2023 Honoree

How has your military background shaped your career in the automotive sector?

I have relied on many lessons learned from my time serving, but a couple come to mind, namely problem solving. We were always faced with obstacles that needed to be overcome quickly. My training and support teams allowed me to navigate and solve even the toughest challenges. The value of teamwork and tapping into different backgrounds and experiences was instilled in me and affected everything we did. I have been able to bring this mindset into my leadership in both retail sales and wholesale remarketing.

Another gem I learned was to plan ahead. This may sound incredibly elementary (and I certainly didn’t understand checking the oil in the same Humvee I drove the day before) but proper planning has proved to be a valuable tool in operating successful businesses. When you plan properly, execution can be seamless, and seem easy. Clients are willing to spend more, and your team is always willing to go that extra step when they have confidence in your plan.

What advice do you have for fellow veterans pursuing a career in this industry?

Embrace your training and experiences you received while serving. You will quickly find that you probably have a leg up. Your commitment, dedication and resolve will serve you well in the automotive sector.