think it’s important to support the local organizations and keep the money in the community.There is plenty of need right here in the area, close to home. This year’s charities include: GRACE 6 Stones Mission Network The Angel Fund of Trinity High School RISE Miracle League V.A.S.T. Unite for the Troops Food for the Soul Chari-T-2000 The Clubhouse for the Special Needs Community Storehouse Heroes on the Water Neuro Assistance Finding Me Global Academy Describe your all-time favorite vehicle (it can be one you’ve owned, or some- thing on your wish list). What are you driving today? We prettymuch raisedour family out of a SuburbanSUV. To get all six of us in, and all the cargo, with exceptional comfort, well, there isn’t a better vehicle out there in my opinion. But my personal favorite, just for me and my life, is the Chevy Silverado High Country pickup. Tell us about your family. I have four kids, two of which are actively involved in running the dealership. I also have six grand- children, (two boys, four girls). As I mentioned before, my daughter  INTERVIEWWITH TOM DURANT — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8