What first got you into the auto retail business?
I first got into the auto business by answering a blind advertisement in the New York Times for a sales and marketing position. It was with the Lincoln-Mercury division of the Ford Motor Company in Teterboro, NJ.

How are you active in your local community? If so, what specific organizations do you contribute to and why?
I am the board-chair of the YMCA of the Suncoast. Our organization runs eight branches in the Pinellas and Pasco County areas. Through the dealership we formed a charity group called "Hyundai of New Port Richey and Partners". We allocated $10 per car sold and donate the monies back to local charities. In addition, many of my employees contribute to the fund to assist in our efforts.

What is the biggest issue affecting your business?
There are many issues affecting my business and making it more and more of a challenge to stay ahead. Rising costs in insurance and taxes, health care expenses, and rising interest rates have put real pressure on the bottom line. Finding trained technicians is also a difficult task.

How does federal legislation impact your business?
The proposed changes in the current CAFE standards could drastically alter the types of vehicles that manufactures produce and dealers sell.

Any new additions to your business or new dealerships that we can highlight?
The Wesley Chapel stores just opened within the last 90 days. Hyundai of New Port Richey is the Number three volume Hyundai store in the United States and Number one in the Southern Region.

Any advice for aspiring auto dealers?
The auto business is becoming more and more competitive and more and more expensive. Consolidating, I believe, has been good for the industry but has made the dream of becoming a dealer more difficult. That being said, nothing replaces hard work - and good timing.