Pub. 60 2019-2020 Issue 3

8 The largest influence, however, can easily be attributed to my wife, Lissa. We’ve been married 30 years, right after I finished graduate school. She’s been with me every step of the way, and her support has been immeasurable. She is my rock. What is the most rewarding part of your career? We’re all alive, if you will, for a very short time, and I believe that we should all use our lives to have a positive impact when we can. My career has been spent in the public policy arena, which means that I have had opportunities to make significant differences. Those differences have always been the most rewarding part of my career. My goal is always to leave things better than how I found them, and for the most part, I believe I have. What do you think will be some of the dominant trends within the auto industry in the next 5-10 years? I have not been in this industry for long — about a month or so. I have spent a lot of that time meeting the dealers, listening to their stories, getting to know them, and learn- ing what keeps them up at night. I have been in public policy for most of my career, so here my take: I think the industry has a great deal of value, or I wouldn’t have made the career shift I did. However, I think any time an industry has as many poten- tial disruptors as ours does at the moment; it signals both change and opportunity. I think the dominant trends will be technology and consolidation. And as dealers work to carve out their future amid the industry changes, I firmly believe it will come down to the value they bring — which is substantial —to their customers and communities. The franchise business model is one of value and service to the consumer. For many people, a car is one of the largest purchases they will make, and they expect and deserve a certain level of service. And every dealer that I have met so far not only agrees but is committed to providing an ongo- ing level of stellar service to their customers and a level of community engagement that is impressive. What is the biggest impact of being aTADAmember? What makes it beneficial? As dealers, we have a lot coming at us, but I would say that working within the political landscape is one of the most challenging aspects of this industry. TADA provides a stable political environment for the dealers here in Texas so that they can grow and prosper. The Texas legislature determines franchise laws. The laws impact every single dealer. Becoming politically savvy is a necessity for all dealers. We have strong franchise laws in Texas, which is a direct legacy of our predecessors in TADA. The staff of TADA works hard for the success of our dealers. But the future dealers will need to continue to be engaged with the industry and support TADA’s advocacy for the industry. I would say that 90% of our dealers are actively engaged and supportive, but the other 10% are riding other people’s coat- tails and enjoying the fruits of their labor. I firmly believe that the future of our industry demands active participation from everyone. If you look back at your career and life, what would be three things that you have learned that youwould pass onto a younger member looking to make their mark in the auto industry? Be engaged, be knowledgeable and be dedicated. Sounds easy enough, right? But if you look at it, you need to be dedicated to becoming knowledgeable about your business and the industry, and once that is accomplished, it’s neces- sary to become engaged. All three of these aspirations, if you will, are long-term end games. The only road that we can control is the one we’re on right now— and to do that, you have to realize that this is not a spectator sport. This industry needs engaged people. From what I under- stand, the Dealer Academy is celebrating its 10th year of training young dealers to become not just good dealers, but good advocates for the industry. I have spent years in the public sector working within the legislation of our state, and here’s what I know; if you are not willing to become politically engaged on behalf of your industry, you will be put on the menu and eaten! No one can advocate for this industry as well as the deal- ers themselves can, and that takes a conscious decision to participate. I firmly believe that the way things are right now, you have to be willing to get involved in the political aspects of your industry. We’re all alive, if you will, for a very short time, and I believe that we should all use our lives to have a positive impact when we can. My career has been spent in the public policy arena, which means that I have had opportunities to make significant differences. Those differences have always been the most rewarding part of my career.  DARREN WHITEHURST — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7  DARREN WHITEHURST — CONTINUED ON PAGE 10