Pub. 1 Issue 4

17 our business. We all hear it. I think it will be a while before we as dealers feel the full impact, but we’re going to have to embrace technology and innovation to be successful. What is the biggest impact of being a VADA member? What makes it beneficial? There are so many benefits. VADA is a dominant player in our state, as well as across the country. We’re a force to be reckoned with. We have solid programs like our workers’ comp, insurance, safety monitoring, and training. It’s all about helping us be better at what we do, and making it easier to do it. However, for me personally, I think it’s the legislation advocacy that Don and his staff have embraced over the years. I have been involved in many legislation efforts over the years with VADA, and many dealers have bene- fited from those efforts. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? We have given to many great causes over the years, and we try to give to causes that will affect the greatest number of people. An initiative that I had the opportunity to be involved with was the building a larger pool of trained auto service and technical recruits through our partnership with Virgin- ia Western Community College in Roanoke, where I am currently treasurer of the board of directors for the college’s educational foundation. We made a 5,000 square-foot service department classroom available to the school in a company building complete with equipment, diagnostic tools, vehicles and volunteer faculty comprising Berglund employees donating their time and expertise to assist the instructors. And Berglund Auto- motive will be hiring outstanding students as apprentices, encouraging them to stay on this career path. I am incredibly proud our dealership was awarded naming rights for its financial contribution to the Roanoke Civic Center, which is now the Berglund Center. The facility features a colise- um, exhibit hall, performing arts theatre and special events center and hosts world-class entertainment, trade shows, conventions and sporting events. We have donated more than $2 million into the operating budget so both visitors and locals can continue to enjoy the many offerings of this popular Roanoke attraction. Other organizations that we support include the United Way of the Roanoke Valley; MDA Car Show (an annual Roanoke event that supports Muscular Dystrophy Association); Boy Scouts of America; Junior Achievement of Southwest Virgin- ia; Lynchburg Humane Society; Susan G. Komen; Blue Ridge Area Food Bank; Center in the Square (an arts and cultural center in Roanoke); Miller Home For Girls (a residential group home in Lynchburg) and many more. Berglund Automotive continues to grow as a business but also as a community partner because of our strong desire to sup- port the communities that have supported us. 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? I’d ask them first to tell me what they love, what do they re- ally want to do. People will always be around to tell you what you should love to do, but really be honest with yourself and start with what you are passionate about doing. To be the happiest in the long run, take that and connect it to a way to make a living, and you’ll start making a life. Talk with all the people you can that have that kind of role or career or passion, and then find a mentor to help you along the way. Don’t get distracted. Life is full of daily distractions, but as you go, keep your focus on where you want to be until your passion changes. One thing leads to another. This is a wonderful business. We employ a lot of people with well-paying jobs. TIME DEALER CONTINUED ON PAGE18