Pub. 1 Issue 1

7 VADA is a great organization. The opportunity to spend time with other dealers is one of the significant benefits of membership. Another is the leadership within VADA that makes such a difference. business is – but, the car business is hard, you have to really love it. As in any business, there are cycles. 2000, 2008 and 2009 were brutal in the car industry. Second, work to develop and protect your business culture. People can tell when your words and your actions don’t align. Stand up for your beliefs, because as you do, so will the others in your organization. Leaders lead by example more than with their policies. And finally, hire right. This is a people business. You will need good people around you, but, more than that, I think you need people whose natural beliefs align with yours and your dealership’s culture. It’s hard to change people’s core values and beliefs – I’m not sure that you can. So, find those people that naturally align with what you stand for, and work to develop them and their talents. 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 drive a 2016 Mercedes Benz GTS. It’s fun, fast and nimble. It just doesn’t get any better. Would you tell us about your family? I married the girl I met on a blind date in my senior year in high school. The first thing I did, in 1979, right after graduation was to marry her, and it was the best decision I ever made. We have three kids, two sons and a daughter. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? Pretty much yes to all the above, and I’m fortunate, in that they all support each other. I’m a pilot, and I love to fly; if I could fly as opposed to driving, I would in a heartbeat! I have an Aero Commander Twin Turboprop plane. I fly about 8 or so medical or “angel” flights per year, which is incredibly rewarding. For instance, I had the opportunity to fly Ji Seong-ho, who defected from North Korea under the most brutal of conditions. I transported him from a meeting in Suffolk with a local prayer group to NY so he could speak to the United Nations on the same day. Ji Seong- ho is a truly remarkable man and his story is not only inspirational, but one of peace and hope. I was also able to fly Marlena Van Hoose, the young lady who has the most amazing voice and is blind, to a similar event. Being able to donate my time and plane to facil- itate events like this is something that I am very grateful for. In addition to flying, I kite board and wind surf. I also like to bicycle. I am planning on exploring Vermont on my bike later this year.