Pub. 60 2019-2020 Issue 2

7 WINTER 2019 My grandmother and I always had a special bond. I was the 1st grandchild and the 1st granddaughter. My middle name is Lucille, after her. How I wish she were here today to see how our dealership and the industry have evolved. Following in daddy’s footsteps has been a blessing, but it hasn’t always been easy. My dad accomplished so much and won so many awards, accolades, and impacted our city and state in so many ways. I am very proud of what he accomplished, but he left some big shoes to fill, and I don’t want to let him down. My father received the TADAKey Director Award in 1972, was chairman in 1978, and received the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award in 1980. In 2016, he was posthu- mously honored with the TADA Legends Award during the 100th-anniversary celebration of TADA. My mother, brother and I were honored to accept on his behalf. What is the most rewarding part of your career? Working with my family. I learned so much from my dad about the business and life in general, and now I get to pass it down to my two boys, T and Will. It is a joy to get to see and work with them each day and to share the business experience with them. I love seeing them interacting with employees, customers, vendors, and dealing with everyday issues. Tworks in service and parts, and Will in new and used vehicle sales. What do you thinkwill be some of the dominant trends within the auto industry in the next 5-10 years? There are challenges every single day at work. The customers are much more knowledgeable when they come in to buy. People research on the internet before they come in, and they know what they want: color, finance options, make, model, wheels, tires, etc. Even in most service departments, ap- pointments can be made online, and it makes the customer's experience so much smoother. Technology will continue to dominate our industry, whether it is in selling vehicles, servicing them, communicating with customers, or the vehicle themselves. AI (artificial intelligence), 5G, renewable energy, self-driving vehicles, and social media will continue to be items that customers and dealers must all stay current on. As I get older, these concepts become more foreign for me. The vehicles have changed over the years, in size, available options, more colors, etc. Also, repairing the vehicles has changed so much that now you can connect them to the computer, and it helps to diagnose the issue. These items will continue to evolve, and the factories must evolve as the future of mobility in our society changes. This will affect our method of commuting to work and how we travel on vacation. Customers have different needs, but quality and affordability will always be important. I think the key, however, is that regardless of the technol- ogy, the auto industry is a people business. For most people, buying a car is the second-largest purchase after a house, and people like to look, touch, and feel. What is the biggest impact of being aTADAmember? What makes it beneficial? TADA always has our backs, and it starts at the top with Bill Wolters (as our President), Rob Braziel (working nonstop on legislation), and Karen Phillips’ tireless efforts to protect us (I am not sure she ever sleeps). There is power in numbers when it comes to dealing with legal issues and the state legislature. The entire TADA staff is invaluable in their wisdom and knowledge of what dealers across the state need. They get results and are our advocates. We are all stronger and better due to their influence. Areyouinvolvedinanycivicorcharitableorganizations? One of the many lessons I learned from my parents, Dorothy andCharles Nash, was to give back to the community.Through the dealership’s commitment to the community, theHarpers and  INTERVIEW — CONTINUED ON PAGE 8