Pub. 59 2018-2019 Issue 4

41 SUMMER 2019 initiate and transact a significant portion of the car buying process online. We have shifted a substantial portion of our advertising, messaging and information to online platforms. Our goal is to make communication, information gathering and the car buying process as convenient as possible for our customers. If you look back at your career and life, what would be three things that you have learned that you would pass onto a younger member within the auto industry? 1. Your mindset will set the tone and determine almost everything in your business. 2. Focus on the things that you have control over and don’t dwell on the things that you have little control over. 3. Communication is key. Failure to communicate will lead to your team moving in different directions and to dysfunction. It’s like having members of a rowing team rowing in opposite directions. Communication makes it possible to have everyone on your team understand your vision and the direction that the organization should be moving toward. Don’t take for granted or assume that your team members know what your intentions and beliefs are. It is important to communicate and constantly reinforce your beliefs. What are some professional moments that make you the proudest? There are many moments that I can look back on with a high sense of fulfillment. The first day that we opened the El Paso dealership will always stand out as a very special moment. While there was definitely a fear factor of the unknown involved, the experience of beginning my career as an auto dealer was very exciting. I also really enjoy the times that we can celebrate, as a dealership, our collective and individual successes, whether it be reaching new milestones in CSI, sales or other professional and community endeavors. One particular moment that makes me proud of our local car dealers and our community occurred after Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas Gulf Coast area. Immediately after seeing the devastation that Harvey unleashed on citizens of the Gulf Coast, the local new car dealers decided to organize a city-wide campaign to send goods and supplies to the affected areas. We enlisted the support of the local media to assist with the drive. New car dealerships were to serve as collection points for the goods. We were hoping to fill at least two trailers of goods. Every day, there was a constant stream of people coming to the dealerships to drop off goods. In less than one week, we were able to fill 10 trailers of food, clothing and supplies that ultimately made their way to Houston and other affected areas. We underestimated the concern and compassion of our community toward helping fellow Texans in a time of crisis. If you could describe the best day in this business, what would it look like? That’s a hard one. It’s really about all cylinders clicking. It’s a great feeling when it all works and comes together. We all have those days – just not enough of them! Was there an “aha”moment in your career that defined you? I’m not sure if I can define it myself other than to say that I am a very blessed man. There have been countless people throughout my career and life who have helped shape me through their mentoring, support and encouragement. I have been very fortunate to have the opportunities that have come before me and I have tried my best to make the most of them. 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 really enjoy driving a Chevy Silverado. The new trucks are nothing like what I remember driving when I was younger. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? Spending time with my family is at the top of my list of favorite things to do. I also enjoy taking hikes in the mountains. Living in El Paso, we have access to the Franklin Mountains, which are filled with some really nice trails. In less than a two-hour drive from El Paso we have the Sacramento Mountains in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Cloudcroft is f illed with beautiful scenery, landscape and wildlife. I also enjoy reading and watching the Houston Astros. Tell us about your family. I have been married to Kathy for 33 years. We met at the University of Houston while we were attending school there. We have two sons, Robert and Daniel. Robert plans to start the MBA program at the University of Chicago this fall. Daniel just completed his first year of law school at Columbia. They obviously got their smarts from their mom.  The first day that we opened the El Paso dealership will always stand out as a very special moment.