What got you into the auto retail business in the first place?
My father bought our first store in 1973, and I came to work as his parts delivery driver a few months later, just a summer job before starting medical school.  But I fell in love with the business, and never left.

When did you buy your first dealership?
My brother and I bought the store from our parents in 1986. It took 15 years to pay for it, of course.

In your tenure as an auto dealer, what is the one accomplishment for which you are most proud?
I think I am proudest of how the dealerships have been the pathway to realizing the American Dream for so many of our people over the last 33 years. We have seen them come to us as raw kids, or new immigrants, even a few from deep trouble - and then, over time, learn a profession, make a good living, marry, buy homes, raise kids, and become excellent citizens. No one can ever take these accomplishments away from us.

What makes a great auto dealer?
I think great auto dealers have limitless energy, they love people - both customers and their employees - they are risk takers and optimists. They are creative, tolerant, and they work very hard.

How are you active in the community?
I think every member of our family is pretty active in the local community. Our sister and CFO is Chair of Community Residences, the largest provider of group homes for adults with mental retardation disabilities. Brother Mike is very active with the Falls Church arts community, and with an inner city pastoral program led by a close friend. I chair the Alexandria community foundation and Virginia's largest high school dropout prevention program.  And politics is always close at hand. In 1989, I was elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and served until 1998. In 1997, I was the Virginia Democratic Party nominee for Governor. I have also been active in a number of Presidential campaigns; currently, I am involved with Barack Obama's 2008 Presidential campaign.

Who was the biggest influence in your career?
My father, without question.  I used to think this was because of the technical things he taught me about business.  I have slowly learned that the most important lessons of my father have been about who he is: honest, patient, wise, thoughtful, calm, funny, humble, with everything in perspective.

What is the best part of your job?
The part of my job I enjoy the most is talking with people -- customers and employees.   As the business has grown, this time has become more scarce, and I miss it.  For years, the first part of every day was devoted to speaking with every person in the store -- and this was how I learned what was going on.