Pub. 60 2019-2020 Issue 2

6 InterviewWith Nancy Harper How did you become a car dealer? Did you always aspire to be part of the automotive industry? As a third-generation auto dealer, I grew up watching my grandmother, my dad and two uncles (John and Reuel Nash), and later my brother (Chuck Nash) work in the family business. However, it took me several years to join them. My boys are the fourth generation and currently work with me at Capitol Chevrolet. Capitol Chevrolet was started in 1935 by my grandfather John Harvey Nash, Sr. and continued by my late father, Charles Durham Nash. After growing up in Austin, I got married, lived in New York, and settled in Houston, raising my two sons. One day, 20 years later, I got a call from my brother … “Your father and I have been talking; it’s time for you to come home and get a real job, working for Capitol.” My family was right. It was time. I was ready. I moved home at the right time. There were so many good things that happened as a result of coming home — being part of the family business is, of course, the big one — but I was able to work with my dad, and learn the business from him. We shared an office while we were short on office space. As my parents aged and their health declined, I was close by and became their caretaker. I am so grateful for the time I had with both of them, and of course, the opportunity to learn the business from my dad. I truly believe I learned from the best. Originally, Capitol Chevrolet was located in downtown Austin (for 63 years). In 1996, GM rolled out its General Motors Concept 2000, which encouraged dealers to expand to satellite locations. Our original dealership, where my dad was the dealer principal, was the downtown location, and we added the satellite dealership on IH35 South, where I became the dealer principal. After two years, we closed the downtown location and moved all operations out to IH35 South, where we have been for 23 years. Do you have family members in the auto industry? My brother Chuck Nash is in the business as a co-owner of Capitol Chevrolet. Chuck also has a dealership in San Marcos, which he purchased in 1976. My sons Thomas “T” andWill Harper both work at Capitol Chevrolet with me. T is past Chairman of the Texas Dealer Academy (2010-2017) and is now a member of the TADA Board of Directors. Describe your education background. What did you study? After graduating fromAustin High School in 1968, I spent two years at Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Mis- souri studying Elementary Education. I transferred back to Austin and attended the University of Texas. Are there any specific individuals who had a major impact on your career? My grandmother and my father had an enormous impact on me personally, as well as my career. My grandfather died the year I was born, and my grand- mother, Lucille Nash, took over running the dealership, in name only, because back then, there were no women “deal- ers.” She guided my dad and my uncles, and she has always been my inspiration.