Pub. 1 Issue 2

21 Ron with TIME representative Farhad Fozounmayeh on the left and Ally representative Kathy Ruble on the right. Ron with his wife. Ron with his family. What is the biggest impact of being a VADA member? What makes it beneficial? I would say legislative advocacy. Serving on the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, we’re tasked with interpretations of the laws, so I have first-hand knowledge of what that looks like. But good laws come from good bills, which comes from a good under- standing of our industry. VADA does a superb job in making sure that dealer and consumer interests are represented. VADA also provides many other benefits such as professional education for dealer- ship employees, insurance products, and industry informational conferences. In what leadership roles have you served, what aspired you to serve, and why do you feel involvement is important? I was appointed by the governor to serve on the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, and I’m currently the vice chair- man. Our mission is to enforce and help change the laws that protect dealers and consumers in the Commonwealth. It is an important role, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve. I like to make a difference, to improve things for everyone affected by our industry. Are you involved in any charitable organizations? I believe in giving back. My family is involved in charitable activities, and so are our dealer- ships. We’re involved with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Susan G. Komen (Race for the Cure); Alzheimer’s Association (Walk to End Alzheimer’s); MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Tie One on for Safety (campaign to prevent drunk driving around the holidays); and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia, just to name a few. We want to be good corporate citizens, and, to do that, we need to be visibly en- gaged within our community. Over the last several years, we have also been very involved with Henrico Coun- ty and more specifically their technical training programs, to help support the training and development of the skills that are essential to our industry. 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. Take care of your customers, they will always remember how you make them feel and only return to businesses that make them feel valued and appreciated. 2. Your employees make the difference. Invest in their future, and never let them down! 3. Help support people in need, and try to make a difference each and every day. What are some professional moments that make you the proudest? In 2015, I was one of three dealers in the United States to receive the Ford Motor Company Salute to Dealers. The Salute to Dealers is a very prestigious award, and I was incredibly honored in receiving it. I also won the Ford’s Presidents Award, for customer service 11 years in a row! If you could describe the best day in this business, what would it look like? Any day where I feel like I have made a difference in someone’s life is a good one, whether it is an employee or a customer. Everyone has a story, and we are here to try and make it a good one! Was there an “aha” moment in your career that defined you? My aha moment was when I decided that I was never going to meet my profes- sional goals unless I was able to develop and build my own business. IBM was an excellent employer, but I was never going to have my own business with them and that is the only reason why I left. 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 am currently trying to get a FORD GT. I normally drive F series pickup trucks, both 150 and 250. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? My wife Jeanine and I have three children, two daughters and a son, and spending time with them is my favorite way to spend my free time. We love all outdoor sports. We especially love watersports, skiing, and taking family vacations.